Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. They're a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders, as they require very little oil. You can also make a large batch and store them in the refrigerator or freezer to be cooked whenever you need them.

How to prepare chicken tenders for the air fryer

Chicken tenders are a great, quick meal to make in your air fryer. They are easy to prepare and only take around 10-15 minutes to cook. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare chicken tenders for your air fryer.

Ingredients and Preparation

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• Chicken tenders or tenderloins (or you can cut up boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips)
• Oil (a neutral-flavoured oil such as olive, avocado, canola or vegetable oil)
• Breadcrumbs (a combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs works well)
• Eggs
• Flour (all-purpose flour is best)
• Spices and seasonings (e.g. smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper)

Brining (Optional)

Some recipes suggest brining your chicken tenders first, to make them extra juicy. To brine your chicken, mix together water, salt and sugar in a large bowl until dissolved. Submerge the chicken tenders in the water and leave to brine for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for the best results.

Seasoning the Chicken

If you are not brining your chicken, simply season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper, or your choice of spices.

Preparing the Breading

Beat a couple of eggs in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together your breadcrumbs and chosen spices.

Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking tray or large dish.

Cooking the Chicken Tenders

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. Place the chicken tenders into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray or oil, then cook for around 5-8 minutes. Flip the tenders over, spray the other side with oil or cooking spray, and cook for another 4-8 minutes, until the breading is golden and crispy.

Serving

Your chicken tenders are now ready to serve! They go well with a variety of sides, such as French fries, sweet potato fries, roasted broccoli, or a simple salad. Enjoy!

How long to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer

How Long to Cook Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer

Chicken tenders are a great, quick meal to make in an air fryer, and there are a few different ways to do it depending on your preferences.

Breaded Chicken Tenders

Firstly, if you are using a breading, you will need to dredge the chicken tenders in flour, dip them in beaten egg, and then dip them in the flour again. You can also add breadcrumbs to the second flour coating to make the tenders extra crispy. Spray the tenders with oil and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket.

Cooking times for breaded chicken tenders vary depending on the source, but most agree that you should cook the tenders for 5-6 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. One source suggests cooking the tenders for 8 minutes on the first side, then 4-6 minutes on the other side, for a total cooking time of 12-14 minutes.

Unbreaded Chicken Tenders

If you are not using a breading, you will need to pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then place them in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat. Add your chosen seasonings to the chicken tenders and toss again to coat.

Place the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Tips

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken tenders.
• If you are using a meat thermometer, ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
• If you are cooking frozen chicken tenders, increase the cooking time by 2-4 minutes.
• If you are brining your chicken, ensure you pat the tenders dry before adding any further seasoning or breading.
• To prevent soggy chicken tenders, ensure you are patting the chicken dry and using enough oil spray to cover the breading before air frying.
• If you are using breadcrumbs, press the breadcrumbs into the chicken firmly so that the breading doesn't fall off during cooking.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the model and power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on your tenders to ensure they don't overcook.

How to serve chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways and paired with numerous side dishes. Here are some ideas on how to serve chicken tenders:

Dips and Sauces:

Chicken tenders can be served with a variety of dips and sauces on the side for an added flavour boost. Some popular options include ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, and sweet and sour sauce. You can also get creative and make your own special sauce to impress your guests.

Classic Sides:

Chicken tenders go well with classic side dishes such as French fries, sweet potato fries, potato wedges, and coleslaw. These sides offer a familiar and comforting taste that pairs well with the juicy tenders.

Vegetable Sides:

For a healthier option, serve chicken tenders with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Some vegetable sides that complement chicken tenders include roasted green beans with bacon, zucchini pasta, cucumber salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, and glazed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and celery.

Starch Sides:

Chicken tenders can be served with starchy sides such as mac and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread. These options provide a filling and satisfying element to the meal.

Salads:

For a lighter option, pair chicken tenders with a refreshing salad. Some salad ideas include a crunchy Asian chicken salad, a chickpea salad with fresh veggies and herbs, or a simple pasta salad with vinaigrette dressing.

Creative Sides:

If you want to get creative, try serving chicken tenders with onion rings, zucchini chips, or fried pickles. These sides offer a unique flavour and texture contrast that will elevate your meal.

Comfort Food Combos:

Chicken tenders can also be served as part of a comforting meal, such as chicken and waffles, or chicken and dumplings.

Dessert:

And let's not forget dessert! A classic peach cobbler is a perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.

Remember, you can adjust and customise the sides based on your preferences and the occasion. Get creative, and don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours and combinations!

How to store chicken tenders

Storing chicken tenders is a simple process, but it's important to do it properly to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of your food. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store chicken tenders:

Storing Cooked Chicken Tenders:

If you have cooked chicken tenders that you want to store, follow these steps:

• Cooling: Allow the cooked chicken tenders to cool down to room temperature. This should take around 30-45 minutes. Do not leave them at room temperature for longer than two hours, as bacteria can start to grow.
• Container: Place the cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container. Make sure the container is suitable for refrigerator storage and that it seals properly.
• Labelling: Label the container with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long the chicken tenders have been stored.
• Refrigeration: Place the container in the refrigerator, making sure to maintain a temperature of 40°F (or less). Consume the chicken tenders within 2-3 days.

Storing Uncooked Chicken Tenders:

If you have uncooked chicken tenders that you want to store, follow these steps:

• Freezing: Place the uncooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet or plate in a single layer and put them in the freezer. Freeze them until they are solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This method helps to prevent the tenders from freezing together in a large chunk.
• Storage: Store the frozen chicken tenders in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label the freezer bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
• Thawing: When you're ready to cook the chicken tenders, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook them directly from frozen, but be sure to add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

General Tips for Storing Chicken Tenders:

• Food Safety: Always practice good food safety habits when handling and storing chicken. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken, and clean all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with it.
• Temperature Control: Maintain the correct refrigerator and freezer temperatures to ensure the safety and quality of your stored chicken tenders. The refrigerator should be set to 40°F (or less), and the freezer should be set to 0°F or below.
• Leftovers: If you have leftover cooked chicken tenders, store them in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Do not leave them at room temperature for longer than two hours.

How to reheat chicken tenders

Reheating chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy leftovers. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your chicken tenders come out perfectly crispy and delicious:

Preparing the Chicken Tenders:

Before reheating, assess the condition of your chicken tenders. Ensure they are not too dry, spraying them with water or oil if necessary. Also, check that they have not been in the fridge for too long, ideally consuming them within 3-4 days of cooking.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (190°C). This temperature range will crisp up the exterior without overcooking the interior. Allow the air fryer to preheat for 3-5 minutes.

Reheating the Chicken Tenders:

Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Lightly spray them with cooking oil for added crispiness if desired. Set the timer for 4-5 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the tenders halfway through to ensure even heating. After the initial 4-5 minutes, check the tenders, and continue reheating in 1-2 minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to prevent steaming and sogginess.
• Adjust the temperature and time as needed, depending on your air fryer model and tender size.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the tenders are thoroughly heated, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Season the tenders with herbs or spices before reheating for a flavor boost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Always preheat the air fryer to avoid uneven cooking.
• Stick to the recommended temperature range to prevent drying out the chicken.
• Reheat in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Shake the basket or flip the tenders halfway through to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy your reheated chicken tenders as they are, or pair them with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo. You can also slice them up for a salad, make sandwiches or wraps, or create chicken tender tacos with your choice of toppings.

Frequently asked questions