Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin: The Crispiest, Healthier Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy tender, juicy chicken tenderloins with a perfectly crispy crust using this healthier air fryer recipe. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavorful seasonings, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or snacks.

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

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

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for mild heat.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing crunch.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the coated chicken on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping once.
• Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheese flavor alternative.

Storage

Store cooked chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm in a conventional oven. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw the chicken completely and pat dry before breading to ensure the coating adheres well and cooks evenly.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs, though the texture might be less crispy. Crushing cornflakes or crackers also works as a crunchy alternative.

Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin: The Crispiest, Healthier Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 107 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken while delivering irresistibly crispy and flavorful results. Coated with a seasoned panko and Parmesan crust, these tenderloins are air fried to golden perfection, making them a delicious and guilt-free snack or meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

For Cooking

• Cooking Spray (Olive Oil or Avocado Oil)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to remove moisture, ensuring the breading will stick better and crisp up nicely.
2. Set up Breading Station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and combine panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a third dish. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
3. Flour Coating: Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps.
4. Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken tenderloins into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off to avoid sogginess.
5. Breadcrumb Coating: Transfer the egg-coated chicken tenderloins to the panko mixture and press firmly on both sides to evenly coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
6. Repeat: Continue the breading process with the remaining chicken tenderloins by repeating the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb coating steps.
7. Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
8. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
9. Arrange the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding which could lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
10. Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenderloins with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
11. Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenderloins for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.
12. Check for Doneness: At around 8 minutes, check the color and internal temperature. If not golden or fully cooked, continue air frying in 1-2 minute increments, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
13. Repeat if Necessary: Repeat the cooking process with any remaining chicken tenderloins, maintaining the same steps for spraying, arranging, and cooking.
14. Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute for a moist, tender bite.
15. Serve Immediately: Serve the air fried chicken tenderloins hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides for a crispy, delicious meal.

Notes

• You can substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free panko for a gluten-free variation.
• Use cooking spray sparingly to keep the chicken crispy without adding excess oil.
• Make sure the chicken tenderloins are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain moisture and improves texture.
• Internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: air fried chicken tenderloin, crispy chicken, healthy fried chicken, panko chicken, parmesan chicken, air fryer recipes, low fat chicken, quick chicken recipe