Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

I’ve been making these air fryer chicken tenderloins for ages now, and they’ve become one of my go-to weeknight meals. They’re juicy, well-seasoned, and cook up so quickly that you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else. I still remember the first time I made them—I was skeptical that such a simple recipe could turn out so flavorful. But after that first batch disappeared straight off the plate, I was sold.

If you’re like me and want something that feels a little special without a lot of fuss, this recipe is going to be a keeper in your kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Such a Winner

• Simple, reliable ingredients
  This is the sort of recipe you can make with pantry staples. I often do it on those days when I haven’t planned ahead and need something easy.
• Quick cooking time
  I’m a busy person—just like you. These cook in under 10 minutes in the air fryer, which makes them perfect for evenings when you’re juggling a hundred things.
• Great for all diets
  Since there’s no breading, they’re naturally lower carb and gluten-free. But honestly, I make them like this even when we don’t care about carbs, because the seasoning alone gives them so much flavor.
• Customizable flavors
  Some nights I’ll do a classic paprika-and-garlic mix. Other times I’ll marinate them with yogurt and Indian spices or brush them with BBQ sauce before cooking. It’s hard to mess these up, which is what I love about them.

These tenderloins have saved dinner more times than I can count, especially when I didn’t want to heat up the whole kitchen with the oven or stand over the stove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I like best about this recipe is how unfussy it is.

• Chicken tenderloins
  If I can’t find pre-cut tenderloins, I’ll just slice boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips. It works beautifully, and it’s often cheaper too.
• Spices
  I tend to reach for smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Feel free to add your own favorites—I’ve thrown in Cajun seasoning or a bit of chili powder on days we wanted more heat.
• Olive oil
  Any neutral oil will work. I just use what’s in the cupboard—vegetable or canola is fine too.
• Lemon slices and chopped parsley for garnish
  This step is optional, but I really think a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end wakes up the flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

I’m all about making cooking approachable, so here’s how I do it at home:

1. Preheat the air fryer
I always start with a preheated air fryer at around 190C/375F. It helps the chicken cook evenly and get a bit of that seared exterior. I also lightly oil the basket so nothing sticks.

2. Season your chicken
I toss the tenderloins with oil and all the spices in a big bowl. Don’t overthink it—just coat them well. Sometimes I’ll let them sit in the fridge for 30 minutes if I have the time, but usually, I’m in a rush and just go straight to cooking.

3. Arrange in the basket
Make sure they’re in a single layer. I’d rather cook two batches than overcrowd, because they’ll brown better that way.

4. Air fry and flip
I set them for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway. Thinner pieces will cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them.

5. Rest and serve
This is my secret trick—letting them rest for 5 minutes. It really helps keep the juices in. Then I squeeze fresh lemon over the top and sprinkle with parsley. It feels a bit fancy for something that took no time at all.

How Long Should They Cook?

On average, chicken tenderloins take 7–10 minutes in the air fryer. The thickness matters most—thicker strips need a little extra time.

I always use my meat thermometer for peace of mind. Once it reads 165F in the center, you’re good to go. Don’t skip this step—it’s the easiest way to get perfect, juicy chicken without guessing.

Tips to Get Them Just Right (Plus Flavor Ideas)

Here’s what I’ve learned from making these over and over:

• Lightly oil the basket so nothing sticks.
• Don’t crowd them in the basket—it’s tempting, but it’s worth doing two batches if needed.
• Keep your tenderloins roughly the same size for even cooking.
• For spicier results, I sometimes add cayenne or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
• If you want them extra juicy, marinate them in yogurt or buttermilk for an hour before air frying.

When I have friends over, I’ll serve these with little bowls of BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping. It turns a simple dinner into something that feels like you ordered it out.

How I Store and Reheat Leftovers

These make fantastic leftovers for busy days.

• In the fridge: I keep them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer: I freeze them for up to 3 months. Perfect for pulling out on those days I forgot to meal-plan.
• To reheat: I usually pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again. The oven or even a hot skillet works too. If I’m desperate or running late, the microwave is my last resort.

Favorite Sides to Make It a Meal

I try to keep dinner balanced but easy. Here are my regular go-to sides for these chicken tenderloins:

• Roasted or air-fried veggies like zucchini or Brussels sprouts.
• Classic French fries or sweet potato fries in the air fryer.
• A baked potato (so easy to do in the air fryer).
• A simple green salad with whatever’s in the fridge.

Most nights, I just mix and match with whatever I have on hand. The chicken is so flavorful it goes with just about anything.

Common Questions I Get About This Recipe

What exactly are chicken tenderloins?
They’re the thin strips of meat under the chicken breast—super lean and tender. If you can’t find them at the store, just slice up regular chicken breasts.

Can I use breaded tenders?
Absolutely. Store-bought breaded tenders work well in the air fryer, too. I just skip the extra oil and seasonings since they’re already coated.

How do I know they’re cooked through?
My golden rule is 165F in the center with a meat thermometer. It’s the easiest way to make sure they’re safe to eat without overcooking.

I hope you give these air fryer chicken tenderloins a try. They’re one of those recipes that becomes part of your regular dinner rotation without even trying. Let me know if you make them—I’d love to hear how you customize yours!

Also try these Air Fryer Chicken recipe:-

• Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast
• Air Fryer Hamburgers
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs