Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
This recipe captures all the comfort-food flavor of Cracker Barrel’s famous chicken tenderloins without the extra oil from frying. The air fryer delivers a tender, juicy inside with a lightly crisp outside, and the short marinating time makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You can pair these tenderloins with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for a homestyle meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken tenderloins
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Italian dressing
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Honey
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Lime juice
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Salt and black pepper
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Cooking spray or a light brush of oil (for the air fryer basket)
Directions
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In a bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice.
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Add chicken tenderloins to the marinade, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
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Preheat air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
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Arrange marinated chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
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Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Remove and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Serves 4.
Preparation time: 5 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cooking time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes including marinating
Variations
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Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
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Garlic-Lovers’ Version: Mix in minced garlic for extra savory flavor.
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Citrus Swap: Use lemon juice instead of lime for a slightly different tang.
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Herb Boost: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top before serving.
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Glazed Finish: Brush with extra honey during the last minute of cooking for added sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes, or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, until warmed through. These tenderloins also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, just cut them into strips for faster cooking.
Can I skip marinating?
Marinating is key for flavor, but even 15 minutes will make a difference.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps ensure even cooking and a nice sear.
Can I cook these from frozen?
It’s best to thaw first, but you can cook from frozen by adding 3–4 extra minutes.
Can I bake these instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes.
What dipping sauces work well?
Honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce are great options.
How do I keep them from drying out?
Avoid overcooking—check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Are they gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the Italian dressing you use is gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
Can I make them ahead?
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for easy cooking later.
Conclusion
Air fryer Cracker Barrel chicken tenderloins are a quick, flavorful, and healthier way to enjoy a beloved restaurant dish at home. With their sweet and tangy marinade, juicy texture, and minimal cooking time, they’re perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food without the fuss. Once you try them, they might just become a weekly staple.
Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins
Tender, juicy chicken tenderloins marinated in a sweet and tangy mix, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer — inspired by Cracker Barrel’s famous recipe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix Italian dressing, honey, and lemon juice.
- Add chicken tenderloins, coat well, and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Place chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.
Notes
- For extra caramelization, brush chicken with leftover marinade halfway through cooking (discard any marinade that touched raw chicken).
- Works great with chicken breasts cut into strips.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or green beans for a Cracker Barrel–style meal.