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
