Frying Chicken Tenders: Air Fryer Style

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken tenders that are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are healthier than deep-fried versions and can be made with just a little olive oil or cooking spray. The tenders can be seasoned with salt and pepper, or a blend of spices like smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, and basil. Breaded versions can be made with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Air fryer chicken tenders are best cooked at around 400°F for 7 to 10 minutes, and they can be served with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

How long to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken tenders that are crispy, crunchy, and golden on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. The length of time it takes to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer depends on a few factors, such as whether the chicken is frozen or raw, and the thickness of the chicken tenders.

Cooking Raw Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer

If you are cooking raw chicken tenders in an air fryer, it will typically take around 10 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to ensure that the tenders are cooked through and golden on the outside, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of the chicken should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking Frozen Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer

If you are cooking frozen chicken tenders, the cooking time will be a little longer. Pre-cooked frozen tenders will take around 10 to 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while frozen raw tenders will take around 20 to 25 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the centre, and an instant-read thermometer should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken tenders. This helps to ensure a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken.
• Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray to allow for even cooking. If necessary, cook the tenders in batches.
• For extra flavour, add spices or herbs to the breading or egg wash, or try marinating the chicken before breading.
• For a lower-carb option, serve the chicken tenders with a low-carb dipping sauce, such as buffalo sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken tenders can be served with a variety of sides, such as French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a salad. They can also be served with dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ketchup.

How to make chicken tenders from scratch

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders (or chicken tenderloins)
• Olive oil (or vegetable/corn oil)
• Spices (e.g. smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper)
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (e.g. panko, whole wheat)
• Flour (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. You can also try brining the chicken tenders for 30 minutes in a mixture of water, salt, and sugar to make them extra juicy.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

Beat eggs in one bowl. In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs and spices. You can also add flour to the egg mixture to help the breadcrumbs adhere better.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dip the chicken tenders in the egg mixture, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the tenders into the mixture to ensure they are well-coated. Shake off any excess.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded. Spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray or olive oil spray.

Air fry for 5-8 minutes on each side, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Tips

• You can keep cooked batches warm in the oven at a low temperature (e.g. 250°F) while you cook the rest.
• For gluten-free tenders, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• For keto-friendly tenders, serve with a low-carb dipping sauce.
• Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken tenders in the oven at 425°F for 16 minutes, turning halfway.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with lemon wedges, French fries, sweet potato fries, or a salad. For dipping sauces, try ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ketchup, or sweet and sour sauce.

How to store leftover chicken tenders

Yes, you can fry chicken tenders in an air fryer. Here's a guide on how to store leftover chicken tenders:

Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your leftovers stay fresh and safe to eat:

Cool the Chicken:

Let the cooked chicken tenders cool down to room temperature. This usually takes around 30-45 minutes. Do not leave the chicken at room temperature for more than two hours, as bacteria such as Salmonella can multiply and cause food poisoning.

Place in an Airtight Container:

Transfer the cooled chicken tenders to a clean, dry, airtight container. You can also seal them in an unused food-grade plastic bag. Make sure the container or bag is not overcrowded to prevent the chicken from getting soggy.

Refrigerate:

Place the container or bag of chicken tenders in the refrigerator as soon as possible, preferably within two hours of cooking. The "Danger Zone" for meat is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), so it's important to refrigerate promptly to slow down bacterial growth.

Label and Track:

Label the container or bag with the date the chicken was stored. This will help you keep track of how many days have passed and ensure you consume the chicken within the recommended three to four days.

Reheat Properly:

When reheating leftover chicken tenders, it's important to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can reheat them in the oven, skillet, air fryer, or microwave. Add a bit of broth, sauce, or water to keep them moist and prevent drying out.

Freeze for Longer Storage:

If you want to store the chicken tenders for longer, you can freeze them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen tenders to an airtight, freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Can you cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer. It's one of the best ways to cook frozen chicken, as there's no need to defrost the chicken or turn on the oven or stove.

To cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer, first, rinse the chicken tenders under cold running water and wash off any ice. Pat them dry with paper towels. Then, lightly spray or brush the chicken tenders with oil and season with salt and pepper, or a seasoning mix of your choice. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of the chicken tenders. As a guide, cook the tenders at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes. Then, turn them over and cook for a further 7-8 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chicken tender should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can also bread the frozen chicken tenders before cooking for a crunchy coating. To do this, set up three bowls: one with flour and seasonings, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. First, dredge the chicken tenders in the seasoned flour, then dip them in the egg, and finally, coat them in the breadcrumbs. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook as above.

How to freeze air fryer chicken tenders

Freezing air fryer chicken tenders is a great way to ensure you always have a tasty, healthy meal ready to go. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken Tenders

Firstly, you'll need to cook your chicken tenders. You can follow your favourite recipe for this, but a simple option is to season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper, dip them in beaten egg, and then coat them with a mixture of breadcrumbs and your choice of spices. Place the tenders in the air fryer in a single layer and cook at around 400°F for 7 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Step 2: Cool the Chicken Tenders

Once your chicken tenders are cooked, allow them to cool completely before freezing. This is an important step to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of the tenders.

Step 3: Freeze on a Baking Sheet

Place the cooled chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. It's important that they are not overlapping, as you want them to freeze individually. This will make it easier to take out and reheat the exact number of tenders you need.

Step 4: Transfer to a Freezer-Safe Container

Once the tenders are frozen solid, you can transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container with the date and try to use the tenders within 3 months for the best quality.

Step 5: Reheat and Serve

When you're ready to enjoy your chicken tenders, simply take them out of the freezer and reheat them in the air fryer. There's no need to defrost them first. Reheat at around 400°F for a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

And that's it! You can now enjoy delicious, crispy chicken tenders any time you like. This method is perfect for meal prep, and you can also serve the tenders with a variety of dipping sauces and sides, such as fries or sweet potato wedges.

Frequently asked questions