Air Fryer Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken Tenderloins: Quick, Comforting, and So Dang Good

 

Air Fryer Cracker Barrel–Style Chicken Tenderloins

A delicious and easy air fryer version of the beloved Cracker Barrel grilled chicken tenderloins. Marinated in a tangy-sweet blend of Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice, these tenderloins cook up juicy with a perfectly charred exterior — all without the grill!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (includes 30 minutes marinating)

Course: Main
Cuisine: American, Copycat
Servings: 4
Calories: 281 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins

• ¼ cup Italian dressing

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper
  

  Instructions

  1. Mix the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

  2. Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken tenderloins in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.

  3. Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

  4. Arrange the tenderloins. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

  5. Cook. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.

  6. Rest and serve. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

  Notes

  • These tenderloins pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad.

  • For extra caramelization, brush them with a little honey during the last minute of cooking.

  • Leftovers are excellent in wraps or over salads.
    

    Nutrition (per serving)

    Nutrient	Amount
    Calories	281 kcal
    Carbohydrates	5.8 g
    Protein	35.3 g
    Fat	12.3 g
    Saturated Fat	2.5 g
    Trans Fat	0.1 g
    Cholesterol	83 mg
    Sodium	700 mg
    Fiber	0.1 g
    Sugar	5 g

    Nutrition values are estimates based on the listed ingredients and serving count. Actual values vary with brands, cuts, and portion sizes.