Before it goes in the basket
Pull the white tendon if it is still attached — it shrinks as it cooks and curls the whole strip. Dry, light oil, season. If you are breading them, press the crumbs on firmly; loose crumbs end up on the element.
Step by step
- 1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- 2. Single layer. Arrange without crowding — air needs to reach every side.
- 3. Cook 10–12 minutes. Shake the basket or flip at the halfway mark.
- 4. Check doneness. Confirm 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part with a thermometer.
The tip that matters
Remove the white tendon first: pinch it with a paper towel and pull while a fork holds the meat.
Why this temperature
375°F, not 400°F, because a tenderloin is thin and lean. At higher heat the outside is done in six minutes and the strip just dries out waiting.
What usually goes wrong
- Curled into a C shape. The tendon was left in. Remove it next time, or score the strip lightly on the underside.
- Dry after only 10 minutes. These cook fast. Check at 10, not 12 — they are half the thickness of a breast.
- Breading fell off. Not pressed on, or the strip was wet under the crumbs. Dry, then flour, then egg, then crumbs.
Times vary — here's why
Air fryers differ in wattage and basket size, so treat 10–12 minutes as a range, not a promise: check early the first time, then note what your machine needed. Quantity matters too — a full basket can add 2–3 minutes, and anything stacked will steam instead of crisp. Converting your own oven recipe instead? Use our air fryer conversion calculator.
FAQ
How long do you air fry chicken tenderloins?
Air fry chicken tenderloins at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through. Start checking at 10 minutes — models vary.
Do you need to flip chicken tenderloins in the air fryer?
Yes — shake the basket or flip halfway through for even browning.
How do you know when chicken tenderloins are done?
Use a thermometer — the safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
More chicken & poultry
Chicken Leg Quarters · Whole Chicken · Turkey Burgers — or see the full air fryer cooking times chart.