Making Chicken Strips In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying chicken strips, requiring far less oil and resulting in a healthier dish. You can use chicken tenderloins or cut up chicken breasts into strips. The strips are seasoned and coated in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs before being air-fried for 10-15 minutes. The end result is a crispy, juicy, and tasty dish that can be served with a variety of sauces and sides.

How long to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer

Yes, you can definitely make chicken strips in an air fryer!

The cooking time for chicken tenders in an air fryer will depend on the specific recipe you are following, and the type of air fryer you are using. Here are some general guidelines:

If you are cooking breaded chicken tenders, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). You can then cook the chicken tenders for around 5 to 6 minutes on each side, turning halfway, until they are golden and crispy. This should take around 10 to 12 minutes in total.

If you are cooking unbreaded chicken tenders, you can follow a similar process. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

It's important to ensure that your chicken tenders are cooked through before serving. You can check this by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the centre of the thickest part of the chicken tender. The internal temperature should have reached 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Some recipes suggest cooking chicken tenders at a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for an additional 4-6 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.

Tips for cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer:

• Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray to ensure even cooking. If needed, cook them in batches.
• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken tenders to help achieve a crispy exterior.
• If you are breading your chicken tenders, use a light coating of oil or cooking spray to help the breading crisp up.
• If you have time, try brining your chicken tenders before cooking to keep them juicy and flavourful.

How to make chicken tenders from scratch

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders or chicken tenderloins (you can also cut chicken breasts into strips)
• Olive oil or a neutral oil spray (e.g. avocado oil)
• Breadcrumbs (a combination of Panko and regular breadcrumbs is recommended)
• Spices (e.g. salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper)
• Eggs
• Flour (all-purpose or plain)

Optional Ingredients

• Dipping sauces (e.g. ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup)
• Sides (e.g. roasted broccoli, French fries, mac and cheese, salad)

Method

• Brine the chicken (optional): Mix water, salt, and sugar in a bowl, then submerge the chicken tenders and leave to brine for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This will make the chicken juicier and allow for a crispier exterior.
• Prepare the seasoning: Mix your chosen spices in a small bowl.
• Make the wet batter: In a separate bowl, mix eggs, flour, and some of the seasoning. The consistency should be slightly looser than pancake batter.
• Season the breadcrumbs: Add the remaining seasoning to a tray of breadcrumbs and mix.
• Dredge the chicken: Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry. Dip the tenders in the egg mixture, then coat them in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Spray the tops with oil.
• Air fry: Place the tenders in the air fryer in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 8 minutes. Flip the tenders, spray with more oil, and cook for another 4-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Serve: Chicken tenders go well with a variety of dipping sauces and sides.

Tips

• Use enough oil to cover the chicken to prevent soggy tenders.
• Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken firmly to ensure the breading doesn't fall off during cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary.
• Always preheat the air fryer before cooking.
• Adjust the seasonings and spices to your preference.
• Don't forget to flip the tenders during cooking!

How to store leftover chicken tenders

It's great to cook a large batch of chicken tenders and store the leftovers for another day. Here are some tips on how to store leftover chicken tenders:

Refrigerating Chicken Tenders

Place the cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and heat the tenders for 4-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Freezing Chicken Tenders

If you have a large batch of uncooked chicken tenders, you can freeze them for later use. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook them, follow the same air fryer instructions, adding 2-4 minutes of extra cooking time after the first flip. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

Storing Tips

• To prevent soggy chicken tenders, ensure that you pat them dry before storing and use enough oil spray to cover all parts of the breading.
• If you're short on time, you can sprinkle the chicken with a 2:1 ratio of salt and sugar to enhance the flavour and moisture.
• For cooked chicken tenders, it is best to consume them within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and taste.

How to freeze chicken tenders

Freezing chicken tenders is a great way to meal prep and ensure you always have a tasty treat on hand. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze chicken tenders:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Before freezing, you can choose to cook or bread your chicken tenders, or freeze them raw. If you are breading the chicken, set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Season the chicken and dredge it in flour, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Freeze the Chicken Tenders

Place the chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate in a single layer. This prevents the tenders from freezing together and helps the breading stick. Freeze for 2-4 hours or until solid.

Step 3: Package and Store

Once the chicken tenders are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Label the package with the date and store the tenders in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Cooking Instructions:

When you're ready to enjoy your chicken tenders, preheat your oven or air fryer. You can cook the tenders directly from frozen. For the oven, place the tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray or oil, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. For the air fryer, preheat to 390°F, spray the basket with non-stick spray, and cook for 12-14 minutes, checking around the 10-minute mark. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Now you can enjoy delicious, crispy chicken tenders straight from your freezer any time you want!

What to serve with chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are a classic, family-friendly meal, and there are plenty of side dishes that can accompany them. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great option, and you can choose from a variety like zucchini, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, carrots, and potatoes. You can also try air fryer veggies, which are hot, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. If you're looking for something more exotic, try blistered Shishito peppers, which are lightly seasoned and slightly smoky.

Salads

Salads can be a refreshing side dish to pair with chicken tenders. Try a tomato cucumber salad, arugula salad, or a shaved Brussels sprout salad. For a tropical twist, you can make a Hawaiian coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds, and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette.

Potatoes

Potato-based sides are always a crowd-pleaser. You can make oven-roasted potato wedges, crispy accordion potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes. For a fun twist, try air fryer shoestring fries or crispy oven-baked fries.

Pasta

Pasta salads are also a great option to pair with chicken tenders. Try a summer vegetable pasta salad with zucchini, summer squash, bell peppers, tomatoes, and corn. Or, for something more filling, try a creamy stovetop mac and cheese or an orzo dish with peas and parmesan.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken tenders are often served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ketchup. You can also get creative and make your own sauces, like a sweet and spicy Korean sauce or a honey mustard sauce.

Other Sides

Some other unique sides to try are baked zucchini sticks, homemade potato chips, or a dill pickle pasta salad.

With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect side dish to accompany your chicken tenders!

Frequently asked questions