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Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: March 6, 2020

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The Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders recipe recreates the beloved restaurant favorite with a simple marinade of Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice. After soaking in the flavorful mixture, the chicken tenders are air fried to juicy, golden perfection. It’s a quick, healthy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Grilled chicken tenders cooked in the air fryer, golden brown and juicy, served on a white plate with dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders are one of my favorite ways to prepare chicken breasts or tenders!

Believe it or not, this is one of the most popular items at Cracker Barrels, and now with the air fryer, you can make it in minutes! Saving you both time and money!

This is one of my family favorites, and my kids always get an order to share! Making this is a great copycat version you can make at home! It’s so easy you will not believe it, and you only need a few ingredients!

Some other easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes that you and your family will enjoy are AIR FRYER CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA, AIR FRYER KUNG PAO CHICKEN, LEMON PEPPER AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS, and AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY MUSTARD CHICKEN.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken Tenders or Tenderloins – Juicy, lean cuts of chicken perfect for grilling.
Italian Dressing – Zesty marinade base with herbs and spices.
Honey – Sweet touch that balances the savory flavors.
Lime Juice – Bright citrus flavor to tenderize and refresh.

How To Make Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

Raw chicken tenders in a bowl mixed with Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice, ready to marinate.

Step One: Start by dicing your chicken breast (if you are using a whole breast) into small tenders. Then in a small bowl, place the chicken tenders, Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice, mix well.

Step Two: Place on an air fryer safe tray or in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer temperature for 370 degrees F, air fryer setting. Set cook time for 7-12 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process.

Golden grilled chicken tenders cooked in the air fryer, served hot and juicy on a plate.

Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins Recipe Tips

Marinate for Maximum Flavor – Let the chicken tenderloins marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results. This helps them soak up all the tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and a nice sear on each piece.
Flip Halfway Through – Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time for even browning and juiciness on both sides.
Use a Meat Thermometer – Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Let Rest Before Serving – After air frying, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes to lock in juices and keep it extra tender.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating

Storing: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing: Freeze cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the texture may be softer.

Air fried golden-brown chicken tenderloins served on a plate with dipping sauce, inspired by Cracker Barrel.

What To Serve With Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders pair perfectly with a variety of sides that complement their juicy, flavorful profile. Serve them alongside classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or crispy fries for a hearty meal.

For a lighter option, a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables will balance the richness of the tenders. You can also add a side of cornbread or biscuits for a true Southern-inspired feast!

Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just be sure to cut them into tender-sized strips for even cooking, and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight? Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor even more. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator.

Can I use a different marinade? You can experiment with other marinades, but the Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice combination creates a unique flavor that closely matches Cracker Barrel’s grilled tenders.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The internal temperature should reach 165°F for the chicken to be safely cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Can I make these tenders ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the chicken and marinate it ahead of time. You can also cook them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Can I freeze these chicken tenders? Yes, freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

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