Description
These Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins are juicy, sweet-savory, and ready in 15 minutes. High-protein, low-fat, and perfect for quick weeknight chicken dinners with bold flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenderloins
1/2 cup zesty Italian dressing
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Make the marinade magic
In a big bowl, whisk together the dressing, garlic, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
It should smell bright, sweet, and sharp all at once.
Step 2: Coat the chicken like it matters
Add in the tenderloins and toss them like you mean it.
Every piece should glisten.
Step 3: Fire up the air fryer
Preheat to 400°F. Give the basket a quick spritz of olive oil.
Lay each tenderloin in a single layer no overlap, no stress.
Step 4: Let it crisp, flip, and finish
Cook 10 minutes, flip halfway. They should be golden and sizzling, with a juicy center that hits 165°F.
Step 5: Let it rest
Pull the chicken out and let it sit for 2–3 minutes. Don’t skip this it locks in the flavor.
Notes
For deeper flavor, marinate up to 8 hours.
Pairs beautifully with my Air Fryer Garlic Herb Potatoes.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins, quick chicken meals, healthy air fryer dinner