Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it’s fast, easy, and packed with flavor. The marinade infuses the chicken with a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, while the air fryer gives them a perfectly tender texture without excess oil. I also like that these tenderloins pair well with just about any side—mashed potatoes, salad, or even biscuits—making them a versatile option for any meal.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Chicken tenderloins
-
Italian dressing
-
Honey
-
Lime juice
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Nonstick cooking spray
Directions
-
I whisk Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice in a bowl to make the marinade.
-
I place the chicken tenderloins in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor).
-
I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
-
I remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
-
I arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
-
I cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
I serve immediately with my favorite sides.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. I usually spend about 5 minutes prepping, 1 hour marinating, and 10 minutes cooking, so the total active time is around 15 minutes.
Variations
-
I sometimes swap lime juice for lemon juice for a slightly different tang.
-
I add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the marinade for extra flavor.
-
I use chicken breast strips instead of tenderloins when that’s what I have on hand.
-
I brush the cooked tenderloins with extra honey for a sweeter glaze.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until warmed through, which keeps them from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes, I cook them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes per side until done.
Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?
No, but I find that marinating for at least 1 hour really helps the flavor soak in.
Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?
Yes, but I thaw them completely before marinating so the flavors absorb better.
What type of Italian dressing works best?
I like using zesty Italian for more flavor, but any variety works.
Can I make these spicy?
Yes, I add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Conclusion
I love making air fryer Cracker Barrel chicken tenderloins because they’re simple, flavorful, and ready in no time. The marinade gives them that signature sweet-tangy taste, and the air fryer makes them juicy with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when I want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Print
Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins
- Total Time: 13 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy and flavorful chicken tenderloins cooked in the air fryer for a healthier Cracker Barrel favorite.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs (680g) chicken tenderloins
½ cup Italian dressing
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
Instructions
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice.
Add chicken tenderloins, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Arrange chicken tenderloins in a single layer.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle with a little garlic powder or smoked paprika before cooking.
Works with chicken breast strips if tenderloins aren’t available.
Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or salad for a complete Cracker Barrel–style meal.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American, Copycat
