Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders: Time And Temperature Guide

Chicken tenderloins are thin strips of meat located under the breast, and they are the leanest part of the chicken. Air-fried chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to deep-fried tenders, as they require less oil. The cooking time and temperature for air-fried chicken tenders vary depending on the specific recipe and desired level of crispiness. On average, chicken tenders take around 7-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer at temperatures ranging from 375F to 400F.

How to get the perfect crispy coating

There are several methods to achieving a crispy coating on your chicken tenders when using an air fryer. Firstly, it is important to ensure your chicken is dry before you begin. Pat the chicken tenders with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Breaded Coating

For a breaded coating, you will need to prepare three bowls. In the first bowl, beat an egg. In the second bowl, mix together flour, paprika, parsley, seasoned salt, and pepper. In the third bowl, add breadcrumbs and panko. Panko is a type of flaky Japanese-style breadcrumb that creates an extra crispy texture. You can also add some of your chosen seasonings to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Next, take your chicken tender and dip it first in the flour, then the egg, and finally, the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for each tender, and place them on a large dish or cutting board. Spray both sides of the chicken generously with oil.

Breading-Free Coating

If you prefer to avoid breading, you can still achieve a crispy coating by using a marinade. In a large bowl, add your chicken tenders, oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cover the bowl. Place it in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This process helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavour.

After marinating, place the chicken strips into the air fryer basket in a single layer, trying to keep them evenly spaced. Air fry at 380F for 9-11 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Brining

Another method to achieve a crispy exterior is to brine your chicken tenders. Brining involves submerging the chicken in a seasoned water solution, which adds moisture and flavour to the meat. Mix together water, salt, and sugar, and submerge the chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for best results. After brining, pat the chicken dry and proceed with your chosen breading or breading-free method.

Cooking Tips

To ensure your chicken tenders are crispy, it is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken. Cook in batches if needed, to avoid overcrowding the basket. For an extra crispy coating, spray the chicken tenders with a neutral oil spray such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and power, but generally, chicken tenders will take around 8-12 minutes to cook at 400°F, flipping them halfway through.

How to get juicy chicken tenders

Preparation

Before cooking your chicken tenders, you can prepare a brine solution to soak your chicken in. This is a combination of water, salt, and sugar. The brine will add moisture to the meat and keep it extra juicy during the cooking process. You can also add spices to your brine for extra flavour.

If you don't have time to brine your chicken, you can simply sprinkle the chicken with a 2:1 ratio of salt and sugar. This will still add some moisture to the meat.

Marinade

You can also prepare a quick marinade for your chicken tenders. This will help to tenderise the meat and add flavour. A simple marinade can be made with oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours.

Cooking

When you're ready to cook your chicken tenders, preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. You can then cook your chicken tenders for around 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken, but you can check if they're cooked by using a meat thermometer. Your chicken tenders are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving

Air fryer chicken tenders go well with a variety of sides, including French fries, tater tots, sweet potato fries, onion rings, and vegetables. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or sweet and sour sauce.

Storage

You can store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

How to prepare chicken tenders for the air fryer

Preparing chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes suggest heating to between 375F and 400F.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle or brush the chicken tenders with oil—a neutral-flavoured oil like olive, vegetable, or corn oil works well. Toss or brush the chicken to ensure they are completely coated.

Step 3: Season the Chicken Tenders

There are many ways to season chicken tenders. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or a blend of spices such as smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning. You can also try a breading by dipping the tenders in egg and then in breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders

Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for around 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through and golden. The internal temperature should reach 165F when they are done.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes before serving. They can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, ketchup, honey sriracha, or sweet and sour sauce.

Tips:

• Always preheat the air fryer to ensure the chicken gets crispy without overcooking.
• Place the tenders in a single layer and cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
• Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer at 350F for 3-5 minutes.
• For keto-friendly tenders, serve with a low-carb dipping sauce.
• For gluten-free tenders, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

How to store and reheat chicken tenders

Storing your chicken tenders correctly is important to ensure they remain tasty and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store and reheat your chicken tenders.

Refrigerating

Place the cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Freezing

If you want to store your chicken tenders for longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3-4 months.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat your chicken tenders, depending on your preference and the equipment you have available:

• Air fryer: Place the tenders back in the air fryer and heat at 350°F (177°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and heat the tenders for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
• Skillet: Reheat the tenders in a hot skillet on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Microwave: If you're short on time, the microwave is a quick option for reheating. However, this may affect the texture and crispiness of the tenders.

What to serve with chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to add some variety and flavour to your meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken tenders:

Starchy Sides

Starches like pasta, bread, rice, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, corn, beans, and cereals can be a great source of energy, fibre, and B-vitamins. Some specific examples include:

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Onion rings
• Tater tots
• Baked potato
• Air fryer Brussels sprouts
• Air fryer French fries
• Air fryer sweet potato fries
• Air fryer baked potato
• Rice
• Breadsticks
• Garlic bread
• Mac and cheese
• Baked sweet potato pretzel bites
• Sweet potato nachos
• Sweet potato mac and cheese
• Quinoa salad
• Couscous salad
• Corn and bacon fritters
• Cheesy potatoes

Vegetable Sides

Vegetables are a great way to add some colour, flavour, and nutrition to your meal. Some options include:

• Salads, such as a kale Caesar salad or a Greek quinoa salad
• Roasted or air-fried vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, parsnips, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, beets, onion, or mushrooms
• Sauteed green beans with red peppers and almonds
• Spinach sweet potato tater tots
• Air fryer butternut squash
• Air fryer frozen green beans
• Tropical fried rice with tomato jalapeno
• Maple mustard Brussels sprouts
• Lemon pepper green beans
• Air fryer parsnip fries
• Air fryer sweet potato wedges
• Air fryer butternut squash fries
• Acorn squash in the air fryer
• Instant pot lemon basil rice

Dips and Sauces

Chicken tenders can be served with a variety of dips and sauces, such as:

• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Honey Sriracha sauce
• Ketchup
• Honey yogurt
• Lemon wedges
• Buffalo sauce

Fruits

Fruits are a great way to add some natural sweetness and nutrition to your meal. Some ideas include:

• A creamy Greek yogurt fruit salad
• Tropical fried rice with tomato and jalapeno
• Mango quinoa salad
• Cantaloupe salad with mozzarella
• Baked oranges with honey whipped feta
• Sweet potato apple muffins
• Sweet potato zucchini muffins
• Chocolate chip sweet potato bread

Frequently asked questions