The inspiration for these air fryer chicken tenders came from my 21 day no sugar challenge. The whole idea started with the marinade. I often use a similar marinade recipe, but it contains honey which was off limits for the challenge. Therefore, I needed to tweak that recipe a little. To say I am pleased with the tweaking is an understatement! It is delish!
The Ingredients
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this marinade. Grab some chicken tenders and have yourself a super quick and versatile protein to grab for any meal! The marinade is a mixture of ingredients you likely keep on hand. The ingredients you will need for the marinade are apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, oranges, limes, minced garlic, and cilantro. I use dried cilantro for convenience, but you can certainly use fresh cilantro. Avocado oil is my favorite cooking oil, but could also use extra virgin olive oil, or another oil you have on hand.
It is crazy how so few, basic ingredients can provide SO. MUCH. FLAVOR.
Watch Me Make It
After you combine the ingredients for the marinade, pour it into a ziploc bag with your chicken. This recipe makes plenty of marinade for up to 2 pounds of chicken. After you combine the chicken and the marinade in the ziploc bag, secure it, and refrigerate until you are ready to cook. I usually try to let it marinate for at least two hours, but you can also refrigerate overnight.
How to Cook Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
When you are ready to cook your chicken, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. I let mine preheat for 2-3 minutes. Cook the tenderloins for 10 minutes at 400 degrees.
These air fryer chicken tenders are perfect to keep on hand throughout the week to toss on salads, in wraps, throw into soups, or just enjoy alone with a good dip! Keeping ready to grab proteins on hand throughout the week is one thing that helps to keep me on track, as well as simplify my busy weeks!
If you need another recipe for another option for a quick protein grab, check out these protein packed turkey sausage egg muffins!
When you give these chicken tenders a try, leave me a comment below, rate them, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @lisa.m.coop! I would love to see you enjoying them!
Print
Air Fryer Citrus Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
These simple chicken tenders will create a burst of flavor in your everyday meals!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenderloins
- 2 oranges, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Mix all the marinade ingredients together, and whisk until mixed well.
- Pour marinade into gallon sized ziploc bag, place chicken in ziploc bag with marinade and securely close.
- Allow to chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, up to overnight.
- When you are ready to cook the chicken, preheat air fryer to 400 degrees for 2-3 minutes.
- Air fry the tenderloins at 400 degress for 10 minutes, flipping half way through. Enjoy!
Notes
Search "Lisa Coop Air Fryer Citrus Chicken Tenderloins" in My Fitness Pal for macros.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Salad, Snack
- Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 184
- Sodium: 331
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 55
Keywords: air fryer, air fryer chicken, air fryer chicken tenderloins, chicken marinade, chicken tenderloins, citrus chicken tenders, marinade, summer chicken
For more recipes, check out my Simply Tasteful E-Cookbook!