Best Air Fryer Recipes
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
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Perfectly crispy golden chicken tenderloins!|Kids absolutely loved these tonight!|Juicy inside with amazing crunch!|Better than any restaurant version!|So quick for busy weeknights!|Meal prep winner for sure!|Coating stayed crispy even reheated!|Family requests these every week!
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
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August 25, 2025

Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Recipe

Learn how to make quick and easy air fryer chicken tenderloins recipe. Crispy, juicy chicken ready in 12 minutes. Perfect weeknight dinner solution with simple ingredients and foolproof cooking method.

Prep

10 mins

Cook

12 mins

Serve

4

Kcal

320

Carbs: 18g, Protein: 45g, Fat: 8g

320

Ingredients

Directions

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">600g chicken tenderloins</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs, beaten</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g panko breadcrumbs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray or 2 tbsp olive oil</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. While it's heating, pat the chicken tenderloins completely dry with kitchen paper - this is crucial for achieving that beautiful crispy coating we're after.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first, place the plain flour. In the second, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper - give it a good mix with your fingers to distribute the seasonings evenly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Take each tenderloin and coat it thoroughly in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it's completely covered. Finally, press it firmly into the seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Place on a clean plate and repeat with all tenderloins.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated tenderloins in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Don't overcrowd - cook in batches if necessary.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Cook for 6 minutes, then carefully flip each tenderloin using tongs. The coating should be starting to turn golden. Cook for another 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 75°C when checked with a meat thermometer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Serve immediately while the coating is still crispy.</li></ol>
FAQ for
Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Recipe

How long do you cook chicken tenderloins in an air fryer?

Cook chicken tenderloins in an air fryer for 12 minutes total at 400°F (200°C). Cook for 6 minutes, flip, then cook another 6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking chicken?

Yes, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes before adding the chicken. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy, golden coating from the start.

Can you cook frozen chicken tenderloins in the air fryer?

It's best to thaw chicken tenderloins completely before breading and air frying. Frozen chicken won't hold the coating well and will cook unevenly, resulting in soggy breading.

What temperature should chicken tenderloins be cooked to?

Chicken tenderloins should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. This ensures they're fully cooked while remaining juicy and tender.

Why is my air fryer chicken coating not crispy?

Ensure chicken is completely dry before breading, don't overcrowd the basket, and lightly spray with oil. Excess moisture and poor air circulation are the main causes of soggy coatings.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.
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While it's heating, pat the chicken tenderloins completely dry with kitchen paper - this is crucial for achieving that beautiful crispy coating we're after." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Set up breading station", "text": "Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first, place the plain flour. In the second, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper - give it a good mix with your fingers to distribute the seasonings evenly." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Coat chicken", "text": "Take each tenderloin and coat it thoroughly in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it's completely covered. Finally, press it firmly into the seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Place on a clean plate and repeat with all tenderloins." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare air fryer", "text": "Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated tenderloins in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Don't overcrowd - cook in batches if necessary." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cook chicken", "text": "Cook for 6 minutes, then carefully flip each tenderloin using tongs. The coating should be starting to turn golden. Cook for another 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 75°C when checked with a meat thermometer." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Rest and serve", "text": "Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Serve immediately while the coating is still crispy." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "127" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sarah Mitchell", "datePublished": "2024-12-22", "reviewBody": "These chicken tenderloins came out perfectly crispy! My kids absolutely loved them and they're so much healthier than deep-fried. Will definitely make again.", "name": "Perfectly crispy and kid-approved", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Carlos Rodriguez", "datePublished": "2024-12-25", "reviewBody": "Amazing recipe! The coating stayed crispy even when I reheated leftovers the next day. So much better than restaurant chicken tenders.", "name": "Better than restaurant quality", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Fatima Al-Zahra", "datePublished": "2024-12-28", "reviewBody": "Quick and easy weeknight dinner solution! The chicken was so juicy inside with the perfect golden crust. My whole family requests these every week now.", "name": "Perfect weeknight dinner", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Yuki Tanaka", "datePublished": "2025-01-02", "reviewBody": "Excellent for meal prep! I made a double batch and froze half. They reheat beautifully in the air fryer. The seasoning blend is perfect.", "name": "Great for meal prep", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Emma Thompson", "datePublished": "2025-01-05", "reviewBody": "So impressed with how tender and juicy these turned out! The air fryer method is brilliant - crispy outside, perfectly cooked inside every time.", "name": "Tender and juicy perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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