These Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are juicy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and seasoned with simple pantry spices — the weeknight dinner I reach for when I need something on the table fast.
Chicken tenderloins are one of my favorite proteins to keep stocked because they cook so fast and my kids love them every single time. This is the recipe I make when I need a guaranteed win at the dinner table with almost no work — and in a house with 8 kids that kind of reliability is everything.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Just $1.31 per serving — $5.25 total for 4 servings
- Ready in under 15 minutes — faster than preheating the oven
- High protein and low carb meal – 36 grams of protein and 2 grams of carbs
- Made with simple pantry spices — no special ingredients needed
- Completely versatile — serve over salad, with rice, in wraps, or alongside any side dish
- One of the most budget-friendly protein dinners
If you love easy air fryer dinners like this one you will also love our Air Fryer Chicken Breasts, Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops Recipe, and Air Fryer Salmon. They are all ready in under 20 minutes, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins — boneless skinless tenderloins cook faster and more evenly than chicken breasts. If you prefer, remove the white tendon before cooking for the best texture — see the FAQ below for how
- Olive oil — helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and promotes that slightly crispy exterior. Avocado oil also works great in the air fryer
- Paprika — adds a warm slightly smoky color and flavor to the coating
- Garlic powder — the backbone of the seasoning blend. Fresh minced garlic can burn in the air fryer so stick with powder here
- Onion powder — adds savory depth without any chopping
- Salt and pepper — essential seasoning that pulls everything together
- Italian seasoning — a simple blend that adds an herby finish to the coating
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
The key to perfect chicken tenderloins cooked in the air fryer is a single layer in the basket and not overcrowding — this is what gives you crispy edges instead of steamed chicken. Here is how it comes together:
Step 1 – Place 1 – 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins into a large bowl. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Step 2 – Sprinkle 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning over the chicken. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
Step 3 – Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Arrange the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the chicken does not overlap. Air Fry at 400 degrees F for 7 minutes.
Step 4 – Flip the chicken tenderloins and continue cooking for 3-5 more minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Single layer only — overcrowding causes the chicken to steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed and it is worth the extra few minutes
- Always use a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F. Air fryers vary in power so checking the temperature is the only reliable way to know it is done
- Preheat the air fryer. A preheated air fryer gives you a better sear on the outside from the first minute. Most air fryers take about 3 minutes to preheat
- Let it rest before serving. Even just 2–3 minutes of resting allows the juices to redistribute and keeps every bite juicy instead of dry
- Adjust seasoning to taste. This blend is a great base — add cayenne for heat, swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning, or add a pinch of brown sugar for a slightly sweet crust
- Oven Method. – Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack. Season the chicken the same way and bake for 20–25 minutes flipping halfway through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. A wire rack elevates the chicken so hot air circulates underneath and gives you a crispier result than laying flat on a baking sheet.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick
- Add ½ teaspoon of brown sugar to the spice blend for a sweet and savory crust
- Use lemon pepper seasoning in place of the Italian seasoning for a bright citrusy flavor
- Substitute chicken breast cut into strips if tenderloins are not available — adjust cook time slightly
- Marinate the chicken in the olive oil and seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking for even deeper flavor
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Mashed Potatoes — a classic pairing that turns this into a complete comfort food dinner
- Air Fryer Broccoli — cook this veggie right after the chicken in the same basket for a complete meal with almost no cleanup
- Caesar Salad — slice the tenderloins over crisp salads for a quick and satisfying lunch or light dinner
- Rice — serve over white or fried rice for a simple budget-friendly dinner bowl
- Dipping Sauces – my kids always love to dip these chicken tenderloins in ranch, honey mustard, buffalo sauce and ketchup.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 – 5 days. These tenderloins are great for meal prep and quick lunches all week
Freezer
- Freeze cooked tenderloins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Reheating
- Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore the crispy exterior, avoid the microwave as it makes the coating soft
FAQs
7 minutes on the first side then 3–5 minutes after flipping at 400°F. Total cook time is 10–12 minutes depending on thickness. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Grip the white tendon at the end of the tenderloin with a paper towel for a better grip. Hold the meat down with a fork and pull the tendon out in one smooth motion. It comes out cleanly in about 10 seconds and gives you a noticeably better texture once cooked.
Yes! Flipping halfway through ensures both sides get evenly cooked and slightly crispy. Set a timer so you do not forget.
The most common reasons are overcooking or overcrowding the basket. Use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken the moment it hits 165°F. Overcrowding causes steaming which also dries the chicken out — always cook in a single layer.
Yes! Cook from frozen at 400°F for 12–15 minutes flipping halfway through. Add a few extra minutes if needed and always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
These Chicken Tenderloins are one of the easiest and most budget-friendly dinners in our rotation — juicy, perfectly seasoned, and on the table in under 15 minutes for just $1.31 a serving.
If you make them leave a star rating and a comment below — I love hearing how your family served them and whether the air fryer converted you the way it converted me!
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
Ingredients
- 1 – 1 ½ pounds Boneless Chicken Tenderloins
- 1 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Place 1 – 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins into a large mixing bowl.
- Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning over the chicken. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Arrange the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the chicken does not overlap.
- Cook at 400 degrees F for 7 minutes.
- Flip the chicken tenderloins and continue cooking for 3-5 more minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
I don’t have an air fryer can I make it in an oven