The Best Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins Recipe Ever

Cracker barrel chicken tenderloins shine brilliantly when prepared in an air fryer, delivering crispy perfection without excess oil.

Incredibly simple techniques make this recipe a weeknight game changer for busy home cooks.

Juicy chicken comes together faster than traditional methods, promising restaurant-quality results in minutes.

Southern-style seasoning creates a delightful crunch that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish with ease.

Crisp, golden exterior and tender interior guarantee a mouthwatering meal that satisfies even picky eaters.

Dive into this foolproof recipe and watch magic happen on your dinner plate.

Creative Twists on Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins

• Spicy Cajun Tenders: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the flour mixture for a fiery kick.
• Herb-Crusted Version: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the flour coating for an aromatic herb profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.
• Ranch-Infused Chicken: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix directly into the flour blend for a tangy southern flavor.

Ideal Pairings for Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins

• Zesty Southern Slaw Sidekick: Pair the crispy chicken tenderloins with a tangy coleslaw that cuts through the richness, adding a cool crunch and fresh contrast to the hot, golden chicken.
• Creamy Comfort Companion: Serve with smooth mashed potatoes or mac and cheese to complement the crispy texture and provide a classic Southern-style comfort food experience.
• Southern Sweet Tea Refresh: Wash down the savory tenderloins with a tall glass of ice-cold sweet tea, balancing the seasoned chicken with its sugary, refreshing notes and traditional Southern charm.
• Honey Mustard Magic: Drizzle homemade honey mustard sauce over the tenderloins or use as a dipping sauce, bringing a sweet and tangy flavor that elevates the crispy chicken to new heights.

Best Practices for Storing Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins

• Seal cooked chicken tenderloins in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep them away from other strong-smelling foods.
• Wrap individual tenderloins in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat air fryer to 350F, place chicken in a single layer, and heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165F. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat more soft and juicy while adding a subtle tangy flavor that enhances overall taste.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time and possibly cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken, which ensures it’s safe to eat.

Reasons to Crave Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins

• Savor Quick Comfort: These air fryer chicken tenderloins deliver restaurant-style flavor without complicated cooking techniques, perfect for busy families craving delicious meals.
• Master Healthier Frying: Using an air fryer dramatically reduces oil usage compared to traditional deep-frying, creating crispy chicken with significantly fewer calories and less grease.
• Customize with Ease: The simple seasoning blend allows flexibility for personal taste preferences, letting home cooks adjust spices like paprika and garlic powder to match their family's flavor profile.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: This one-bowl recipe minimizes kitchen mess, with just a few dishes to wash after creating a satisfying meal that feels like a special treat.

Key Components for Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins

• Chicken Tenderloins: Tender, lean strips of white meat that create the foundation of this delicious air fryer recipe.

• Buttermilk: Tangy liquid that helps tenderize the chicken and adds subtle flavor depth.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Seasoned flour mixture that creates a crispy, flavorful exterior for the chicken tenderloins.

• Cooking Spray: Light oil spray that prevents the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket and helps achieve a golden-brown finish.

How to Prepare Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins

Step 1: Bathe Chicken in Buttermilk Magic

Submerge chicken tenderloins completely in buttermilk, ensuring each piece gets a luxurious soak. Allow the tenderloins to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, which helps tenderize and infuse flavor deep into the meat.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Whisk ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.

Step 3: Dredge Chicken with Crispy Goodness

Remove tenderloins from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Roll each piece generously in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere completely. Ensure full and even coverage for maximum crunch.

Step 4: Prepare Air Fryer

Set air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C). Allow device to preheat for optimal cooking performance.

Step 5: Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer

Lightly coat air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange tenderloins in a single layer without overcrowding, which ensures consistent crispy results.

Step 6: Cook to Golden Perfection

Air fry tenderloins for 8-10 minutes. Flip chicken halfway through cooking time to guarantee even browning and thorough cooking. Chicken should emerge golden brown with a satisfying crunch.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Transfer hot, crispy tenderloins to serving plate. Enjoy immediately while they’re at peak crispiness and temperature.

Expert Advice for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

• Marinate chicken in buttermilk for extra tenderness and juicy flavor, ensuring the meat absorbs maximum moisture before cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked, safe chicken tenderloins.
• Shake off excess flour mixture before placing chicken in air fryer to prevent clumping and achieve crispy, even coating.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by cooking in batches, allowing hot air to circulate and create golden, crisp exterior.
• Experiment with different seasonings like cayenne or herbs to customize the flavor profile and make the dish more exciting.

Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 43-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins delight taste buds with crispy, golden perfection straight from the air fryer. Southern comfort meets modern cooking, delivering restaurant-quality goodness you can easily recreate at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenderloins

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Cooking Preparation:

• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken tenderloins in buttermilk, allowing them to soak and tenderize for minimum 30 minutes in refrigerator.
2. Create a seasoned coating by combining flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish.
3. Lift each tenderloin from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly dredge in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Prepare air fryer by heating to 400F (200C) for precise cooking temperature.
5. Coat air fryer basket with light cooking spray to prevent sticking and potential burning.
6. Arrange tenderloins in a single layer inside basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure crispy exterior.
7. Air fry for 9-11 minutes, carefully turning pieces midway through cooking process to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration and thorough internal doneness.
8. Verify chicken reaches internal temperature of 165F using meat thermometer for food safety.
9. Remove tenderloins from air fryer, letting them rest for 2-3 minutes to retain moisture and allow juices to redistribute.
10. Plate immediately and serve while crispy and warm.

Notes

• Buttermilk works magic for tenderizing chicken, creating incredibly juicy and flavorful meat that melts in your mouth.
• Maximize crispiness by patting chicken completely dry before dredging to ensure the flour coating sticks perfectly and creates a crunchy exterior.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a low-carb alternative that still delivers a satisfying crunch for those with dietary restrictions.
• Space chicken pieces slightly apart in the air fryer basket to promote even browning and prevent steaming, guaranteeing that signature golden-brown crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 1057 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg