1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg. Whisk until well mixed.
- Marinate: Place the chicken tenderloins in the buttermilk mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
- Set Up: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes.
- Flour Mixture: In the first dish, combine the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In the second dish, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Egg Mixture: The third dish will have the buttermilk and egg mixture used for marinating.
3. Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge: Remove the chicken tenderloins from the buttermilk mixture and let the excess drip off.
- Coat with Flour: Dredge each tenderloin in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Dip in Egg Mixture: Dip the floured tenderloin into the egg mixture.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the tenderloin with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook in batches.
- Cook: Spray the chicken tenderloins lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and Dijon mustard until smooth. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to taste.
6. Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Let the chicken tenders cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve warm with the optional honey Dijon dipping sauce or your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Perfection:
- Uniform Sizing: Ensure the chicken tenderloins are of similar size to cook evenly.
- Crispy Texture: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs and ensure the chicken is well coated with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to allow hot air to circulate around each tenderloin for even cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or basil for varied flavor profiles.
- Parmesan Variation: For a cheesy twist, try using flavored breadcrumbs or adding extra Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture.
These Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins offer a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders. The air fryer gives them a crispy texture with less oil, making them a great choice for a satisfying meal. Enjoy them with your favorite sides or dipping sauces for a complete dish!