Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins No Breading: Easy & Delicious Tips

Name: air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins; ⅓ cup olive oil; 3 tbsp coconut aminos; 2 cloves minced garlic; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp hot sauce I like Frank’s Red Hot; 1 tbsp dijon mustard; ½ tsp crushed red pepper

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Growing up, Mom made weeknight chicken feel like a warm hug. These air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading take me right backexcept now they’re flying all over TikTok and Pinterest. Quick, juicy, and no slippery breading mess. Just simple skill, 20 minutes, and boomyou’re dinner’s hero.

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What you get: tender, golden chicken with garlic, olive oil, and a little smoked paprika kick. Pantry staples. No coating, no frying fuss. Think rotisserie vibes without the wait. Perfect in a salad, wrap, or honestly? Just straight from the plate. Full details in the blog!

This one started in our Saturday kitchenme, coffee in hand, the girls arguing over paprika vs. garlic salt (we used both). Years of cooking with my mom taught me that the best recipes don’t need frills. I tested it. You’ll love the secret I sprinkle in last.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

If you’re here for cozy vibes and practical weeknight recipes, this one’s calling your name. These air fryer chicken tenderloins without breading are everything:

Quick: Ready in under 15 minutesperfect for busy evenings.
No Mess: No breading means no floury fingers or frying oil clean-up!
Healthy & Flavorful: Gluten-free and marinated in a punchy blend of coconut aminos, garlic, and spices.
Versatile: Eat them straight off the plate, slice them into a salad, or toss into a wrap.

Pro Tip: These are perfect for meal prepmake a batch over the weekend, then thank yourself later when hunger strikes.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Just a short ingredient list and one main toolthat’s all it takes!

air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading plated golden glazed pieces with red pepper flakes

Chicken Tenderloins: About 1.5 lbs, prepped and ready to marinate.
Olive Oil, Coconut Aminos, Dijon Mustard, and Hot Sauce: The holy grail of flavor for these tenderloins.
Spices: Garlic, onion powder, salt, and a hint of crushed red pepper for a little kick.

Tool: An air fryer. If you have one that preheats quickly, even better!

Ingredient	Measurement	Purpose
Chicken tenderloins	1.5 lbs	Juicy, tender protein
Olive oil	⅓ cup	Locks in moisture
Coconut aminos	3 tbsp	Bolds up flavor
Garlic	2 cloves, minced	Gives a savory base
Hot sauce	1 tbsp	Adds spice

Step-by-Step: How to Make Them

This recipe is as simple as marinate, air fry, devour. Here’s how it all breaks down:

Mix the Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, coconut aminos, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, garlic, onion powder, salt, and crushed red pepper in a large bowl.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight if you’re planning ahead).
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set it to 390°F and spray the basket with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the Tenderloins: Place the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Fry them for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden and cooked to 165°F internally.

Note: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken tenderloins. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Step	Time
Prepare marinade & soak chicken	15 minutes (minimum)
Preheat air fryer	2 minutes
Cook in air fryer	7–8 minutes

Troubleshooting & Tweaks

Even cozy recipes have their quirks. Here’s how to handle any hiccups:

Too Dry? Avoid overcooking. Stick to 165°F for juicy chicken every time.
No Coconut Aminos? Swap it for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari if you’re gluten-free.
Spice Level: Tone down the heat by skipping the crushed red pepper or hot sauceor crank it up to your liking!

Pro Tip: Want extra bold chicken? Let those tenderloins marinate overnight. The flavors get deeper, richer, and oh-so-delicious.

Problem	Solution
Chicken feels dry	Shorten the cook time, and double-check with a thermometer.
No coconut aminos	Use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
Too spicy	Reduce or omit the hot sauce and red pepper flakes.

Serving & Storing Your Tenderloins

Once your air fryer chicken tenderloins are done, the fun part begins: eating! Here’s how to make the most of them:

Serve: Pair with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or dip into your favorite sauce. (Chick-fil-A copycat, anyone?)
Store: Leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: A quick 2–3 minutes in the air fryer will bring them back to life without drying them out.

Storage Option	How Long?	Notes
Refrigerate	Up to 3 days	Store in an airtight container.
Freeze	Up to 2 months	Defrost before reheating.

Expert Says: Mastering Simple, Crispy Chicken

Cooking air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, juicy meat with minimal fuss. The dry cooking method locks in natural flavors and offers a crisp texture without added calories or carbs. For best results, lightly coat with oil and season evenly before air frying to enhance browning and moisture retention.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

How I Finally Mastered Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins No Breading

After more than a handful of kitchen experiments, this air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading recipe finally clicked. I learned that patience and the right seasoning make all the difference. It’s been a flavorful journey, filled with trial, error, and plenty of tasting before arriving at the juicy, crispy bites we love today.

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.

air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading plated golden glazed pieces with red pepper flakes_pin

Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins No Breading

These air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading come together in about 20 minutes and deliver juicy, flavorful bites without any fuss. You’ll love how tender and bright they turn outperfect for busy weeknights when you want homemade food without the stress. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and that cozy kitchen feeling all rolled into one.

Try swapping hot sauce for smoked paprika if you want a milder twist, or add fresh herbs right after cooking for a fresh pop. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat quickly in the air fryer to keep that crisp texture. A little tip I picked upmarinate longer when you can; it truly deepens the flavor and makes every bite sing.

Did this recipe remind you of a favorite family meal? I’d love to see your photos or hear your own kitchen twists. Share the love by passing this along and cooking it for someone specialyou’ll wanna make it again and again, trust me. Here’s to making everyday meals feel like warm hugs from your own home.