Reheating Chicken Tenders: Air Fryer Method

If you have leftover chicken tenders, you can reheat them in an air fryer to restore their crispy texture. This method is quicker and healthier than pan-frying or deep-frying, and it's less likely to dry out your chicken. To reheat chicken tenders in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to between 350°F and 375°F. Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure even heating. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil for an extra crispy finish, then reheat for 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the tenders.

How to reheat chicken tenders in an air fryer

Reheating chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy chicken again. This guide will take you through the process step by step.

Preparing Your Chicken Tenders

First, assess the condition of your chicken tenders. Ideally, they should be consumed within three to four days of being cooked and stored in the fridge. If they appear dry, you can spray or brush them with water or oil to add some moisture.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F. Most sources recommend 350°F, but some suggest 360°F or 375°F. Preheat for around three to five minutes.

Reheating Your Chicken Tenders

Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each tender to ensure even heating. You may wish to lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil for an extra crispy finish, but this is optional.

Reheat for around three to seven minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the tenders. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or flip the tenders to ensure even heating.

Check the internal temperature of the tenders with a meat thermometer. They are ready when they reach 165°F. If they have not reached this temperature, continue to reheat in one- to two-minute increments until they are done.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the basket.
• Adjust the temperature and time as needed for your air fryer model and the size of your chicken tenders.
• Add flavour by seasoning the tenders with your favourite spices or herbs before reheating.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overheating, which can dry out the chicken.
• Don't overcrowd the basket to prevent soggy tenders.
• Check the tenders halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your reheated chicken tenders with dipping sauces such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo. You can also slice them up and add them to a salad or wrap, or make a chicken tender sandwich.

How to store leftover chicken tenders

Storing leftover chicken tenders correctly is essential to ensure they remain edible and safe to eat. Here is a detailed guide on how to store leftover chicken tenders:

Storing in the Refrigerator

Leftover chicken tenders should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. It is important to refrigerate the chicken within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Leftover chicken is generally safe to eat for up to three to four days when stored properly.

Freezing Leftover Chicken Tenders

If you have a large batch of leftover chicken tenders or don't plan on eating them within a few days, consider freezing them. Freezing can extend the storage time of the chicken tenders for up to 2-3 months. Place the tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container and ensure they are labelled with the date.

Preparing for Reheating

Before storing, it is recommended to let the chicken tenders cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to soggy breading. Additionally, avoid stacking the tenders to prevent them from becoming soggy. Place them in a single layer, and if necessary, use multiple containers or bags.

Thawing Frozen Chicken Tenders

If you have frozen your leftover chicken tenders, it is important to thaw them safely before reheating. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Avoid leaving frozen chicken tenders on the counter to thaw, as this can promote bacterial growth.

Reheating Considerations

When reheating leftover chicken tenders, it is essential to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to destroy any harmful bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Avoid reheating chicken tenders multiple times, as this increases the risk of bacterial contamination.

By following these guidelines, you can safely store and enjoy your leftover chicken tenders while maintaining food quality and safety.

How to get the tenders crispy

To get your chicken tenders crispy when reheating them in the air fryer, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to ensure your chicken tenders are not overlapping in the air fryer basket. They should be arranged in a single layer with space between them to allow the hot air to circulate and crisp up the tenders. If you have a large batch, you may need to reheat them in multiple batches.

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 375°F. A higher temperature will help to crisp up the exterior of the tenders without overcooking the interior. Allow the air fryer to preheat for 3-5 minutes.

You can then choose to lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil to enhance crispiness. This step is optional but can improve the texture.

Reheat the tenders for 4-7 minutes. Check halfway through the cooking time and shake the basket or flip the tenders to ensure even heating. After the initial cooking time, check the tenders and continue to reheat in 1-2 minute increments until they reach your desired crispiness.

For best results, serve the chicken tenders immediately after reheating.

Some other tips to ensure crispiness include:

• Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
• Adding flavour with your favourite spices or herbs before reheating.
• Preheating the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Not overcrowding the basket to prevent uneven reheating.
• Adjusting the temperature and time as needed for different air fryer models and chicken tender sizes.

How to reheat chicken tenders in an oven

If you're looking for a way to reheat chicken tenders without an air fryer, using a conventional oven is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reheat chicken tenders in an oven:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature to ensure your chicken tenders are heated through without drying out. Preheating the oven beforehand ensures a more even cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This makes cleanup easier and helps distribute heat more evenly.

Step 3: Arrange the Chicken Tenders

Place the chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not crowded and have some space around them. This allows for even heating and prevents steaming, which can make them soggy.

Step 4: Reheat the Chicken Tenders

For refrigerated chicken tenders, bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes. If your chicken tenders are frozen, increase the cooking time to 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

To ensure your chicken tenders are thoroughly reheated, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

For the best taste and texture, serve the chicken tenders immediately after reheating. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces!

Tips for Perfectly Reheated Chicken Tenders:

• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure there is enough space between the tenders to allow proper air circulation and even heating.
• Adjust temperature and time as needed: Depending on your oven and the size/thickness of the tenders, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time slightly.
• Add flavor: If desired, season the chicken tenders with your favorite spices or herbs before reheating to enhance their flavor.
• Flip halfway through: For even cooking and to prevent burning, flip the tenders or shake the baking sheet halfway through the reheating process.
• Use a wire rack for extra crispiness: If you want your tenders extra crispy, place them on a wire rack over the baking sheet instead of directly on the foil. You can also coat them lightly with oil before reheating.

Reheating chicken tenders in the oven is a simple and effective way to enjoy crispy and tender chicken again. With these steps, you can have delicious, restaurant-quality chicken tenders ready in no time!

How to reheat chicken tenders in a microwave

While the microwave is not the best option for reheating chicken tenders, it can be a quick solution if you're short on time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat chicken tenders in a microwave:

• Place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate: Arrange the smaller pieces of chicken in the centre and the larger pieces around the outer edge of the plate.
• Cover the chicken tenders: Lay a couple of damp paper towels over the chicken tenders to help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Microwave in intervals: Heat the chicken tenders in 30-second intervals, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time. Check the tenders frequently to avoid overcooking. The total cooking time will depend on the number and size of the tenders, but it should take around 1-2 minutes.
• Serve immediately: Consume the chicken tenders as soon as they are cool enough to handle. Chicken tenders tend to become tougher as they cool after being heated in the microwave.

Tips for Reheating Chicken Tenders:

• Avoid overcrowding the plate to allow for proper air circulation and even heating.
• Do not wrap or cover the tenders, as this will trap steam and make them soggy.
• Monitor the chicken tenders closely as they reheat, as smaller pieces will cook faster than larger ones.
• Avoid reheating chicken tenders multiple times to prevent them from drying out.

Frequently asked questions