BEST Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 2 tspitalian seasoning
- 2 tspgarlic powder
- 1 tsponion powder
- 1 tspfine sea salt
- 1 tsppaprika
- ½ tspground black pepper
- 1 lbchicken tenderloin
4-6 tenderloins
- finely chopped parsley
optional, for garnish
Directions
- 1
To a large mixing bowl, add the oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and pepper. Mix together.
- 2
Dry the chicken using a paper towel, then add the chicken tenderloins to the mixing bowl. Toss them in the oil and spice blend until evenly coated. Set the tenders aside.
- 3
Preheat the air fryer at 400F for 4 minutes.
- 4
Once the air fryer has preheated, add the tenders to the basket. Make sure they don’t overlap.
- 5
Cook the chicken tenderloins for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-6 minutes, checking their doneness after 4 minutes. They’re finished cooking when an instant-read meat thermometer inserted at the thickest point of the chicken registers an internal temperature of 165F. Smaller tenders will likely be finished cooking after a total of 8 minutes, while larger tenders will likely be finished cooking after a total of 11 minutes.
BEST Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin Recipe
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Based on 220 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving perfectly cooked chicken tenderloins that are ready in a flash? This air fried chicken tenderloin recipe delivers juicy, flavorful results in just 8 minutes, making it the ultimate solution for busy weeknights.
What makes this recipe stand out is its incredible speed without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or tenderness. By harnessing the power of the air fryer, you achieve beautifully seasoned chicken that's moist on the inside every single time, far surpassing dry oven-baked or pan-fried versions.
Imagine biting into a tender, succulent piece of chicken, seasoned with a robust blend of Italian herbs, garlic, onion, paprika, and a touch of sea salt and pepper. The air fryer works its magic, creating a slightly crisp exterior while locking in all the natural juices. You'll find these air fried chicken tenderloins incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Customization & Variations
While delicious as is, you can easily adapt these naked air fryer chicken tenders to your liking. Feel free to swap the Italian seasoning blend for your favorite spice mix, such as Cajun seasoning for a kick, or a simple lemon-pepper rub for a brighter flavor. You can also experiment with different garnishes beyond parsley, like fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For a bolder taste, consider a quick marinade before air frying, though the simple seasoning mix already delivers fantastic flavor.
These versatile chicken tenderloins are ideal for a quick family dinner, meal prepping, or even sliced into salads for a light lunch. Serve them alongside your favorite roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a side of fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.