Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders: How Long To Fry?

Chicken breast tenders are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer, taking less than 20 minutes in total. The cooking time depends on the size of the tenders and the temperature of the air fryer, but most recipes suggest cooking tenders for around 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The tenders are done when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to make chicken tenders from scratch

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips
• Spices: Smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, etc.
• Oil: Avocado oil, olive oil, or another neutral-flavored oil
• Other ingredients: White vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, fine sea salt, black pepper, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, buttermilk, hot sauce, etc.

Method

Step 1: If using chicken breasts, slice them into uniform strips about 1 inch thick. You can also use pre-cut chicken tenderloins.

Step 2: Prepare a marinade by combining oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. You can also add hot sauce to taste.

Step 3: Add the chicken strips to the marinade and stir until coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Do not marinate for more than 12 hours, as this can over-tenderize the chicken.

Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Prepare your breading station by placing flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls. You can also add spices to the flour and breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Step 6: Remove the chicken strips from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Dip each strip first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs, ensuring a thorough coating each time.

Step 7: Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Spray the tops of the tenders with oil.

Step 8: Air fry the chicken tenders for 8-12 minutes at 380-400°F, flipping halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the tenders and your air fryer model.

Step 9: Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces!

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, spritz the tenders with olive oil before air frying.
• If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the tenders in batches.
• To check if the tenders are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when fully cooked.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or flour.

How to fry chicken in the air fryer

Frying chicken in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook chicken. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fry chicken in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you are using chicken breasts, slice them into uniform strips about 1 inch thick. You can also use pre-cut chicken tenders or chicken tenderloins. For a classic fried chicken dish, opt for bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces, including a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts.

Step 2: Marinade or Season the Chicken

For crispy breaded chicken, prepare a breading station with beaten eggs in one bowl and a mixture of breadcrumbs and panko in another bowl. Season the breadcrumbs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. For a simple, breading-free option, season the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

If you are making breaded chicken, dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. For fried chicken without breading, coat the chicken with oil or buttermilk.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces are not overlapping. Spray the chicken with cooking oil or olive oil spray. Air fry for 7-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your choice of sides, such as fries, salad, or mac and cheese. Enjoy!

How long does it take to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken tenders, as they result in juicy and tender meat with a crispy exterior. The time it takes to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the chicken and the model and power of the air fryer. On average, chicken tenders take between 7 and 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but this can vary.

Air Frying Instructions

Before air frying, chicken tenders should be prepared with a marinade or a breading. If you are using a breading, set up a station with a shallow bowl of beaten eggs and another shallow bowl with a mixture of breadcrumbs and panko. Dip the tenders in the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Spray both sides of the chicken generously with oil before placing them in the air fryer.

When air frying, place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Set the air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F and cook for 7 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through. The tenders are done when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer

• Always grease the air fryer basket to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Choose tenderloins of a similar size so that they cook evenly.
• Brining the chicken tenders before cooking helps to keep them juicy and allows for a crispier exterior.
• Pat the chicken dry after brining and use enough oil to prevent soggy chicken tenders.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect the cooking time and results.

How to store chicken tenders

Storing chicken tenders correctly is important to ensure they remain safe to eat and retain their flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to storing chicken tenders:

Step 1: Cool the Chicken Tenders

If you have cooked chicken tenders that are still hot, let them cool down to room temperature. This should take around 30-45 minutes. Do not put hot chicken tenders straight into the fridge, as this can affect the temperature of your refrigerator and cause other foods to spoil.

Step 2: Place in an Airtight Container

Once the chicken tenders have cooled down, place them in an airtight container. This will prevent bacteria from getting to the chicken and stop the chicken from drying out. Label the container with the date and contents.

Step 3: Refrigerate or Freeze

Store the chicken tenders in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. The refrigerator temperature should be set to 40°F or less. If you don't think you'll eat the chicken tenders within this time frame, it's best to freeze them. Place them in a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen chicken tenders will be safe to eat indefinitely, but it's best to consume them within 3-4 months to avoid a deterioration in flavour and texture.

Step 4: Reheat

When you're ready to eat the chicken tenders, you can reheat them in the air fryer, oven, stovetop, or microwave. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. If you're reheating from frozen, defrost the chicken tenders overnight in the fridge first.

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:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add some colour and nutrition to your plate. You can serve them plain, air-fried, or roasted. Some ideas for vegetable sides include:

• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Parsnips
• Peas
• Green beans
• Spinach
• Cauliflower
• Beets
• Onions
• Mushrooms

Salads

Salads are a refreshing option that can be packed with flavour and nutrients. Some ideas for salad sides include:

• Kale Caesar salad
• Greek quinoa salad
• Mango lime summer quinoa salad
• Cantaloupe salad with mozzarella and couscous

Starches

Starches, such as pasta, bread, rice, potatoes, and quinoa, can provide energy and fibre. Some ideas for starch sides include:

• Baked mac and cheese
• Hawaiian macaroni salad
• Rice
• Fries
• Potato wedges
• Sweet potato wedges
• Breadsticks

Fruits

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

• Fruit salad
• Pears
• Grapes
• Melon

Dips and sauces

Chicken tenders can be served with a variety of dips and sauces to add some extra flavour. Some ideas for dips and sauces include:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Honey mustard
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Sweet chilli sauce

Other sides

There are also plenty of other side dish options to choose from, such as:

• Bacon-wrapped sweet potato fries
• Tater tots
• Baked cheese chicken breasts
• Roasted sweet potatoes and carrots
• Air fryer Brussels sprouts
• Corn and bacon fritters
• Spinach sweet potato tater tots
• Sweet potato mac and cheese

Frequently asked questions