Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins – Juicy 20-Minute Meal

If you're looking for a quick, healthy dinner that doesn't skimp on flavor, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are your answer. With no breading, they're naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, yet they come out perfectly juicy and seasoned. The air fryer creates a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside tender and moist.

I've tested this recipe multiple times to get the timing and temperature just right. The result? Chicken that's cooked through with a delicious savory coating that clings to every bite. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or need a fast weeknight meal, this recipe delivers consistent results every time.

About the Ingredients

1.5 lbs (680g) chicken tenderloins

Chicken tenderloins are the lean, tender strip of meat under the breast. If you can't find them, slice chicken breasts into strips.

2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil

Helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning. You can use avocado oil for a higher smoke point.

1 tsp (5g) garlic powder

Adds savory depth. Use fresh minced garlic (1 clove) if you prefer, but reduce other salt.

1 tsp (5g) onion powder

Sweet, savory note that complements garlic. Can be substituted with dried minced onion.

1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika

Gives a smoky flavor and beautiful color. Use regular paprika if you don't want smoke.

1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt

Enhances all flavors. Use kosher salt for better control; adjust to taste.

1/4 tsp (1.25g) black pepper

Adds a mild kick. Freshly ground is best.

1/4 tsp (1.25g) cayenne pepper (optional)

For heat. Omit for mild, or increase to 1/2 tsp for extra spice.

Cooking spray (optional)

Helps chicken release from basket. Use any neutral oil spray.

Tips & Tricks

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between pieces for even air circulation.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to get an even golden crust on both sides.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures a hot start that sears the chicken and locks in juices.

2. Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenderloins, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Toss well to coat every piece evenly.

3. Arrange in Basket

Place the seasoned tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Do not overcrowd – work in batches if needed.

4. Air Fry First Side

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes without opening the basket. This allows the first side to develop a golden brown crust.

5. Flip and Continue

Open the basket, flip each tenderloin with tongs. Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden brown and crispy.

6. Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Serve immediately.

Delicious Variations

Lemon Herb

Add zest of one lemon and 1 tsp dried thyme to the seasoning mix.

Spicy Buffalo

Toss cooked chicken in 1/4 cup buffalo sauce for a tangy kick.

Teriyaki Glaze

Brush with teriyaki sauce during the last minute of cooking for a sweet glaze.

How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins No Breading

Frequently Asked Questions

Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a delicious, protein-packed dinner that's ready in minutes. Don't forget to share your results in the comments below!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins No Breading

Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins No Breading: juicy, flavorful, and ready in 20 minutes. Perfect keto-friendly dinner idea!

★★★★½ 4.8 (187 ratings)

10 minPrep time16 minCook time4Servings285 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken tenderloins
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5g) onion powder
• 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt
• 1/4 tsp (1.25g) black pepper
• 1/4 tsp (1.25g) cayenne pepper (optional)
• Cooking spray (optional)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat the Air Fryer — Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures a hot start that sears the chicken and locks in juices.
2. 2Season the Chicken — In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenderloins, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Toss well to coat every piece evenly.
3. 3Arrange in Basket — Place the seasoned tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Do not overcrowd – work in batches if needed.
4. 4Air Fry First Side — Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes without opening the basket. This allows the first side to develop a golden brown crust.
5. 5Flip and Continue — Open the basket, flip each tenderloin with tongs. Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
6. 6Rest and Serve — Remove chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Serve immediately.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasonings and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 34g protein · 1g carbs · 16g fat

Written by Diego Fernandez

Diego covers personal finance for freelancers and gig workers, with a focus on budgeting, taxes, and retirement planning. He breaks down complex money topics into simple, step-by-step guides.