Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins

Jump to Recipe

Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins tastes just like the real deal! Using an air fryer helps keep them super moist – and so good!

Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloin cut in half seeing how moist the inside is

This post may contain affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full Disclosure Policy for details.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Y’all are gonna love today’s recipe! My family gobbled this recipe up and asked when we could make it again!

These days I’m super 0bsessed with my air fryer. I love cooking all kinds of things in it. These chicken tenders are my current new favorite! This recipe is so simple and it comes together so quickly. Bonus, I think it tastes BETTER than the famous restaurant recipe!!

For this recipe, chicken tenderloins combine with Italian dressing, garlic, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Easy peasy – right? You can cook these immediately after placing them in the marinate, but I suggest letting them marinate for the full hour for optimal flavor.

What to serve with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Potatoes are one of my favorite sides no matter the meal. One of my absolute favorite side dishes for these Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenderloins is my perfect mashed potatoes recipe or my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. If I feel like carrying out a whole Cracker Barrel theme, I usually go for my Hash Brown Casserole {aka Funeral Potatoes} recipe.

I usually go for some sort of green veggie on the side, too. Like buttered peas, a simple side salad, Southern-Style Green Beans, steamed broccoli, Southern Bacon-Fried Cabbage, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Almonds.

Here are some other favorite sides: potato salad, macaroni salad, 7 layer salad, creamy pea salad, creamy mac & cheese, crispy herb roasted potatoes, or Mexican Bean Salad.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders FAQs

How should I store leftover tenders?

Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

How do you reheat chicken tenders without drying them out?

OVEN: Place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake in a 375°F oven for 7-10 minutes or until heated through.
MICROWAVE: Place the tenders on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Microwave on 50% power for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes, until heated through.
AIR FRYER: Preheat the air fryer from 350°F to 400°F, depending on your appliance. Place the tender in the air fryer and close. Cook for 4-7 minutes or until heated through.

Can I freeze cooked chicken?

Yes. Once the chicken is cooled, immediately transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.

Recipe Tips

I know some people prefer to pull the weird little stringy thing out – I don’t bother. Once the chicken is cooked, I never even notice it. However, if you prefer, you certainly can remove it.
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer. Work in batches, if necessary.
There are so many kinds of air fryers on the market with different functions and features. If you can’t set your appliance to the exact temperature, select the temperature to as close to the recipe as possible, adjusting the cooking time if necessary.
Because this recipe uses lime juice, I suggest not marinating your chicken for longer than 1-2 hours at the most. Lime juice will chemically “cook” or denature your food if left too long.

how to make chicken tenders in air fryer

Other recipes you may enjoy

Click HERE to pin this recipe!

Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Marinating Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins tastes just like the real deal! Using an air fryer helps keep them super moist - and so good!

Ingredients

1/2 cup Italian dressing
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons lime juice, fresh squeezed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound chicken tenderloins

Instructions

Place the dressing, garlic, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper into a large bowl, whisk until combined. Add the chicken tenderloins and mix them in, so they are fully coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it into the fridge for up to 1 hour to marinate.
Once ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with olive oil spray and place the tenders, not touching each other into the basket. You may need to air fry in batches.
Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

I know some people prefer to pull the weird little stringy thing out - I don't bother. Once the chicken is cooked, I never even notice it. However, if you prefer, you certainly can remove it.

Don't overcrowd your air fryer. Work in batches, if necessary.
There are so many kinds of air fryers on the market with different functions and features. If you can't set your appliance to the exact temperature, select the temperature to as close to the recipe as possible, adjusting the cooking time if necessary.
Because this recipe uses lime juice, I suggest not marinating your chicken for longer than 1-2 hours at the most. Lime juice will chemically "cook" or denature your food if left too long.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 276Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 533mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 8gProtein: 35g

Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary greatly between brands. Always be sure to read labels.