Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders: Is It Possible?

Cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. It's a convenient option for those busy days when you need a simple and delicious dish. The key to achieving crispy chicken tenders is to preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, usually 360°F or higher. You can cook frozen chicken tenders straight from the freezer, with no need to defrost them first. Simply place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook for around 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The result is juicy, tender chicken tenders with a crunchy texture.

How long to cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer.

To cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer, first, rinse the chicken tenders under cold running water to wash off any ice. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Then, lightly spray the chicken tenders with avocado or another cooking oil and season with salt and pepper, or a seasoning blend of your choice. You can also drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders and toss to coat them completely before sprinkling with your chosen seasonings.

Next, place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. If you need to, cook them in batches. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and cook the tenders for 15 minutes. Then, turn the chicken tenders over and continue cooking for about 8 more minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink in the centre, the juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of the tenders reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is recommended to check on your food to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to get the tenders crunchy without drying them out

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer. Here are some tips to get them crunchy without drying them out:

Use the right temperature and timing:

• It is recommended to cook frozen chicken tenders at 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 15 minutes.
• Then, turn the tenders over and continue cooking for about 8 more minutes, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
• You can also try cooking at a lower temperature for a longer time, such as 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Brine the chicken:

• Brining the chicken before cooking will help keep it moist and juicy. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 2 cups of room-temperature water and let the chicken sit in this solution for 15 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature, or up to 6 hours in the fridge.
• Rinse the chicken with fresh water and pat it dry before cooking.

Use oil:

• Lightly spraying or drizzling oil on the chicken tenders before air frying will help the breadcrumbs stick and create a crispy texture.
• You can use olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.

Bread the chicken:

• For a crispy texture, bread the chicken tenders with seasoned dried breadcrumbs. Mix the breadcrumbs with seasonings like chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
• Make sure the chicken is well-coated, with no excess breadcrumbs.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer:

Make sure there is enough space for air to circulate around the chicken tenders. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Flip the chicken:

To ensure even cooking, flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking process.

Check the internal temperature:

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Reheat in the oven:

If you have leftovers, it is recommended to reheat them in the oven rather than the air fryer to prevent drying out the tenders. Reheat at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes.

How to reheat chicken tenders in an air fryer

Preparation

Before you begin, check the condition of your chicken tenders. Ideally, they should be consumed within 3-4 days of being cooked. If they appear too dry, spray them with water or oil. Breaded chicken tenders will reheat differently from non-breaded ones, so bear this in mind.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F (somewhere between 180°C and 190°C). Preheat for 3-5 minutes.

Reheating the Chicken Tenders

Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil for an extra crispy finish. Set the air fryer to reheat for 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the tenders. Halfway through, shake the basket or flip the tenders. After the initial cooking period, check the tenders. If they need more time, continue to reheat in 1-2 minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the basket. Ensure enough space between the tenders for air to circulate.
• Adjust temperature and time as needed. Different air fryer models and chicken tender sizes may require slight adjustments.
• Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Add flavour by seasoning the tenders with your favourite spices or herbs before reheating.
• Don't skip preheating.
• Don't overheat. Reheating at too high a temperature can dry out the chicken.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. A few tenders at a time will ensure even reheating. Reheat in batches if necessary.
• Shake the basket or flip the tenders halfway through to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

How to cook frozen chicken tenders and fries together in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders and fries together in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Frozen chicken tenders
• Avocado oil or olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Crinkle-cut French fries

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Instructions:

• Rinse the chicken tenders under cold running water to wash off any ice.
• Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
• Lightly spray or drizzle the chicken tenders with avocado oil or olive oil.
• Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
• Pour avocado oil over the French fries and sprinkle with salt.
• Transfer the chicken tenders and fries to the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Check if the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer. If not, continue cooking in 2-minute intervals until done.
• Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the air fryer basket and serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Note: Some recipes suggest brining the chicken tenders in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes to overnight before cooking to keep them juicy. You can also bread the chicken tenders before air-frying for a crispy coating.

What temperature to cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer. It is a simple and quick way to cook chicken tenders, and they will come out crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer. Firstly, make sure to preheat the air fryer before putting the tenders in. Secondly, do not thaw the chicken tenders; keep them frozen until you are ready to cook them. Thirdly, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer, without stacking them, so they cook evenly. Finally, shake the basket or turn the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

The cooking time and temperature for frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer may vary depending on the model and wattage of your air fryer. However, a general guideline is to cook the tenders at around 360-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes, turning them over or shaking the basket halfway through. For example, one source recommends cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket at the 5- or 6-minute mark. Another source suggests cooking at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, turning the tenders over, and then cooking for an additional 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

It is important to ensure that the chicken tenders are cooked to a safe internal temperature. The general guideline is that the chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a digital meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Frequently asked questions