Air-Frying Chicken Tenders: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Yes, you can cook chicken tenders in an air fryer. It's an easy and tasty way to cook chicken, and you can even use pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders from the store. To cook chicken tenders in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F, pat the chicken dry, then place them in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Mix your seasonings together in a separate bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How long to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook chicken tenders in an air fryer. If you're using precooked frozen chicken tenders, cook them in a preheated air fryer at 360 degrees for about 12 minutes. If you're using raw chicken tenderloins, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time. Thicker chicken fingers may take a little longer. If you have a smaller air fryer, it's recommended to cook the chicken tenders in two batches of about four at a time.

To prepare the chicken tenders for cooking, pat them dry with paper towels, then place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat completely. Mix your seasonings together in a small bowl, then sprinkle them evenly over the chicken tenders. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes, then flip the chicken tenders over. Spray the tops of the chicken again with cooking spray and air fry for another 6 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer basket and repeat with the second batch of tenders. Let the chicken tenders cool for 3-5 minutes, then serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

How to season chicken tenders for an air fryer

Yes, you can cook chicken tenders in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season chicken tenders for an air fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the chicken tenders with olive oil and toss to coat completely.

Next, mix your choice of seasonings together in a small bowl. You can use any seasonings you like, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the chicken tenders, making sure they are well coated.

Now you are ready to air fry the chicken tenders. Place them in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. About 4 tenders can fit in the air fryer at a time. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.

The chicken tenders are done when they are golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with a meat thermometer. Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried chicken tenders!

How to store cooked chicken tenders

Yes, you can cook chicken tenders in an air fryer. To do so, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat completely. Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken tenders. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. About 4 tenders at a time. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes, then flip the chicken tenders over. Spray the tops of the chicken again with cooking spray and air fry for another 6 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer basket and repeat with the second batch of tenders. Let the chicken tenders cool for 3-5 minutes, then serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

If you have leftovers, you can store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. However, for the best quality, it is recommended to eat the chicken within 4 days of cooking, as this is when it is the most juicy.

What temperature to cook chicken tenders at in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook chicken tenders in an air fryer. To do so, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, ensuring that no pieces overlap. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes, then flip the chicken tenders over. Spray the tops of the chicken again with cooking spray and air fry for another 6 minutes until golden brown. If you are using precooked frozen chicken tenders, cook them at 360°F for about 12 minutes. Thicker chicken tenders may take a little longer.

Chicken tenders should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this by using a meat thermometer. It is important to ensure that chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

If you are cooking a large batch of chicken tenders, you may need to cook them in multiple batches to ensure even cooking. It is recommended to cook about 4 tenders at a time in the air fryer.

When cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer, it is important to follow food safety guidelines and ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving.

How to cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer. Here's how:

First, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While you're waiting for it to heat up, pat the frozen chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat completely. Mix your chosen seasonings together in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken tenders.

Next, place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. About four tenders should fit in the basket at a time. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Air fry for seven minutes, then flip the chicken tenders over. Spray the tops of the chicken again with cooking spray and air fry for another six minutes until golden brown.

Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer basket and repeat with the second batch of tenders. Let the chicken tenders cool for three to five minutes, then serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken tenders in two batches.

Frequently asked questions