How Long to Cook Chicken Breast Tenderloins in an Air Fryer for Perfectly Juicy Results

Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years for their ability to make crispy, delicious foods with little to no oil. One of the most common things people like to make in their air fryer is chicken. Chicken breast tenderloins in particular cook up quick and easy in these convection cookers. But how long should you actually cook chicken tenderloins in an air fryer to achieve the best results? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Choose Chicken Tenderloins for the Air Fryer

Chicken tenderloins, which are also called chicken tenders or chicken strips, are the soft muscle tissue under the chicken breast. This part of the chicken is very lean, which means it has fewer calories and fat.

Cooking chicken tenderloins in the air fryer offers many benefits:

• Quick cooking time—tenderloins cook faster than chicken breasts or chicken with bones. Cooking times should be between 8 and 15 minutes.

• Naturally tender and juicy – The tenderloins contain less connective tissue so the meat comes out incredibly moist and tender,

• Versatile flavor options – From basic seasoning to marinades and spice rubs, chicken tenderloins soak up flavors easily.

• Chicken tenders are a favorite among both kids and adults. They get crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside in the air fryer.

What Temperature to Use

When air frying chicken tenderloins, a temperature of 375°F (190°C) is ideal. This allows the exterior to get nice and crispy while the interior cooks through gently.

Always preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken. Preheating helps ensure the air fryer basket gets to the proper temperature right away for even cooking.

How Long to Cook Chicken Tenderloins

The time it takes to cook will depend on how big and thick your tenderloins are. Follow these guidelines:

• Small or thin tenderloins (under 1/2 inch thick) – 8 to 10 minutes
• Average sized tenderloins (1/2 to 1 inch thick) – 10 to 12 minutes
• Large or thick tenderloins (over 1 inch) – 12 to 15 minutes

For the most accurate results, use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature when the minimum cook time has passed. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F (74°C).

If the chicken hasn’t reached the proper temperature yet, continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until it registers 165°F. Then allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Follow this simple process for perfectly cooked air fryer chicken tenderloins every time:

1. Cut tenderloins – If starting with whole chicken breasts, slice them lengthwise into long strips about 1/2-1 inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Season – Toss tenderloins with 1-2 tbsp of oil or spray with oil. Season all over with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs.

3. Preheat air fryer – Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.

4. Cook – Place tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for minimum recommended time, flipping halfway.

5. Check temperature – Use a thermometer to verify chicken has reached 165°F internally. If not, continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments.

6. Rest and serve – Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Enjoy!

Flavoring and Marinating Tips

Chicken tenderloins take on flavor easily. Consider these ideas:

• Basic herbs and spices – Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning

• Cajun or jerk seasoning – For a little heat, use a Cajun or jerk spice blend

• Lemon-herb marinade – Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, parsley

• Teriyaki marinade – Soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger

• Honey mustard – Honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar

Marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight for the most flavor infusion. Just avoid marinating for longer than 24 hours.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken tenderloins pair deliciously with:

• Fresh green salad or coleslaw
• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots
• Rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries
• Dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce, honey mustard or buffalo sauce

Storage and Reheating

Cooked chicken tenderloins will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave or oven.

The Benefits of Chicken Tenderloins

Beyond being delicious, chicken tenderloins offer lots of nutritional value:

• High in protein – Just 3 ounces provides 25 grams of protein for muscle recovery.

• Low in fat and calories – With minimal fat, chicken tenderloins are a lean protein choice.

• Rich in nutrients – Chicken contains vitamins like B6, niacin, and selenium along with minerals like phosphorus.

So get ready to enjoy perfectly cooked chicken tenderloins in your air fryer. With the right time and temperature, you’ll achieve crispy, juicy results full of flavor. Air fried chicken tenderloins make for a quick and healthy dinner or meal prep staple.