Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Safe To Fry Raw?

Yes, you can cook raw chicken tenders in an air fryer. It is a simple process that can be done in a variety of ways. The cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, as well as your personal preferences for seasoning and breading.

Cooking times and temperatures for raw chicken tenders in an air fryer

Cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The cooking time and temperature for raw chicken tenders in an air fryer can vary depending on the model and power of the air fryer, as well as the thickness of the chicken tenders. However, here is a general guide to help you get started.

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. This helps the outside of the chicken get crispy while keeping the inside juicy. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the chicken tenders by patting them dry with paper towels and then placing them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the chicken tenders with olive oil or avocado oil and toss to coat completely. You can also add a quick marinade or a blend of seasonings at this stage.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the chicken tenders. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray the top side of the chicken tenders with a neutral oil spray or cooking spray and then place them in the air fryer with the sprayed side facing down. Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F for 8 minutes.

After 8 minutes, flip the chicken tenders and spray the other side with oil or cooking spray. Air fry the chicken tenders again at 400°F for another 4-6 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your chicken tenders. The total cooking time for raw chicken tenders in an air fryer is typically around 12-14 minutes. However, it is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken tenders reaches 165°F to make sure they are cooked safely. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

If you are cooking frozen chicken tenders, the cooking time may be longer. It is recommended to thaw frozen chicken tenders before cooking, and then follow the same cooking instructions as for fresh chicken tenders, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time. For example, you can cook frozen chicken tenders at 390°F for 12 minutes, rotating them once in the middle of the cook time.

How to get the tenders crispy

Yes, you can cook raw chicken tenders in an air fryer. To get them crispy, there are a few steps to follow. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). You can also preheat to 390°F (200°C) if you prefer. This is an important step as it helps the outside of the chicken get crispy without overcooking the meat.

Next, prepare your chicken. You can either bread the chicken tenders with seasoned flour or dried breadcrumbs, or go for an unbreaded option. If you choose to bread the chicken, you can use the traditional egg and flour method, or you can use breadcrumbs. Drizzle oil over the chicken to help the breadcrumbs stick and create a crispy texture. Make sure the chicken is well-coated and there are no bald spots. If you opt for the unbreaded version, pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then place them in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil or another oil of your choice.

Now, mix your seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like white pepper, dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, cumin, and mustard powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken tenders.

Once your chicken is prepared, place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the top side of the tenders with a neutral oil spray, then place the sprayed side down in the basket. Spray the other side of the tenders with oil.

Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F for 8 minutes. Then, flip the tenders and air fry again at the same temperature for another 4-6 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the tenders to ensure they don't overcook.

Finally, let the chicken rest on a plate for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy chicken tenders!

Marinades and seasonings

One popular marinade for chicken tenders involves a combination of oil, white vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The vinegar acts as a tenderizer, breaking down the meat fibres to create a softer texture. This marinade only requires 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator, making it a quick and convenient option. However, it's important not to exceed a 12-hour marination to prevent over-tenderizing, which can result in a mushy texture.

Another simple yet effective marinade includes avocado or olive oil as the base, along with white vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. This blend of spices can be customized to your preference, with options like white pepper, dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, cumin, and mustard powder.

When it comes to seasonings, you can opt for a blend of fried chicken seasoning and an all-purpose seasoning, or get creative and mix your own. Some common ingredients used in seasoning blends include garlic powder, "Y'all Purpose" seasoning, parmesan cheese, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These seasonings can be mixed with breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.

Additionally, you can experiment with different sauces, dressings, or specific chicken marinades to create unique flavours. For a low-carb option, serve your chicken tenders with a dipping sauce such as buffalo sauce.

Breading and coating the chicken

Prepare the Chicken:

Start by slicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips or cutlets. The thinner the strips, the quicker the chicken will cook in the air fryer. You can also use chicken breasts cut into strips or tenders. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, as removing excess moisture will help the breading stick better.

Drizzle with Oil:

Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with oil—olive oil, vegetable oil, or corn oil. Toss the chicken to ensure each piece is well coated with oil. This step is important as it helps the breading adhere to the chicken and creates a crispy texture.

Prepare the Breading:

In a separate shallow dish, prepare the breading mixture. Combine dried breadcrumbs with your desired seasonings. You can use traditional breadcrumbs or fine breadcrumbs (not coarse panko) for better coating. For seasonings, you can keep it simple with oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or add more spices like chili powder, onion powder, black pepper, or dried parsley. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour. Mix the breadcrumbs and seasonings until they are well combined.

Coat the Chicken:

Now, it's time to coat the chicken pieces with the breading mixture. You can use the traditional method of dredging the chicken in flour, dipping it in beaten egg, and then coating it with breadcrumbs. This creates a thicker breading layer. Alternatively, you can simply dip the chicken in seasoned flour and then directly into the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken with your hands to ensure an even and secure coating. Shake off any excess breading, so there are no loose crumbs.

Spray with Oil:

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, spray each piece lightly with cooking spray or oil. This step helps to hydrate the breading and ensures it crisps up nicely during cooking. It also promotes even browning and enhances the flavour.

What to serve with air-fried chicken tenders

Air-fried chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetables

If you're looking for something simple and healthy, roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, green beans, or broccoli can be a great option. You can also try something like a Korean Broccoli Salad or Roasted Green Beans with Bacon for a more substantial side dish. Frozen vegetables are also an option if you're short on time.

Starchy Sides

For a more filling option, consider serving your chicken tenders with French fries, tater tots, sweet potato fries, or onion rings. These options are especially great for kids, who can dip them in ketchup or ranch dressing.

Salads

If you want to keep things light and fresh, a salad can be a perfect side dish. Try a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad or a simple garden salad with vegetables of your choice. You can also add some diced chicken tenders on top of your salad for extra protein.

Pasta

Heartier options like pasta dishes can also be a great pairing with air-fried chicken tenders. Try something like a Hawaiian Macaroni Salad or Baked Mac and Cheese for a comforting and delicious meal.

Sauces

Don't forget the dipping sauces! Some popular options include BBQ sauce, honey sriracha sauce, ketchup, ranch dressing, or a sweet and spicy sauce. You can also get creative and make your own sauce, like a honey mustard sauce or a special blend of seasonings.

Remember, the beauty of air-fried chicken tenders is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with different sides and sauces to find your perfect combination. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions