Get ready to enjoy the pure comfort of Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins—your new favorite way to bring nostalgic, restaurant-style flavor right to your own kitchen. This recipe uses a handful of punchy, everyday ingredients for big flavor, and your air fryer does the rest, locking in juiciness and a mouthwatering texture. Expect all the charm of the famous dish, but with an easy, mess-free prep and a lighter touch, thanks to the magic of air frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, familiar ingredients, Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins come together effortlessly—but each component brings something special, from brightness and tang to mellow sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you don’t want to skip a thing!
- Italian dressing: This provides a zesty, herb-infused marinade base that soaks every bite with flavor and moisture.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds punch and depth to the tenders for that classic savory aroma.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey gives a subtle sweetness and gorgeous caramelization as the chicken cooks.
- Lime juice (fresh squeezed): This brings brightness and balances out the richness—don’t substitute with bottled juice if you can help it!
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients and ensures the marinade is crave-worthy.
- Ground black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and gentle spice.
- Chicken tenderloins: The star of the show—tender, quick-cooking, and perfect for soaking up every bit of marinade.
How to Make Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the Italian dressing, garlic, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly—the goal is a unified, vibrant marinade that clings to the chicken and infuses every bite with sparkling flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken tenderloins to your bowl and toss them so they are evenly coated in all that gorgeous marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour—this is just enough time to tenderize and flavor the chicken without making it mushy. The lime juice works quickly, so don’t exceed the marinating time.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
While your chicken is soaking up flavors, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your model doesn’t hit that exact temperature, aim for something as close as possible. A hot air fryer means you’ll get that lovely outer char while keeping the inside perfectly juicy.
Step 4: Arrange Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray to keep things from sticking. Place the marinated chicken tenderloins into the basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to work in batches so every piece gets crisp and golden.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Pop the basket into the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the tenderloins halfway through. They’re ready when the internal temperature hits 165°F and they look slightly caramelized and juicy—a true signature of Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins
Garnishes
Sprinkle your chicken tenderloins with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or a little extra cracked black pepper right before serving. For a playful nod to the original, a wedge of lime or a drizzle of honey on the side adds brightness or sweetness to each plate.
Side Dishes
Pair Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or a crisp coleslaw for the ultimate comfort meal. If you’re feeling nostalgic, try classic Southern sides like fried apples or corn casserole to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these chicken tenderloins into sliders with soft dinner rolls and a dollop of tangy sauce, or slice them over a hearty salad for a light weeknight dinner. They’re also fantastic tucked inside wraps or served as finger food at your next gathering—the possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They keep beautifully and make for an easy lunch or quick snack the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins even longer, freeze them! Arrange cooled tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll be good for up to two months this way.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the tenderloins right back into the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through—they crisp back up and taste nearly as good as fresh. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that signature air-fried texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just slice your chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenderloins so they cook evenly. Keep an eye on the air fryer, as thicker pieces may need an extra few minutes.
Is it necessary to marinate for the full hour?
For the best flavor and texture, an hour is ideal, but if you’re pressed for time, even 30 minutes makes a big difference. Avoid marinating beyond two hours, since the lime juice can start to break down the chicken too much.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out in the air fryer?
Don’t overcrowd the basket—give those tenderloins space to crisp up without steaming. Stick to the cook time and check for doneness right at the 10-minute mark. Pull them the moment they hit 165°F.
Can I make Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins ahead?
You sure can. Prep and marinate the chicken up to a day ahead, then air fry fresh right before serving, or cook them completely and reheat as needed. They’re great for meal prepping!
What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?
Honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or even a squeeze of extra lime are delicious companions for Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins. Play around with your favorites—there’s no wrong answer!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new family favorite or a nostalgic treat without the fuss, these Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins are a must-try. They bring that familiar, craveable flavor with such little effort—perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Give them a go, and watch them disappear in record time!
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Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
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
Marinade:
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons lime juice, fresh squeezed
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
Instructions
- Mix Marinade: Place the dressing, garlic, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper into a large bowl, whisk until combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 hour.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray basket with olive oil and place tenders inside without touching each other.
- Cook Chicken: Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Notes
- I know some people prefer to remove the tendon from chicken tenderloins, but it’s optional.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer for even cooking.
- Adjust air fryer settings as needed based on your model.
- Limit marinating time with lime juice to 1-2 hours to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 218 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 714mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
