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, crispy, and juicy meal. It's also a healthy option, as you can cut down on oil, and many chicken tenders are made with lean chicken breast. There's no need to defrost the chicken before cooking, and the whole process should take less than 15 minutes.

Pre-cooked vs uncooked tenders

Pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders are a great option for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love. The process is simple and spares you the hassle of dealing with raw chicken. Pre-cooked tenders are also healthier, as they require less oil to cook than their uncooked counterparts.

To cook pre-cooked tenders in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the frozen tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked to allow for even cooking. Cook for around 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can serve them with your favourite sauce.

On the other hand, uncooked frozen chicken tenders require a different cooking process, time, and temperature. To cook uncooked tenders in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the frozen tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes at 400°F, carefully flipping halfway. For uncooked tenders, a parchment liner can be used for easier cleanup if the breading seems delicate or crumbly.

In summary, both pre-cooked and uncooked frozen chicken tenders can be cooked in an air fryer, but it is important to follow the appropriate cooking instructions for each type to ensure optimal results. Pre-cooked tenders require a lower temperature and shorter cooking time, while uncooked tenders need to be cooked at a higher temperature for a longer period of time.

Oil or no oil?

The short answer is: it's up to you! Using oil will make your chicken tenders crispier and help prevent them from drying out, but it's not essential.

If you're using frozen, pre-cooked chicken tenders, you can get away with not using any oil at all. However, if you're cooking from raw, oil is generally recommended to ensure your tenders come out crispy and juicy.

Some recipes suggest brushing or drizzling olive oil (or another cooking oil) over the chicken before placing it in the air fryer. Others recommend spraying the chicken with cooking oil spray—but be careful not to use a spray that could damage the air fryer's non-stick lining.

If you're using unbreaded chicken tenders, oil is more likely to be necessary to prevent them from drying out. In this case, it's recommended to drop the temperature to 350ºF/180ºC and cook for 12-16 minutes if raw or 8-12 minutes if pre-cooked.

Single layer in the air fryer basket

Cooking frozen chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket is the best way to ensure even cooking and that golden crispiness. You can use either homemade or store-bought frozen chicken tenders, and you don't need to defrost them first.

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F or higher. The hotter the temperature, the crispier your chicken tenders will be. You can also lightly mist the tenders with oil before cooking to encourage crispiness, but this is optional. Avoid using cooking sprays like PAM, which can ruin the air fryer's non-stick lining.

Place the frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for about 12 minutes, flipping them over at the 6-minute mark to ensure even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders. Thicker tenders may need up to 15 minutes of cooking time.

To ensure your chicken tenders are safely cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165ºF/74ºC. Remove the tenders from the air fryer once they're golden brown, and let them cool before serving.

Temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer depend on whether the tenders are pre-cooked or uncooked, and whether they are breaded or not.

Pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders

Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC for 5 minutes. Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. For thin chicken strips, air fry for 8 minutes, and for thicker/bigger tenders, fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165ºF/74ºC. Leave the tenders to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Uncooked frozen chicken tenders

Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF/180ºC for 5 minutes. Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry for 22-28 minutes, flipping halfway through. For crispier tenders, spray both sides lightly with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165ºF/74ºC. Leave the tenders to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Breaded uncooked frozen chicken tenders

Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC for 5 minutes. Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165ºF/74ºC. Leave the tenders to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Dipping sauces

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F or higher. Then, place the frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Spray the tenders with avocado oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 15 minutes, then turn the tenders over and cook for another 8 minutes or until the juices run clear.

Now, onto the dipping sauces. There are many different sauces you can pair with your chicken tenders, ranging from sweet and tangy to spicy and smoky. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to elevate your chicken tenders:

Honey Mustard Sauce

Honey mustard is a classic pairing with chicken tenders. You can make your own by whisking together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, honey, yellow mustard, and Dijon mustard. Add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for extra tang.

Spicy Ranch Dip

For a creamy dip with a kick, combine ranch dressing with a drizzle of your favourite hot sauce.

BBQ Sauce

A BBQ sauce is a great option if you're looking for a smoky flavour. You can enhance a classic BBQ sauce with smoked paprika or try a variation like Alabama White BBQ Sauce, which is made with mayo, horseradish, and seasonings.

Buffalo Wing Sauce

If you prefer your chicken tenders on the spicier side, a Buffalo Wing Sauce is a perfect choice. You can adjust the spice level to your preference, making it mild, medium, or hot.

Bang Bang Sauce

Add some spice and tang to your tenders with Bang Bang Sauce. It's a creamy chilli and mayo-based sauce that's easy to make at home.

Yogurt Dill Sauce

For a creamy and light option, try a Yogurt Dill Sauce. It's made with Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and dill, adding a bright and vibrant flavour to your tenders.

Boom Boom Sauce

Boom Boom Sauce is another option for those who like it spicy and tangy. It's a simple blend of chilli and mayo that pairs perfectly with chicken tenders.

Avocado Dip

For a healthier option, blend a whole avocado with a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of lime, and a pinch of sea salt. The creaminess of the avocado pairs beautifully with the crunch of the breaded tenders.

Frequently asked questions