Name: Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup Italian dressing; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 lb chicken tenderloins

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These Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins bring that iconic restaurant flavor home in a healthier, easier way. I marinate tender strips of chicken in a zesty blend of Italian dressing, garlic, honey, and lime juice, then air fry them until they’re golden and juicy. The result? A mouthwatering main dish that’s full of bold flavor and ready in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe captures the savory-sweet tang of Cracker Barrel’s famous tenderloins without deep frying. The air fryer gives the chicken a beautiful golden edge while keeping the inside juicy. The marinade is simple but packs in so much flavor, and the air fryer makes the cooking process fast and mess-free.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup Italian dressing
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 lb chicken tenderloins

Directions

I whisk together the Italian dressing, minced garlic, honey, and lime juice in a bowl or zip-top bag.
I add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. I cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
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 a single layer in the air fryer basket (working in batches if needed).
I cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
I let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. The total time, including marinating, can vary—marinating takes at least 1 hour, but the actual cooking takes only about 10 minutes. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Variations

Sometimes I switch up the marinade by adding a dash of soy sauce for extra umami or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If I don’t have lime, I use lemon juice instead. These tenderloins are also great tossed in BBQ sauce after cooking or served with a creamy ranch dip on the side.

storage/reheating

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 4–5 minutes to keep them crispy. The microwave works too, but the texture is softer.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, I slice the breasts into strips for even cooking and marinate them the same way.

Do I need to spray the air fryer basket?

I usually give it a quick spray with oil to prevent sticking and to help with browning.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely. I cook the marinated tenderloins in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked, or bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 1 hour is ideal, but I’ve let it go overnight for extra flavor. I don’t go over 24 hours to avoid the acid breaking down the texture too much.

What sides go well with this dish?

I like to serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. It also works great in wraps or over rice.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins are a go-to for me when I want something flavorful, fast, and satisfying. The simple marinade brings out so much flavor, and the air fryer delivers perfect results with minimal cleanup. Whether I’m serving them as a main dish or slicing them up for salads and sandwiches, they’re always a hit.