Crispy Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this mouthwatering Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken recipe! These succulent chicken tenderloins marinated in zesty Italian dressing, garlic, honey, and lime juice are a delightful blend of tangy and sweet flavors. The magic of this dish lies in the air fryer, delivering that signature restaurant taste without the need for deep frying.

As a food blogger always on the lookout for easy yet delicious recipes, this Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken has become a staple on my weekly menu. The marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavors, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, the convenience of the air fryer ensures a hassle-free cooking experience for busy evenings.

Whether you’re reminiscing about family picnics or looking to recreate that Cracker Barrel charm at home, this recipe has you covered. Serve these tenderloins with a side of honey mustard for dipping or slice them up for a delightful salad topper. Versatile, flavorful, and downright irresistible, this Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken is a must-try for anyone craving a taste of homemade comfort food with a twist!

Table of Contents

Quick Benefits

Quick and easy weeknight dinner option with minimal hands-on time
Versatile recipe that can be adapted with different ingredients for varied flavors
Healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken with the air fryer cooking method
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for convenient meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Recipe

Convenience: Easy weeknight dinner option with minimal hands-on time and simple pantry staples.
Flavorful: Tangy and sweet marinade that brings out the signature restaurant taste without the need for frying.
Versatile: Zesty Italian dressing can be used in various dishes and marinades, making it a pantry staple.
Make-ahead: Perfect for meal prep with the option to marinate and freeze for up to three months.
Healthier alternative: Air frying reduces grease and oil while maintaining a crispy texture.
Family favorite: A recipe that even kids love and ask for regularly after trying it.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with ingredient substitutions like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for variety.
Leftover-friendly: Enjoy cold on salads or reheated gently for a quick, satisfying meal option.
Community favorite: Rave reviews from neighbors and family, making it a hit for gatherings or work lunches.
Comfort food: Homemade taste with reliable results, perfect for satisfying cravings with less effort.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken

Main Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenderloins
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup zesty Italian dressing
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Pro Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken

Pro Tip 1: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 1 hour enhances flavor infusion. This step is crucial for achieving that tangy and sweet signature restaurant taste.

Pro Tip 2: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F to ensure the chicken cooks quickly and develops a golden crust. This high heat will help create a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.

Pro Tip 3: Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be juicy and opaque throughout. This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, minced garlic, honey, lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Coat chicken tenderloins in the marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the basket with olive oil.

Step 4: Air Fry Chicken

Place the marinated tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Take out the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

Storage Tips

Once the Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat and regain crispness, gently warm the chicken in the air fryer at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for three to four minutes. Alternatively, enjoy the chicken cold on top of a green salad. For longer storage, the cooked chicken freezes well. Simply separate layers with wax paper, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

For variations on the recipe, consider using lemon juice if you’re out of lime. You can also swap tenderloins for grilled chicken breast strips, or use apple cider vinegar in the marinade for extra tang (limit to one tablespoon to avoid overpowering the flavor). Leftover chicken makes delicious sandwiches when sliced and added to a soft bun with lettuce and tomato. Whether you’re serving these chicken tenderloins as a main dish, in sandwiches, or on salads, they provide a versatile and tasty meal option that can be enjoyed in various ways throughout the week.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make substitutions for the ingredients in this Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken recipe, you have some options. If you don’t have zesty Italian dressing on hand, you can use a vinaigrette or your favorite marinade to create a different flavor profile for your chicken. You can also try different types of dressings, such as ranch or balsamic, for a unique twist.

If you are out of lime juice, feel free to substitute it with lemon juice. The citrusy flavor will still provide a nice tanginess to the marinade. Additionally, if you cannot find chicken tenderloins, you can swap them out for grilled chicken breast strips, which work just as well. Another option is to use turkey breast cutlets as a substitute for the chicken tenderloins, which can provide a delicious alternative flavor for this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with this Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken, try turning it into a deconstructed salad bowl. Slice the cooked chicken tenderloins and arrange them on a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. Drizzle with a honey-lime dressing made with a mix of honey, lime juice, and a touch of olive oil. The combination of the tangy chicken and the fresh salad components will make for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Another idea is to serve the Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken on a platter with a side of homemade honey mustard dipping sauce and a variety of pickled vegetables like carrots, radishes, and red onions. The sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken paired with the crunchy and tangy pickles will create a delicious balance of textures and tastes that will elevate your dining experience.

FAQs for Crispy Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken

Can I use a different type of marinade besides Zesty Italian dressing?

Yes, you can use a vinaigrette or your favorite marinade for a different flavor profile.

Why is it important to preheat the air fryer to 400°F?

Preheating the air fryer to 400°F ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and develops a golden crust.

How long should I marinate the chicken for?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 1 hour enhances flavor infusion.

Do I need to flip the chicken tenderloins during cooking?

Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking helps both sides achieve an even, crispy texture.

Conclusion

As you embark on your culinary journey to recreate the beloved Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken at home, remember that the heart of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests with a flavorful dish, this recipe has got you covered. Let the zesty Italian dressing marinade work its magic, infusing your chicken with just the right balance of tanginess and sweetness reminiscent of those nostalgic family gatherings.

So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to savor every crispy, juicy bite of this Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh off the air fryer tray or incorporating leftovers into a delicious sandwich or salad, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Embrace the ease and flexibility of this dish, and let its comforting flavors bring warmth to your table time and time again. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the inviting aroma of homemade goodness!

Crispy Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken

“Juicy, savory Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken with a zesty Italian dressing marinade for a quick, delicious dinner that echoes the flavors of your favorite restaurant.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 min

Cook Time10 min

Total Time20 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 servings of chicken tenderloins)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenderloins
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup zesty Italian dressing
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, minced garlic, honey, lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken tenderloins in the marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the basket with olive oil.
Air Fry Chicken: Place the marinated tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest and Serve: Take out the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.