If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious chicken dinner, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are just what you need! They’re juicy and tender on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and packed with flavour from a simple combination of everyday seasonings.

Chicken tenderloins are naturally smaller and thinner than chicken breasts, which makes them perfect for air frying. They cook quickly, need very little preparation, and make a fantastic meal for busy weeknights.

The best part? You only need a little olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and a few other seasonings to create delicious chicken tenders without deep frying.

Serve them with crispy fries, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favourite dipping sauce. Whether you’re making lunch for the family, preparing a quick dinner, or adding protein to your meal prep, this easy air fryer chicken tenderloins recipe is sure to become a regular favourite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to add these air fried chicken tenderloins to your weekly meal rotation.

Quick cooking: Chicken tenderloins cook much faster than larger chicken breasts, making them perfect for busy days.
Juicy and tender: Their naturally tender texture makes them delicious when cooked correctly.
Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday pantry seasonings.
Less oil required: The air fryer gives the chicken a lightly golden exterior without deep frying.
Easy to customise: Change the seasoning to create spicy, smoky, lemon garlic, or Cajun chicken.
Family-friendly: Their small size makes them easy to serve to children and adults alike.
Perfect for meal prep: Cook a batch and use the chicken in wraps, salads, sandwiches, and rice bowls.

You can also serve them as an appetiser with different dipping sauces for a simple party snack.

Ingredients Needed

You don’t need many ingredients to make delicious air fryer chicken tenderloins. Most of these are probably already in your kitchen.

1 pound (450g) chicken tenderloins: Fresh or fully thawed chicken tenderloins work best. Remove the small white tendon if desired.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and encourages light browning.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a delicious savoury garlic flavour.
1 teaspoon paprika: Gives the chicken a lovely colour and mild smoky taste. Smoked paprika is also a great option.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds extra depth to the seasoning.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple blend of dried herbs that complements chicken beautifully.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavour of the chicken.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little warmth.
½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional): Gives the chicken a fresh, bright flavour.

Ingredient Substitutions

Olive oil: Use avocado oil or another suitable cooking oil.
Paprika: Replace with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or a little chilli powder.
Italian seasoning: Use dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic can be used, but garlic powder is easier to distribute evenly.
Chicken tenderloins: Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into strips can be used instead. Adjust the cooking time according to thickness.

How to Make Air Fried Chicken Tenderloins

Making chicken tenderloins in the air fryer couldn’t be easier. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have juicy, flavourful chicken ready to serve.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Remove the chicken tenderloins from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels.

If you notice a tough white tendon running through each tenderloin, you can remove it using a small knife or kitchen scissors.

Try to choose pieces of similar thickness so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 3: Coat the chicken

Place the chicken tenderloins in a large mixing bowl.

Add the olive oil and lemon juice, if using. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3 minutes, if your model recommends preheating.

Step 5: Arrange the tenderloins

Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Leave a little space between each piece so hot air can circulate properly. Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if necessary.

Step 6: Air fry the chicken

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 8–12 minutes, turning the tenderloins halfway through cooking.

The exact time will depend on their thickness and your air fryer model.

Step 7: Check that the chicken is cooked

Use an instant-read food thermometer to check the thickest part of each tenderloin.

Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.

If needed, continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes and check again.

Step 8: Rest and serve

Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for approximately 3–5 minutes.

Serve warm with your favourite sides, dipping sauces, or a fresh salad.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Tenderloins in the Air Fryer?

Chicken tenderloins are relatively thin, so they cook quickly compared with whole chicken breasts.

At 400°F (200°C), most chicken tenderloins take approximately 8–12 minutes to cook.

Here’s a general cooking guide:

Air Fryer Temperature	Approximate Cooking Time
375°F (190°C)	10–14 minutes
380°F (193°C)	9–13 minutes
400°F (200°C)	8–12 minutes

These times are estimates for fresh or fully thawed chicken tenderloins. Thicker pieces may need additional time, while smaller pieces may cook faster.

How do you know when they’re ready?

The chicken should look opaque throughout, with no raw-looking centre.
The outside should be lightly golden.
The thickest part should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

The most reliable way to check doneness is with a food thermometer rather than relying on cooking time or colour alone.

Recipe Tips and Flavor Variations

Want to make the best air fryer chicken tenderloins every time? Here are some helpful tips and delicious ways to change the flavour.

Recipe Tips

1. Pat the chicken dry

Removing excess moisture helps the oil and seasonings coat the chicken evenly. It also encourages better browning.

2. Don’t overcrowd the basket

Arrange the tenderloins in a single layer. If you put too many pieces in the basket, they may cook unevenly.

3. Use similar-sized pieces

Tenderloins can vary in thickness. Choose pieces of similar size or remove smaller pieces earlier once they reach 165°F (74°C).

4. Flip halfway through cooking

Turning the chicken helps both sides cook and brown more evenly.

5. Don’t overcook

Chicken tenderloins are small and can dry out quickly. Check their temperature towards the end of the cooking time.

6. Let the chicken rest

A short resting period helps the juices settle and keeps the meat tender.

Flavor Variations

1. Cajun Chicken Tenderloins

Replace the Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning and add a little extra paprika. Perfect if you enjoy a spicy, smoky flavour.

2. Lemon Garlic Chicken

Add extra lemon juice, garlic powder, and a little dried oregano. Serve with fresh lemon wedges.

3. Honey Garlic Chicken

After cooking, toss the tenderloins in a mixture of honey, minced garlic, and a little soy sauce. Add the sauce after air frying to prevent the honey from burning.

4. Parmesan Chicken Tenderloins

Sprinkle the cooked tenderloins with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. You can also add a little Parmesan to the seasoning mixture before cooking.

5. Spicy Chicken Tenderloins

Add cayenne pepper or chilli flakes to the seasoning for extra heat. Serve with ranch dressing to balance the spice.

6. BBQ Chicken Tenderloins

Brush the cooked chicken with your favourite barbecue sauce during the final 1–2 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully because sugary sauces can burn quickly.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover air fryer chicken tenderloins, you can store them for easy meals later in the week.

In the refrigerator:

Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below and use within 3–4 days.

In the freezer:

Let the cooked tenderloins cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating pieces with baking paper if necessary.

Freeze for up to 2–3 months for the best quality.

How to reheat in the air fryer:

The air fryer is a great way to reheat chicken while keeping the outside from becoming too soft.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), if recommended.
Place the chicken tenderloins in a single layer.
Heat for approximately 3–5 minutes, turning halfway through if needed.
Check that the centre reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Larger or thicker pieces may need additional time.

Avoid leaving cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour when temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).

What to Serve with Air Fried Tenders

These air fryer chicken tenderloins go with almost anything! Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a complete family dinner, there are plenty of delicious sides to choose from.

Here are some of my favourite serving ideas:

Air fryer French fries: A classic combination that everyone loves.
Potato wedges: Crispy seasoned wedges make a satisfying side.
Roasted vegetables: Serve with broccoli, carrots, green beans, or courgettes.
Fresh garden salad: Combine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and your favourite dressing.
Rice: Pair the chicken with fluffy white rice or seasoned rice for a filling meal.
Mac and cheese: Creamy macaroni and cheese is a delicious comfort-food side.
Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy side that balances the savoury chicken.
Garlic bread: Perfect for a simple and satisfying dinner.

Best Dipping Sauces

Don’t forget the dipping sauces! Chicken tenderloins taste even better with a delicious sauce on the side.

Try serving them with:

Honey mustard.
Ranch dressing.
BBQ sauce.
Garlic mayonnaise.
Sweet chilli sauce.
Buffalo sauce.
Ketchup.

You can even prepare a small dipping sauce platter so everyone can choose their favourite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen chicken tenderloins in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenderloins in the air fryer, although this recipe is designed for fresh or thawed chicken.

Frozen tenderloins will need additional cooking time. Cook them until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). If they are stuck together, separate them once they have thawed enough to do so safely, then season and continue cooking. Always check the internal temperature before serving.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating for approximately 3 minutes can help the chicken begin cooking evenly. However, some air fryer models don’t require preheating, so follow your manufacturer’s instructions.

Should I flip chicken tenderloins halfway through cooking?

Yes, flipping them halfway through helps both sides cook and brown more evenly. It is particularly helpful if your air fryer has uneven heat circulation.

How do I keep chicken tenderloins juicy?

Avoid overcooking, coat the chicken lightly with olive oil, choose pieces of similar thickness, and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. Most importantly, use a food thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without cooking it for much longer than necessary.

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips of similar thickness and follow the same seasoning method. Thicker pieces may need a little extra cooking time.

Do I need to use oil when air frying chicken tenderloins?

A little oil is recommended because it helps the seasonings stick and encourages browning. You don’t need much, and you can use a cooking oil spray or a small amount of olive oil.

Can I make chicken tenderloins crispy in the air fryer?

Yes! For a crispy coating, dip the tenderloins in beaten egg followed by seasoned Panko breadcrumbs. Lightly spray with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) until golden and the centre reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pieces.

Can I prepare chicken tenderloins ahead of time?

Yes. You can season the raw chicken and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. For best results, cook it within 1–2 days and always keep raw chicken refrigerated.

Are chicken tenderloins the same as chicken breast?

Not exactly. Chicken tenderloins are the smaller, naturally tender strips of meat located underneath the main chicken breast. They are usually thinner and cook faster than a whole chicken breast.

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are an easy way to make a delicious chicken meal with very little effort. With simple seasonings, quick cooking time, and endless serving possibilities, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, family lunches, and meal prep!