Dinner

Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy juicy, perfectly cooked chicken. Marinated with a blend of spices and cooked to crispy perfection, they make a great weeknight dinner or snack.

Close-up view of several pieces of grilled chicken tenders stacked in a shallow white bowl lined with white parchment paper. The chicken pieces have a golden brown color with visible char marks and a seasoned crust that includes black pepper and herbs. Small green herb bits are scattered on top of the chicken, adding a fresh touch. The texture of the chicken looks juicy and slightly crispy with a mix of darker and lighter brown areas showing where the seasoning has caramelized. The background shows a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenderloins
2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken tenderloins, olive oil, light brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
Step 2: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to an airtight container. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Arrange the marinated chicken tenderloins in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before marinating.
Substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking to brighten the flavors.

Double the marinade and reserve some as a dipping sauce (make sure it’s not contaminated with raw chicken).

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to maintain crispiness, or microwave covered for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several pieces of seasoned grilled chicken tenders on a white plate. The chicken pieces are a warm, golden-brown color with spots of darker char and sprinkled with small green herb bits. Some chicken pieces are slightly overlapping, displaying their rough, crispy textures. In the background, there are fresh green parsley leaves and a few lemon wedges adding a pop of yellow, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins for this recipe?

It’s best to thaw the chicken tenderloins completely before marinating and air frying to ensure even cooking and a better texture.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the marinated chicken tenderloins in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.