Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
Introduction
This air fryer chicken tenderloins recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy juicy, seasoned chicken with a crispy finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a simple snack, it combines Parmesan and Italian spices for a delicious kick.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, add the chicken tenderloins, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the oil and spices.
- Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip each piece and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before air frying.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese flavor.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness, or use a microwave if in a hurry, though the texture may soften.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken tenderloins to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw fully before seasoning and cooking in the air fryer.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
PrintAir Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins seasoned with a blend of parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. This quick and healthy recipe uses the air fryer to deliver tender chicken with a perfectly golden crust in less than 15 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or protein-packed snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenderloins with olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat for 3 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the coated chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip each piece over and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
Notes
- Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken hits 165°F for safe consumption.
- For extra crispiness, you can add a light coating of breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan before air frying.
- Adjust seasoning to taste if preferred spicier or milder flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: air fryer chicken tenderloins, crispy chicken tenders, quick chicken recipe, healthy air fryer chicken, parmesan chicken tenders
