Air-Fried Chicken Tenders: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. They are also easy to make in an air fryer, requiring just a few simple steps. The tenders can be coated in a variety of seasonings and sauces, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or even a mix of Greek yoghurt and tandoori spice. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 10-12 minutes to cook chicken tenders in a preheated air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenderloin preparation

If you prefer to cook your chicken tenderloins without breading, you can simply season them with salt and pepper or a seasoning mix of your choice. You can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of yoghurt and spices, or coat them in olive oil and a seasoning mix.

Once your chicken tenderloins are prepared, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. Place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Spray the tops of the tenderloins with cooking spray and air fry for around 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They are done when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F.

You can also cook frozen chicken tenderloins in the air fryer. Simply place them in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Air fryer settings

Preheating:

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken tenders. This helps ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Most recipes suggest preheating to 400°F, but some suggest 380°F or 385°F. The preheating time may vary, but it is typically a few minutes.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

The cooking time can range from 8 to 14 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders and the specific air fryer model. Thicker chicken tenders may require a slightly longer cooking time. It is generally advised to cook the tenders in batches to ensure even cooking. Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

Internal Temperature:

To ensure that your chicken tenders are fully cooked, it is important to check their internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This indicates that the chicken is safe to consume.

Reheating:

If you are reheating cooked chicken tenders, set your air fryer to a lower temperature, such as 350°F. Reheat the tenders for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are warmed through.

Freezing:

You can also freeze cooked chicken tenders and reheat them later. Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, cook them in the air fryer at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Cooking times

The cooking time for chicken tenders in an air fryer depends on a few factors, such as the size and power of your air fryer, the thickness of the chicken tenders, and whether you are cooking them from fresh or frozen.

If you are cooking fresh chicken tenders, most sources recommend cooking them for around 10-12 minutes at 380-400°F, flipping them halfway through. However, some sources suggest cooking them for as little as 8 minutes or as long as 14 minutes, depending on the size and power of the air fryer. If you are cooking frozen chicken tenders, you may need to increase the cooking time to 12-25 minutes at 350-360°F, again flipping them halfway through.

It's important to note that chicken tenders can dry out if overcooked, so it's best to keep an eye on them and use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are cooked through.

If you are cooking a large batch of chicken tenders, you may need to cook them in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.

Dipping sauces

Chicken tenders cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy meal. The air fryer ensures the tenders are super crispy with way less oil. They are perfect for a weeknight meal and can be served with a variety of sauces and sides.

There are many different sauces that can be used for dipping chicken tenders. Some sauces are sweet, tangy, and flavorful, while others are spicy. Here are some sauce options to try:

• Sweet and Sour Peanut Sauce: A wonderful mix of flavors and textures—sweet, tangy, creamy, spicy, rich, and sour.
• Chip Shop Curry Sauce: A British sauce commonly served with chips, but it is also delicious when spooned over chicken tenders. It has a medium level of spice.
• Honey Mustard: A classic dipping sauce that is sweet and tangy.
• Alabama White BBQ Sauce: A unique BBQ sauce that is great for those who prefer a milder flavor.
• Spicy Honey Chipotle Sauce: A smoky and spicy sauce with a hint of sweetness.
• Zax Sauce: A spicy, creamy sauce that is a great alternative to traditional BBQ sauce. It is commonly served with fried chicken and sandwiches.
• Mayonnaise-Ketchup Sauce: A simple and versatile sauce that can be made by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, and seasonings. Hot sauce can be added for an extra kick.

Side dishes

There are a variety of side dishes that go well with chicken tenders cooked in an air fryer. Chicken tenders are a versatile main course that can be served with a range of side dishes, from salads to grains and vegetables.

One option is to serve the chicken tenders with a salad. The tenders can be sliced and used as a topping, or they can be served on the side with a grocery store salad kit, especially a kale caesar salad. Chicken tenders can also be served in a wrap or grain bowl, with grains such as quinoa or orzo. For a simple vegetable side dish, roasted green beans or broccoli salad are good options. If you're looking for something more indulgent, tater tots, fries, or mac and cheese are also great choices.

For a well-rounded meal, consider serving chicken tenders with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a salad, and a grain bowl. This will provide a balance of nutrients and flavors that will complement the tenders. Don't forget to adjust the seasonings to your preference and consider adding a dipping sauce like honey mustard or lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions