Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. The magic of air frying ensures the tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This method is also healthier than deep frying, as it requires little to no oil. You can use either uncooked or pre-cooked frozen tenders, and there's no need to defrost them first. Simply preheat your air fryer to at least 360°F (180°C) and cook for around 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through. For an extra crispy coating, spray the tenders with a little cooking oil before cooking.

Preheat the air fryer to 360-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It helps to ensure that your chicken tenders cook evenly and that the outside gets as crispy as possible without overcooking the meat.

To preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature of 360-400°F, start by turning on the appliance and setting the temperature. Different models of air fryers may have different preheating functions, so be sure to consult your user manual for specific instructions.

Once you've set the temperature, allow your air fryer to heat up for a few minutes before adding the chicken tenders. This will ensure that the cooking environment is optimal for achieving that crispy texture on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside.

Preheating your air fryer also helps to ensure that your chicken tenders cook evenly. By starting the cooking process in a fully heated environment, you reduce the chances of having undercooked or unevenly cooked tenders.

Additionally, preheating can help extend the lifespan of your air fryer. By allowing the appliance to gradually heat up, you reduce the stress on its heating elements, which can help maintain their efficiency and longevity.

So, when preparing to cook frozen chicken tenders in your air fryer, be sure to factor in the preheating step. Set your air fryer to 360-400°F and give it a few minutes to heat up before adding your tenders. This will help ensure that your chicken comes out perfectly cooked and delicious every time!

Rinse and pat dry the chicken tenders

Rinsing the chicken tenders is an important step in the cooking process. It helps to remove any bacteria or ice that may be present on the surface of the meat. This is especially important when working with raw chicken, as it reduces the risk of foodborne illness.

To rinse the chicken tenders, hold them under cold running water for a few seconds on each side. You can use your fingers to gently rub the surface of the meat to ensure that it is thoroughly rinsed.

Once the tenders have been rinsed, it is important to dry them properly. Moisture on the surface of the meat can affect how well the breading or seasoning adheres to the chicken. It can also impact the cooking process, as water can create steam and affect the overall crispiness of the tenders.

To pat the chicken tenders dry, use clean paper towels and gently press or blot the surface of the meat until it is completely dry. Ensure that you cover all sides of the tenders and don't miss any spots.

By taking the time to properly rinse and dry your chicken tenders, you are not only ensuring food safety but also setting your dish up for success in terms of flavour and texture. This extra step is well worth the effort and will help you achieve the best results when cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer.

Season with salt and pepper

When it comes to seasoning your chicken tenders with salt and pepper, there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, it's important to take the frozen chicken tenders out of the package and place them on a clean work surface. This will make it easier to season them evenly. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken tenders, ensuring an even coating. You can also use other seasonings of your choice at this point, such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning, to add extra flavour.

Once you've applied the salt and pepper, it's a good idea to give the tenders a quick massage to work the seasonings into the meat. This helps to ensure that every bite of the tender is flavourful. After seasoning, you can arrange the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd them so that they cook evenly.

If you prefer a crispier texture, you can lightly spray or brush some oil onto the tenders before adding the salt and pepper. This extra step will help to create a delicious, crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to be generous and ensure an even coating.

Additionally, if you're looking for a more intense peppery kick, consider using freshly ground black pepper. It has a more robust flavour than pre-ground pepper and can enhance the taste of your chicken tenders. By following these simple steps and adjusting the seasonings to your taste, you'll be able to create mouthwatering chicken tenders that are perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Cook for 12-28 minutes, flipping halfway

Cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy tenders without the need for lots of oil.

To get the best results, it's important to follow a few simple steps. First, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 360-400°F (180-200°C). Then, place your frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap and have space to circulate air. You can spray the tenders with a light coating of oil, such as avocado or olive oil, for extra crispness.

Now, you're ready to cook your tenders. For pre-cooked tenders, air fry for 8-12 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. For uncooked frozen tenders, increase the cooking time to 22-28 minutes, again flipping halfway. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your tenders have reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Let your tenders rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle, and then enjoy!

Serve with a dipping sauce

When it comes to serving your chicken tenders, the options are endless! You can serve them as a snack with a variety of dipping sauces, or as part of a larger meal.

If you're feeling childlike cravings, why not enjoy these tenders as a snack with some delicious dipping sauces? Here are some sauce ideas to get you started:

• Honey mustard sauce
• Mayonnaise – regular, flavoured, or chipotle mayo
• Alabama white sauce (white BBQ sauce)
• Raising Cane’s sauce recipe
• Comeback Sauce
• Honey-mustard dip made with Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of lemon juice
• Smoky chipotle mayo dip blended with chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and lime
• Spicy ranch dip combining ranch dressing with a drizzle of hot sauce
• Classic BBQ sauce enhanced with smoked paprika

Or, if you're looking to make a meal out of these tenders, try adding them to sandwiches and wraps, simple pasta dishes, or serving them alongside vegetable sides like roasted green beans with bacon or a salad. You could also pair them with potato sides like fries, au gratin potatoes, or deviled egg potato salad.

Whatever route you choose, don't forget to make the most of those crispy tenders by dipping them in your favourite sauce!

Frequently asked questions