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Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Recipe

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4.3 from 24 reviews

This Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins recipe offers a flavorful, zesty, and healthy way to enjoy tender chicken packed with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of honey. Marinated and quickly cooked in an air fryer, these tenderloins come out juicy and perfectly cooked in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes (depending on marinade time)
  • Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2.5 lbs chicken tenderloins (1104 g)

Marinade

  • ¼ cup lime juice (60 g)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (15 g)
  • 1 Tbsp honey (15 g)
  • ¼ cup minced cilantro (20 g)
  • 5 frozen garlic cubes or equivalent fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Trim the chicken tenderloins of any excess fat or connective tissue, ensuring they are ready for marinating.
  2. Place in resealable bag: Transfer the trimmed tenderloins into a large resealable plastic bag for easy marinating.
  3. Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, honey, minced cilantro, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
  4. Marinate the chicken: Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken in the resealable bag. Seal the bag tightly and massage the marinade into the chicken to coat all pieces evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
  6. Prepare chicken for cooking: Just before cooking, sprinkle the marinated chicken with an additional pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the tenderloins in a single layer inside the basket, avoiding overlap for even cooking.
  7. Air fry the tenderloins: Cook the chicken tenderloins for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway if desired, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
  8. Optional grilling method: Alternatively, grill the tenderloins over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until cooked through.
  9. Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer, let rest briefly, then serve immediately. Leftovers can be repurposed for tacos, salads, wraps, sandwiches, or bowls for convenient meals throughout the week.

Notes

  • Marinating for 2 hours enhances the flavor but 30 minutes is sufficient for a tasty result.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F for safe consumption.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, grilling is a great alternative option provided in the recipe.
  • Spraying the air fryer basket with olive oil helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
  • Leftover chicken is versatile and can be used in various dishes like salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/cilantro-lime-air-fryer-chicken-tenderloins-recipe/