Introduction

These air fried chicken tenderloins are the perfect combination of crispy and juicy without the extra oil. Using simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can enjoy a healthier version of classic fried chicken with minimal effort.

Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin: The Crispiest, Healthier Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1.5 lbs Chicken Tenderloins, trimmed of any excess fat
1 cup All-Purpose Flour
2 large Eggs, beaten
1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tbsp Garlic Powder
1 tbsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 tsp Dried Oregano
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Cooking Spray (Olive Oil or Avocado Oil)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Set up breading station with three shallow dishes: flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in the third.
Step 3: Dredge each tenderloin in flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 4: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off.
Step 5: Press the chicken firmly into the panko mixture to coat evenly on all sides.
Step 6: Repeat the coating process with remaining chicken pieces.
Step 7: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 8: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 9: Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 10: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray for extra crispness.
Step 11: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 12: Check doneness at 8 minutes; if not fully cooked or golden, continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments, checking frequently.
Step 13: Repeat cooking steps with any remaining chicken.
Step 14: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 15: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading.
Substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika for a milder taste.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mix for a spicy kick.
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the tenderloins and pat them dry before breading to ensure a crispy coating and even cooking.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the breaded chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious.

Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin: The Crispiest, Healthier Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

This Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin recipe offers a deliciously crispy and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Coated in a flavorful blend of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic spices, these tenderloins are cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer for a crunchy exterior and juicy interior without the excess oil.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1.5 lbs Chicken Tenderloins, trimmed of any excess fat

Breading

1 cup All-Purpose Flour
2 large Eggs, beaten
1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tbsp Garlic Powder
1 tbsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 tsp Dried Oregano
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Other

Cooking Spray (Olive Oil or Avocado Oil)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading stick better.
Set up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Flour Coating: Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the flour, making sure to coat evenly, then shake off any excess flour.
Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off to avoid sogginess.
Breadcrumb Coating: Press the egg-coated chicken tenderloins firmly into the panko mixture to ensure an even and thorough coating on all sides.
Repeat: Continue the flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating process with the remaining chicken tenderloins.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal cooking temperature.
Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and assist in crisping.
Arrange the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenderloins in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the coated chicken with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Air Fry: Cook the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Check for Doneness: After 8 minutes, check the chicken’s color and temperature. If it’s not yet golden or fully cooked, continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Repeat if Necessary: Repeat the arrangement, spraying, and air frying with any remaining chicken tenderloins.
Rest the Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and tender bites.
Serve Immediately: Serve the hot and crispy chicken tenderloins with your favorite dipping sauces and sides, enjoying their perfect crunch and flavor.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness and even cooking.
You can swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Leftover chicken tenderloins can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispiness.
If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be baked in an oven at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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