Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins Recipe

I recently recreated Cracker Barrel Chicken using an air fryer twist. The chicken tenderloins soak in buttermilk and blend perfectly with garlic powder, paprika, and other spices. Every bite offers a delightful mix of juicy flavor and crisp texture that will leave you curious for more details about this unique recipe.

I’ve been experimenting with my air fryer and came up with this take on Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins that i’m excited to share. This recipe recreates the classic flavor using simple ingredients like 1 lb chicken tenderloins marinated in 1 cup buttermilk and a beaten egg.

I mix in 1 cup all-purpose flour along with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika, plus a little kick of 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper if you like spice. Spraying a bit of cooking spray helps to get that crispy texture without deep frying.

The air fryer makes the chicken super moist while still giving it a great crunch, making it one of the best chicken tenders recipes i’ve ever tried. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why i call it Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins – it’s simply yum!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the chicken stays super moist from the buttermilk marinade, making every bite really tender and full of flavor. I also really enjoy how the spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and that hint of cayenne blend together—it’s not too spicy but gives it a nice kick. Plus, using the air fryer means I get that crisply satisfying texture without all the fuss of deep-frying, which makes the whole cooking process way easier. Finally, it reminds me of the classic Cracker Barrel chicken, so it feels both comforting and a little bit fancy at the same time.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins: They are lean and protein-rich, great for building muscles and keeping you satisfied.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken while giving a slight sour kick.
• Egg: Helps bind the flour coating, adding extra protein and a rich, mild taste.
• All-purpose flour: Provides a crunchy texture and acts as a simple carbohydrate source in this dish.
• Spices: Including salt, pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, and cayenne offer a warm, savory flavor boost.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Cooking spray

How to Make this

1. Start by marinating the chicken tenderloins in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes so they get extra juicy.

2. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg until well combined.

3. Mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and the cayenne pepper if you want a little kick in another bowl.

4. Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk and dunk it into the beaten egg, then thoroughly coat it in the seasoned flour.

5. Spray your air fryer basket with enough cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

6. Arrange the coated chicken tenderloins in the air fryer in a single layer. Dont overcrowd them or they wont get crispy.

7. Set the air fryer at 400°F and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

8. Check to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F; if not, give it a few extra minutes.

9. Once cooked through, remove the chicken tenderloins and let them rest a minute or two before serving.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, moist Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins!

Equipment Needed

1. A bowl to marinate the chicken in buttermilk
2. A separate bowl to beat the egg
3. Another bowl to mix the flour and spices
4. A whisk for properly beating the egg
5. Measuring cups and spoons for the ingredients
6. An air fryer along with its basket (make sure you have enough space to spread out the chicken)
7. Cooking spray for the air fryer basket
8. Tongs or a spatula for flipping the chicken
9. A meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F

FAQ

Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Buttermilk: Instead of buttermilk, try mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes so it thickens up a bit
• Egg: If you don’t have an egg handy, you can mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let that sit for a few minutes until it gets gelatinous
• All-purpose Flour: You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten free flour blend or even whole wheat flour if you’re looking for a healthier twist
• Cayenne Pepper: If you’re not into the spice or can’t find it, just increase the black pepper a little and add a pinch of red pepper flakes instead

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the chicken for longer if you can. Leaving it in the buttermilk for a couple of extra hours will make it extra juicy and flavorful even though the recipe says 30 minutes.

2. Use freshly ground spices if possible because they really amp up the flavor. Even a little extra garlic or paprika can make a big difference without making it too spicy.

3. Be careful not to pile too many pieces in the air fryer basket. Giving them enough space means they get super crispy on every side, which is what you want.

4. When you flip the chicken halfway through, try to do it carefully so the coating doesn’t fall off. It might be a bit messy but its worth it for the perfect crunch.