Introduction

Enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken tenderloins without the extra oil using this air fryer recipe. It’s a healthier twist on a classic favorite that delivers a perfectly crunchy coating every time.

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 ensure the coating sticks well.
Step 2: Set up your breading station: place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a third.
Step 3: Dredge each chicken tenderloin in flour, shaking off excess.
Step 4: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off.
Step 5: Press the chicken into the panko mixture, coating evenly on all sides. Repeat with the other side.
Step 6: Repeat the flour, egg, and breadcrumb process with all tenderloins.
Step 7: Preheat your 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; avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 10: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Step 11: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 12: Check doneness after 8 minutes and continue cooking 1-2 minutes more if needed, checking frequently.
Step 13: Repeat cooking steps for any remaining chicken.
Step 14: Let the tenderloins rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Step 15: Serve hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading.
Try swapping dried oregano with Italian seasoning or smoked paprika with chili powder for a different spice profile.
If you prefer gluten-free, use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of all-purpose flour and panko.
Spraying the chicken lightly with oil before air frying helps achieve a golden crust without deep frying.

Storage

Store leftover air-fried 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 restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.

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 fresh or fully thawed chicken tenderloins. If using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before breading to ensure even cooking and proper coating adherence.

What dipping sauces go well with air fried chicken tenderloins?

Classic choices include ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dips to complement the crispy coating and flavors.

Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin: The Crispiest, Healthier Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

This Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin recipe delivers the crispiest, golden-brown chicken that’s healthier than traditional fried chicken. Using an air fryer and a flavorful panko-Parmesan coating with aromatic spices, these tenderloins come out juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Chicken
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1.5 lbs Chicken Tenderloins, trimmed of any excess fat

Breading Station

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

Others

Cooking Spray (Olive Oil or Avocado Oil)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better and ensures crispy results.
Set up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and a third with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, grated 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, shaking off any excess to create a light base layer that helps the egg wash stick.
Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off for an even coating.
Breadcrumb Coating: Press the egg-coated chicken firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Repeat on the opposite side for full coverage.
Repeat Process: Continue the flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating process with the remaining chicken tenderloins until all are breaded.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and crispiness from the start.
Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote browning.
Arrange the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenderloins in a single layer inside the basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow air circulation for optimal crisping; cook in batches if necessary.
Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray to enhance browning and crispness.
Air Fry: Air fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Check for Doneness: After 8 minutes, check the chicken. If it has not reached desired crispness, continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments, checking frequently to prevent overcooking.
Repeat for Remaining Chicken: Cook any remaining batches by repeating the arrangement, spraying, and air frying steps.
Rest the Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken tenderloins to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices and maintain crispness.
Serve Immediately: Serve the hot, crispy chicken tenderloins with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes for a delicious meal.

Notes

For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket as it reduces crispiness.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of flavor and helps in browning; do not skip it unless dietary restrictions apply.
Cooking spray with healthy oils like olive or avocado oil provides good crispness without excess fat.
Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispiness rather than using a microwave.

Keywords: Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin, Crispy Chicken Recipe, Healthy Fried Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken, Parmesan Chicken Tenders