Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned with a lightly crisp exterior. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a protein-rich lunch.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb (680 g) chicken tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- BBQ sauce
- Buffalo sauce
- Garlic aioli
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until evenly coated.
- Arrange the tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Air fry for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9–11 minutes
- Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Servings: 4
Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the basket so the hot air can circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- For a crispier finish, lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil before air frying.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the seasoning mix for extra flavor.
- Serve with French fries, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, or rice for a complete meal.