Here’s a delicious, easy Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins recipe — juicy, slightly sweet, and full of that southern-style flavor! 🍗✨
Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenderloins
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together:- Honey
- Italian dressing
- Lime juice
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Marinate the Chicken
- Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the marinated tenderloins in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
- Air fry for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
- Optional Glaze (for extra flavor)
- While the chicken cooks, pour the leftover marinade into a small pan.
- Bring to a boil for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Brush it over the cooked tenderloins for that signature Cracker Barrel shine!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your tenderloins with:
- Mashed potatoes or mac & cheese 🍽️
- Steamed green beans or corn 🌽
- Or simply with dipping sauces (honey mustard or ranch).
Tips
- Don’t overcook — tenderloins cook fast in the air fryer.
- You can substitute olive oil for the dressing if you prefer a lighter taste.
- For a smoky twist, add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to the marinade.
Would you like me to make this into a Pinterest-style recipe post (with SEO title + short intro + hashtags), or do you want a printable PDF version for Etsy/digital use?