Remember those weeknights when dinner felt like a chore? This air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading recipe is the cozy, no-fuss miracle you didn’t know you needed. It’s soaring on TikTok for good reasonflavor-packed, juicy, and fast. Think 15-minute magic, zero breading mess.
These tenderloins come out golden on the edges, perfectly seasoned, and irresistible. Just a few pantry staplesthink garlic, paprika, olive oiland you’ve got a healthy homemade dinner that works with veggies or over salad. Full details in the blog!
I used to help my grandma season every roast with careand yes, she’d wag a finger if I rushed it. That’s how I learned the power of simple seasoning. I’ve tested these to get that classic crisp without breading. You’ll love the secret spice blend!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins (No Breading)
These air fryer chicken tenderloins are as cozy as a memory of a Sunday kitchen with grandma. They’re juicy, quick, and full of flavor without the hassle of breading. Here’s why they’re so lovable:
Quick & Easy: Perfect for those nights you need something flavorful and fast.
Healthy & Light: No breading means fewer carbs and a naturally gluten-free option.
Flexible: Pair them with veggies, salads, or your favorite sauce.
Effortless Prep: Minimal ingredients yet maximum flavor from the marinade.
If your air fryer’s been gathering dust, this recipe is the perfect excuse to bring it out!
Key Ingredients for Flavorful, Juicy Tenderloins
This simple marinade is the secret to tender, golden chicken without the breading. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient
Flavor or Purpose
Chicken Tenderloins (1.5 lbs)
The star of the showjuicy and quick to cook.
Olive Oil (⅓ cup)
Adds moisture and helps with crisping.
Coconut Aminos (3 tbsp)
A punch of umami flavor.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
All the cozy, savory vibes.
Onion Powder (1 tsp)
A subtle depth of flavor.
Hot Sauce & Dijon Mustard
The zingy duo that brightens it all up.
Salt + Crushed Red Pepper
Because seasoning is everything!
Pro Tip: Let the chicken marinate! Even 15 minutes works wonders, but overnight makes the flavor irresistible.
How to Cook Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins (No Breading)
Cooking these tenderloins is almost too easy. Follow these simple steps for golden, juicy chicken:
Whisk together the marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
Add chicken tenderloins and let them marinate for 15 minutes minimum (overnight is best).
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly spray the basket with oil.
Place marinated chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Cooking time can vary slightly based on the thickness of your chicken, so keep an eye on them!
Air Fryer Timing Guide
Cook Time
Standard Tenderloins
7-8 minutes
Thicker Cuts
8-10 minutes
Frozen Tenderloins
Additional 5 minutes before marinating.
Quick Swaps and Tweaks
This recipe is super flexible! Here are some useful swaps and tweaks to make it work for your kitchen:
No Chicken Tenderloins? Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips instead.
Can’t Find Coconut Aminos? Use light soy sauce as a substitute in equal amounts.
Want More Spice? Add extra crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Ingredient Swaps
Alternative Ingredient
Coconut Aminos
Light Soy Sauce
Chicken Tenderloins
Sliced Chicken Breasts
Frank’s Red Hot
Your favorite hot sauce
Note: The marinade works beautifully on veggies tootry it on zucchini or mushrooms!
Serving and Storing Your Tenderloins
Once cooked, these tenderloins are a meal-prep dream. Here’s how to serve and store them:
Serving Ideas
Pair With
Cozy Dinner
Steamed broccoli and roasted sweet potatoes.
Lunch
Sliced over a fresh salad or stuffed in a wrap.
Snack
Your favorite dipping sauce (hello, Chick-fil-A copycat!).
Storage Tips:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cooked tenderloins freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F.
Expert Insight: Perfecting Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins No Breading
Air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading is an excellent way to achieve juicy, flavorful results without added calories. The rapid air circulation cooks the meat evenly, preserving moisture while creating a tender textureideal for a quick, healthy meal option.
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A Quick Family Favorite
Making air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading always brings back memories of my busy weeknights with the kids. This simple, no-fuss recipe lets me serve up a healthy, flavorful meal fastwithout sacrificing that homemade touch my family loves. It’s proof you don’t need breading for juicy, satisfying chicken every time.
FAQs ( air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading )
How long do you cook air fryer chicken tenderloins with no breading?
Cook air fryer chicken tenderloins without breading at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, depending on their thickness. Flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer. Thinner tenderloins may cook faster, so start checking at the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for chicken tenderloins?
Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 400°F is recommended for the best results. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior on your chicken tenderloins. Preheating also helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket. Most air fryers heat up quickly, so this step only adds a few minutes to your cooking time.
How do you keep air fryer chicken tenderloins moist without breading?
Keep your chicken tenderloins moist by not overcooking them and using a light coating of oil or cooking spray. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking adds extra moisture and flavor. Avoid opening the air fryer basket too frequently during cooking, as this releases steam. Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
What temperature should air fryer chicken tenderloins be cooked at?
Cook air fryer chicken tenderloins at 400°F for the best balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior. This temperature allows the chicken to cook through evenly without drying out. Some recipes call for 375°F, but 400°F gives you that nice golden color in less time. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165°F regardless of the cooking temperature you choose.
Can you stack chicken tenderloins in the air fryer?
It’s best to arrange chicken tenderloins in a single layer without stacking for even cooking and proper air circulation. If you have too many tenderloins for one layer, cook them in batches instead. Overlapping pieces can result in uneven cooking with some parts undercooked and others overcooked. If you must overlap slightly, flip and rearrange the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get proper heat exposure.
Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins No Breading Adventure
These air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading come together in under 20 minutesjuicy, tender, and bursting with simple, homemade flavor. You’ll love how easy the prep is, plus that perfect golden crisp without any fuss. It’s one of those dishes that makes weeknight cooking feel like a cozy kitchen hug.
Feel free to switch up the spices or add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Leftovers? They keep beautifully in the fridge and reheat in a flash. A trick I picked up from my grandma’s kitchen: a quick air fryer refresh keeps ’em tasting fresh, just like day one.
Did this recipe remind you of a family favorite or inspire your own twist? Share your photos or little secrets belowI’m all ears! And hey, pass this along to your cooking pals; nothing beats homemade meals made with a pinch of love and zero stress.
Yesica Andrews
Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins No Breading: Easy & Delicious Tips
Quick and healthy air fryer chicken tenderloins marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut aminos, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and garlic. Perfect for a gluten-free, protein-packed meal ready in under 15 minutes.
