I love this recipe because it’s quick, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights. The tenderloins soak up a zesty marinade made with Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice, which gives them a slightly sweet and tangy kick. Cooking them in the air fryer means I get that grilled texture and juicy center without standing over a hot grill. Whether I’m keeping things light with a salad or serving them alongside hearty Southern sides, these tenderloins always feel like comfort food made easy.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound chicken tenderloins
1/4 cup Italian dressing
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
I whisk together the Italian dressing, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
I place the chicken tenderloins in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. I seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—or up to 4 hours when I have more time.
When I’m ready to cook, I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
I remove the chicken from the marinade and place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
I cook them for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re cooked through and nicely browned with grill-like marks.
I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep all the juices inside.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings and takes around 35 minutes total: 5 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of marinating, and 8–10 minutes of cooking. It’s a quick fix for a flavorful dinner with very little cleanup.
Variations
When I’m in the mood for heat, I add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the marinade. For a brighter citrus flavor, I increase the lime juice and toss in a bit of lime zest. If I want a different flavor base, I swap the Italian dressing for balsamic vinaigrette or lemon-herb dressing. And when I’m meal prepping, I marinate the chicken the night before so it’s ready to go the next day.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes until warmed through. The air fryer keeps them juicy and prevents that dreaded rubbery texture you sometimes get from microwaving chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead?
Yes, I can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, but I make sure to cut them into strips for even cooking and adjust the cook time slightly if needed.
Do I need to marinate for the full 4 hours?
Not at all. Even 30 minutes gives the chicken plenty of flavor, but if I have more time, I go for the full 4 hours for a deeper taste.
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes, I grill or pan-sear the tenderloins over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. The air fryer is just faster and cleaner.
Is there a low-sugar version of the marinade?
I can reduce or omit the honey if I’m watching sugar. The Italian dressing and lime juice still give a nice punch of flavor.
What sides go best with this?
I love pairing these with mashed potatoes and green beans for a Southern-style meal, or I go lighter with a crisp garden salad and steamed veggies. Cornbread and coleslaw are great additions too.
Conclusion
These air fryer Cracker Barrel copycat grilled chicken tenderloins are a weeknight lifesaver. Packed with flavor, incredibly juicy, and ready in minutes, they check every box for a quick and comforting homemade meal. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe always delivers.
These juicy, flavorful chicken tenderloins are a spot-on Cracker Barrel copycat, made effortlessly in the air fryer – perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken tenderloins
1/4 cup Italian dressing
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Place tenderloins in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, seal, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Cook Chicken: Remove tenderloins from marinade and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
Boost citrus flavor with extra lime juice and zest.
Try balsamic vinaigrette instead of Italian dressing for a twist.
Marinate overnight for easy next-day cooking.
Great for meal prep — pair with salads, roasted veggies, or rice.
