Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken tenderloins cooked in the air fryer with a flavorful panko breadcrumb coating. Perfect for weeknight dinners, snacks, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) fresh chicken tenderloins, trimmed
- 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Cooking spray (olive or avocado oil)
Instructions
- Pat dry 1 pound (450g) of chicken tenderloins with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Trim to uniform size if needed.
- In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
- In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth and at room temperature.
- Dredge each tenderloin first lightly in the dry mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, then back into the dry mixture for a full coating. Press crumbs gently to stick. Place coated tenderloins on a plate or wire rack and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange tenderloins in a single layer without overcrowding. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add 1-2 minute increments if needed without drying out.
Notes
Let the coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before air frying to help the crust set and stay crispy. Use panko breadcrumbs for best crunch. Lightly spray oil to avoid greasiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4-5 tenderloin
- Calories: 280320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 35
Keywords: air fryer chicken, crispy chicken tenderloins, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken, panko chicken, easy dinner, snack recipe