Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
Looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken tenders without the hassle of deep frying? This Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins recipe delivers all the juicy goodness of tender chicken with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice gives these tenderloins a tangy-sweet coating that pairs perfectly with the crispy texture achieved in the air fryer.
Here’s everything you need to know to make this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken tenderloins 🐔
1/2 cup Italian dressing 🥗
1/2 cup honey 🍯
1 tablespoon lime juice 🍋
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
1/2 teaspoon onion powder 🧅
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by preparing the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Once the marinade is well mixed, add the chicken tenderloins into the bowl and toss to coat them evenly.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—for best results, allow it to marinate for up to 4 hours. This helps the chicken absorb all the wonderful flavors!
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the right temperature to cook the chicken evenly and crisp up the exterior.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, remove the tenderloins from the bowl, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
Arrange the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
Air fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
4. Serve:
Once the chicken is done, serve it hot! Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces—whether it’s honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce—or enjoy it alongside a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Tenderloins:
For extra crispy tenders, you can lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before air frying. This will help achieve a golden, crunchy crust.
Flavor variations: If you’re looking to spice things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a bit of heat.
Double the batch: If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double the ingredients and cook in batches. Just make sure to let the air fryer come back to temperature between batches for the best results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prep and cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend treat.
Healthy & Delicious: The air fryer helps reduce the amount of oil needed, resulting in a lighter yet still flavorful dish.
Kid-friendly: The slightly sweet and savory marinade is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making this a great meal for the whole family!
Enjoy your crispy, juicy Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins! They are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!