Name: Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenderloins; 1 cup Italian dressing; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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I love how this Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins recipe brings restaurant-style comfort food right into my kitchen. The tenderloins turn out juicy and flavorful, coated in a slightly sweet and tangy glaze from Italian dressing, honey, garlic, and lime juice. It’s one of those easy dishes that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen, but really takes only a few minutes to prepare and cook. Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how quick and simple this recipe is—perfect for a weeknight meal or when I need something satisfying but effortless. The Air Fryer gives the chicken a perfect sear while keeping the inside juicy. The marinade is made with pantry staples, and the flavor balance of tangy, sweet, and garlicky is absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound chicken tenderloins
1 cup Italian dressing
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

I whisk together the Italian dressing, minced garlic, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
I add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated well, and let them sit for 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor).
I preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
I place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket.
I cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenderloins reach 165°F internally and are golden brown.
I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy and tender.

Servings And Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10–12 minutes to cook, so I can have dinner ready in about 20 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I replace the lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly brighter flavor. When I want extra heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade. For a smoky touch, I mix in a little smoked paprika. If I crave a crispy coating, I dip the marinated chicken in breadcrumbs before air frying.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I want to freeze them, I place the cooked tenderloins in a freezer-safe bag, and they last up to 2 months. To reheat, I pop them back into the Air Fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warm and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, I just slice the chicken breasts into thin strips so they cook evenly and absorb the marinade better.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

I like to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but an hour gives a stronger flavor.

Do I need to preheat the Air Fryer?

Yes, preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and gives it that nice golden crust.

Can I cook these in the oven instead?

Absolutely. I bake them at 425°F for about 15–20 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning.

What can I serve with these chicken tenderloins?

I love pairing them with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

I find these Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins to be the perfect combination of quick, flavorful, and satisfying. They’re juicy, tender, and full of that homestyle flavor I crave. Whether I serve them as a main dish or chop them into a salad or wrap, they always turn out delicious and comforting every single time.