Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how fast and simple this recipe is—just marinate, air-fry, and serve. The combination of honey and lime gives the chicken a sweet, tangy flavor, while the Italian dressing keeps it moist and tender. I also like how well it fits into busy weeknights since it cooks in just 10 minutes. Whether I serve it with vegetables, rice, or salad, this dish always feels fresh and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb chicken tenderloins
½ cup Italian dressing (zesty variety recommended)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
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In a large bowl, I whisk together Italian dressing, garlic, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
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I add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl, tossing them to coat evenly. I cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to let the flavors soak in.
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I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray.
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I arrange the marinated tenderloins in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
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I cook them for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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I let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to cook, and 20 minutes total (plus marinating time).
Variations
Sometimes I swap lime juice for lemon for a slightly different citrus flavor. For a spicy version, I mix in a bit of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha. When I want a crispy coating, I toss the marinated chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before air-frying. I also like using this same marinade on grilled or oven-baked chicken for variety.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop the tenderloins back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warm and crisp. They can also be microwaved, but the air fryer keeps the texture better.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, I slice the chicken breasts into thin strips so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
I find 30 minutes is enough, but up to 1 hour gives the best flavor. I avoid marinating for longer because the acid in the lime juice can start to break down the meat.
Can I cook these in the oven instead?
Yes, I bake them at 400°F for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What sides go best with this chicken?
I love serving it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad. It’s also great in wraps or over rice bowls.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
Conclusion
Air fryer Cracker Barrel chicken tenderloins are a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that’s easy to make any night of the week. I love how the marinade gives the chicken a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, while the air fryer keeps it tender inside and golden outside. Whether I’m cooking for myself or the whole family, this dish always delivers that perfect home-style taste in just minutes.
Print
Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender, juicy, and flavor-packed! These copycat Cracker Barrel chicken tenderloins are marinated in honey, garlic, lime & Italian dressing, then air-fried to golden perfection in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenderloins
½ cup Italian dressing (zesty variety recommended)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Make Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, garlic, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Marinate Chicken:
Add chicken tenderloins and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 hour).
Preheat Air Fryer:
Set to 400°F and lightly spray basket with olive oil spray.
Cook Chicken:
Place marinated tenderloins in the basket in a single layer.
Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked to 165°F internal temperature.
Rest & Serve:
Let chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot!
Notes
Swap lime juice for lemon for a citrusy twist.
Add cayenne, sriracha, or smoked paprika to the marinade for extra depth.
For a crispier version, coat the chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before air frying.
Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
