Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: How Long At 400 Degrees?

Chicken tenders are a great, easy meal to make in an air fryer. But how long do you cook them for at 400 degrees? Well, it depends on a few factors. Firstly, the thickness of the chicken tenders and whether they are breaded or not will affect the cooking time. On average, chicken tenders will take between 8 to 12 minutes to cook at 400 degrees in an air fryer. However, it's important to note that you should always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it's cooked thoroughly. So, be sure to keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed!

How to get the tenders crispy

To get your chicken tenders crispy in the air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure you preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step, as it helps to get the outside of the chicken as crispy as possible without overcooking the meat.

Next, prepare your chicken tenders by patting them dry with paper towels and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to ensure they are well coated. You can also use vegetable or corn oil for this step.

Now, it's time to add your seasonings. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then sprinkle them evenly over the chicken tenders. You can use a blend of smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.

Once your tenders are seasoned, it's time to air fry! Place them in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If you need to, cook them in batches. Air fry the tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time. You'll know they're done when they are golden on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with a meat thermometer.

For an extra crispy finish, lightly mist the tops of the tenders with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to ensure a crunchy crust forms on your tenders.

Finally, don't overcrowd your air fryer. Allow enough space between the tenders for air to circulate. If needed, cook your tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding.

By following these steps, you'll achieve crispy, golden, and delicious chicken tenders cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

How to brine the chicken

To make chicken tenders in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, turning halfway, until they are cooked through and crispy and golden on the outside.

Now, here's how to brine the chicken:

Brining is a technique where chicken or other meat is soaked in a brining solution to enhance its flavour, moisture, and tenderness. The basic ingredients for a brine solution are salt, sugar, and water. You can also add different herbs, lemons, or oranges for extra flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup kosher salt (use 1/3 cup if using regular table salt)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
• Water

Method:

• Whisk together the salt, sugar, and water until the salt and sugar have dissolved.
• Place the chicken in a bowl and pour the brine over it.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour and up to six hours.
• Before cooking the chicken, rinse it well and pat it dry.

It is important to note that brining for too long can make the chicken overly salty and mushy. The brine solution should also not be reused as it can contain harmful bacteria from the raw chicken.

You can also try a dry brine, which involves sprinkling salt directly on the meat and leaving it uncovered in the fridge. This method is especially useful for large pieces of meat like turkey.

How to season the chicken

To season chicken tenders before air frying, you can follow these steps:

Pat the chicken dry and place in a large mixing bowl

Use paper towels to pat the chicken tenders dry. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil (or vegetable or corn oil). Toss to coat the chicken completely.

Mix your chosen seasonings

In a small bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings. You can use a blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and dried basil. Alternatively, you can use a combination of flour, paprika, parsley flakes, seasoned salt, and pepper.

Sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken

Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken tenders.

Air fry the chicken

Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through the cooking time. The tenders are done when they are golden on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

How to cook frozen tenders

How to Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• Chicken tenders
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: lemon wedges, for serving

Method:

• Rinse the frozen chicken tenders under cold running water to wash off any ice.
• Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
• Lightly spray or drizzle the chicken tenders with oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F.
• Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Cook for 15 minutes, then turn the tenders over and cook for another 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 should read at least 165 degrees F.
• Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips:

• For an extra crispy exterior, always let the air fryer preheat before adding the chicken tenders.
• If you're short on time, you can cook frozen chicken tenders at 400 degrees F for 5-6 minutes on each side, turning halfway, until cooked through and golden.
• You can also bread your chicken tenders before air frying for an extra crispy texture. To do this, season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dip in a bowl of beaten eggs and finally into a bowl of breadcrumbs. Spray with oil before placing in the air fryer.

How to store and reheat the tenders

Storing and reheating chicken tenders is simple and ensures you can enjoy your meal for days after cooking.

Storing Chicken Tenders

Leftover chicken tenders should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three to four months.

Reheating Chicken Tenders

The best way to reheat chicken tenders is in an air fryer. This method ensures the tenders remain crispy and evenly heated. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/190°C. Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Reheat for around 3 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of the tenders. You can flip them halfway through to ensure even heating.

You can also reheat chicken tenders in the oven, but this will take longer (up to 30 minutes). Reheating in the microwave is not recommended, as it can make the tenders soggy.

Always ensure your chicken tenders are thoroughly heated before consuming. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should be 165°F/74°C when perfectly cooked.

Do not reheat chicken tenders more than once, as this increases the risk of foodborne illness.

Frequently asked questions