Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Copycat Grilled Chicken Tenderloins
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I still remember the first time I made these grilled-style chicken tenderloins in my air fryer — the honey-lime char, the quick marinade, and the way they crisped up without a full grill made them an instant weeknight staple. This Cracker Barrel copycat version is fast, family-friendly, and perfect when you want grilled flavor without firing up the grill. If you enjoy air fryer copycat recipes, you might also like my take on an air fryer copycat KFC chicken for another crowd-pleasing option.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe hits a sweet-savory sweet spot with honey and lime, plus simple pantry spices. It’s ideal for busy nights because the marinade is forgiving, the cook time is under 10 minutes in the air fryer, and the tenderloins stay juicy when you don’t overcook them. It’s kid-approved, easy to double for a crowd, and light enough for salads or hearty enough for a plate with mashed potatoes.
“So quick and flavorful — tastes like it was grilled, but I didn’t need to mess with charcoal or smoke.” — a tried-and-true weeknight reviewer
How this recipe comes together
Before you start: you’ll whisk a bright honey-lime Italian marinade, let the tenderloins soak briefly, then air-fry at high heat until they’re browned and cooked through. Expect three big steps: marinate (30–240 minutes), preheat and air-fry (8–10 minutes), rest and serve (a few minutes). This short timeline makes it a reliable go-to for last-minute meals.
Gather these items
What you’ll need:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing (use a bottled Dressing or make your own)
- 1 tablespoon honey (substitute maple syrup if needed)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh is best for brightness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Note: If you want a complete Cracker Barrel-style plate, pair these with a copycat side like Cracker Barrel broccoli cheddar chicken, which complements the honey-lime glaze nicely.
Step-by-step instructions
- Whisk the marinade. In a bowl, combine the Italian dressing, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken. Place the tenderloins in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer. Heat to 400°F (200°C) while the chicken rests.
- Arrange the tenderloins. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket — don’t overcrowd.
- Cook until done. Air-fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exterior should be lightly charred and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve. Remove the tenderloins and let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to keep juices locked in.
Best ways to enjoy it
These tenderloins are versatile. Try them:
- On a plate with mashed potatoes, green beans, and biscuits for a Cracker Barrel vibe.
- Sliced over mixed greens with extra lime for a bright salad.
- In warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of ranch for quick tacos.
- As a kid-friendly option with mac and cheese and steamed carrots.
A quick garnish of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of extra lime elevates the presentation.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked tenderloins for up to 3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep moist.
- Food safety: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when reheating. Discard any perishable food left out more than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F).
Pro chef tips
- Pat the tenderloins dry before marinating if they’re very wet — the marinade will adhere better.
- Don’t over-marinate. Acidic marinades (lime juice) can firm up the surface if left too long; 30 minutes to 4 hours is ideal.
- Single layer is critical in the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed to get even browning.
- Use an instant-read thermometer. Visual cues can be misleading; aim for 165°F (74°C) internal.
- Want grill marks? After air frying, briefly sear the tenderloins on a hot grill pan for 30–60 seconds per side.
For another quick air fryer main, try this speedy 20-minute Asian air fryer sesame chicken when you need variety.
Creative twists
- Honey-chipotle: Swap 1 tablespoon honey for chipotle honey or add 1 teaspoon chipotle powder for smoky heat.
- Herb-forward: Use a basil or oregano vinaigrette instead of Italian dressing for a fresher herb profile.
- Gluten-free: Confirm your Italian dressing is gluten-free or make a simple oil-vinegar-herb mix.
- Crispy crust: Toss tenderloins in a thin layer of panko just before air-frying for extra crunch.
- Low-sodium: Reduce salt to 1/4 teaspoon and use low-sodium dressing.
Your questions answered
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: At least 30 minutes for flavor. Up to 4 hours is fine; beyond that the lime can start to change the texture.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
A: Yes. Slice breasts into even strips and increase cook time to about 10–12 minutes, checking for 165°F internal temperature.
Q: Is an air fryer necessary?
A: No — you can broil or grill them. Broil 4–6 inches from the element for 6–8 minutes per side, or grill over medium-high heat 3–4 minutes per side.
Q: Are these spicy?
A: Not by default. The flavor leans sweet-tangy. Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want heat.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Cook and keep warm in a low oven (200°F) for short periods, or cook, chill, and reheat in the air fryer before serving.
Conclusion
If you want a fast, flavorful weeknight recipe that mimics Cracker Barrel’s grilled tenderloins without hauling out the grill, this air fryer version delivers. For a similar copycat take with readable step-by-step guidance, check this Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins – Love Bakes Good Cakes post for another perspective. If you’re hunting alternate copycat renditions, this Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders (Copycat Recipe!) write-up is a close match. For a honey-lime spin on the same flavor profile, this Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders – Plain Chicken page is a helpful reference.
Honey-Lime Chicken Tenderloins
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the Italian dressing, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Place the tenderloins in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while the chicken rests.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket; do not overcrowd.
- Air-fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exterior should be lightly charred and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the tenderloins and let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
