You know those nights when you need dinner on the table fast, but still want something crispy, juicy, and downright delicious? That’s where my go-to air fryer chicken tenderloin recipe swoops in to save the day. I’ve made this so many times that my kids now call it “mom’s magic chicken” – and trust me, the air fryer turns these tenderloins into golden perfection with just a spritz of oil. It’s our family’s favorite weeknight hack when we’re craving that fried chicken crunch without the mess or guilt. Ready in under 30 minutes from fridge to plate!

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenderloin Recipes in an Air Fryer

Let me tell you why this recipe never leaves my weekly rotation:

• Crazy quick: From fridge to plate in under 30 minutes – even my hangry teenagers can wait that long!
• Healthier crunch: All that crispy goodness with just a tablespoon of oil instead of deep frying
• Less mess: No splattered stovetop or greasy pans to scrub – just wipe out the air fryer basket
• Perfect texture: The air fryer gives that irresistible golden crunch while keeping the inside juicy and tender
• Kid-approved: Picky eaters? This is the recipe that finally got mine to eat their protein without complaints

Seriously, once you try chicken tenderloins this way, you’ll never go back to soggy oven-baked versions again. For more quick and easy chicken dinner ideas, check out these easy chicken dinners ready in 40 minutes.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

Here’s what you’ll need to make the crispiest, most flavorful chicken tenderloins in your air fryer:

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins (trim any tough white tendons – I use kitchen shears!)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko gives amazing crunch, but regular works too)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (pack it lightly in the measuring cup)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt – we control the salt separately)
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds incredible depth if you have it)
• 1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher for better distribution)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked makes all the difference)
• 2 large eggs (room temp helps the coating stick better)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for spraying – keeps them golden without greasy)

That’s it! Simple pantry staples transform into something magical in the air fryer.

How to Make Chicken Tenderloins in an Air Fryer

Okay friends, let’s turn these simple ingredients into crispy magic! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and here’s exactly how I get perfect results every single time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first – always preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. While that’s heating, mix all your dry ingredients (breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and spices) in one bowl and beat the eggs in another. Trust me, this mise en place makes the coating process so much smoother!

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Now the fun part! Working with one piece at a time, dip each tenderloin in the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help it adhere – this is your crunch insurance! Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket with a little space between each piece.

Step 3: Cooking and Serving

Lightly spray or brush the coated chicken with olive oil (this gives that golden color), then cook for 6 minutes. Flip each piece carefully – I use tongs – then cook another 4-6 minutes until golden brown and the internal temp hits 165°F. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces (my kids go wild for honey mustard) while they’re at their crispiest! For more crispy chicken ideas, try this crispy chicken fillet air fryer recipe.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

After making these weekly for years, I’ve learned all the tricks for tenderloin perfection:

• Don’t crowd the basket! Leaving space between pieces means crispier results. I cook in batches if needed.
• Thickness matters: Thicker pieces? Add 1-2 minutes. Super thin? Check early – they cook fast!
• Oil is your friend: A light spritz before cooking makes them gorgeously golden without greasiness.
• Flip halfway: That quick flip ensures even browning on both sides – no pale spots!

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll get restaurant-quality chicken tenderloins every time!

Ingredient Substitutions for Chicken Tenderloin Recipes

Out of breadcrumbs? No Parmesan? No problem! Here are my tried-and-true swaps that keep the crunch:

• Breadcrumbs: Almond flour or crushed pork rinds for low-carb versions (still crispy!)
• Parmesan: Nutritional yeast gives that umami punch if you’re dairy-free
• Eggs: For binding, mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water per egg
• Olive oil: Melted butter adds richness, or use avocado oil spray

These tweaks keep the texture perfect while accommodating dietary needs – my gluten-free neighbor swears by my almond flour version!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

Oh, the possibilities! These crispy chicken tenderloins shine brightest with:

• Dipping sauces: My family debates between honey mustard, ranch, and barbecue – I say make all three!
• Salad topper: Slice them over greens with cherry tomatoes for a protein-packed lunch
• Game day snack: Stack them with fries and call it “gourmet chicken fingers” for parties
• Quick tacos: Tuck into warm tortillas with slaw and avocado crema

Honestly? They disappear so fast I’m lucky if any make it to plates!

Storing and Reheating Chicken Tenderloins

Here’s my secret for keeping leftovers crispy (if you’re lucky enough to have any)! Store cooled tenderloins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – that just makes them soggy. Instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes. They’ll come out nearly as crispy as when first made! For extra crunch, I sometimes give them a quick spritz of oil before reheating. Works like a charm every time.

Nutrition Information for Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

Here’s the skinny on these crispy delights (per serving): 280 calories, 28g protein, and just 10g fat. Remember, nutritional values are estimates and vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. The best part? You’re getting all that flavor with way less oil than traditional frying!

FAQs About Chicken Tenderloin Recipes in an Air Fryer

Q1. Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just slice breasts into strips about 1-inch thick so they cook evenly. You might need an extra minute or two since they’re typically thicker than tenderloins. I do this all the time when tenderloins aren’t on sale!

Q2. Why aren’t my chicken tenderloins crispy?
Three likely culprits: overcrowding the basket (give them space!), not using enough oil spray (that golden crunch needs a little help), or skipping the flip (uneven cooking = uneven crispness). Next time, try spacing them out and spritzing lightly before cooking.

Q3. Do I really need to preheat the air fryer?
I know it’s tempting to skip, but yes! Those 3 minutes make a huge difference in getting that instant crisp when the chicken hits the hot air. Think of it like preheating an oven – would you bake cookies in a cold oven? Exactly. For more tips on using your air fryer, check out this guide on how to use an air fryer.

Q4. Can I make these ahead and reheat?
You bet! They reheat beautifully in the air fryer (microwave = soggy city). Just give them 2-3 minutes at 375°F and they’ll crisp right back up. I often make extra for quick lunches!

Q5. What if my breading falls off?
Happens to the best of us! Make sure to pat your chicken dry first (wet surfaces repel coating), let excess egg drip off, and press the crumbs on firmly. If some still escapes, don’t sweat it – they’ll still taste amazing!

Alright, I’ve shared all my best chicken tenderloin air fryer secrets with you – now it’s your turn! Whip up a batch of these crispy delights and let me know how they turn out. Did your kids go nuts for them like mine do? Got any clever twists on the recipe? Drop your stories and tips in the comments below – I read every single one and love hearing how this recipe works in other kitchens. Happy air frying, friends!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins in Just 30 Minutes

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 22 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

Easy and crispy chicken tenderloin recipes made in an air fryer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs in a separate bowl.
4. Dip each chicken tenderloin in eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
5. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil.
6. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
8. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Serve hot.

Notes

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Adjust cooking time based on tenderloin thickness.
• For extra crispiness, spray lightly with oil before cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: chicken tenderloin, air fryer, crispy chicken, easy recipe