Air-Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenderloins: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking frozen chicken tenderloins in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy, and protein-packed meal. With no need for defrosting, breading, or even a stove, this convenient method is perfect for busy weeknights. The air fryer ensures juicy and tender chicken, with a crispy exterior, in just 12 to 15 minutes.

How long does it take to cook frozen chicken tenderloins in an air fryer?

Cooking frozen chicken tenderloins in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. There is no need to defrost the chicken beforehand, which saves a lot of time. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the tenderloins and the desired level of crispiness, but on average, it takes around 12 to 17 minutes to cook frozen chicken tenderloins in an air fryer.

• Preheat your air fryer: It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.
• Prepare the chicken: Take the desired amount of frozen chicken tenderloins and brush or coat them with olive oil. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out during cooking. You can also season the chicken with your choice of spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.
• Cook the chicken: Place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Set the air fryer temperature to between 350 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the chicken for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For thicker tenderloins, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer.
• Check for doneness: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The meat should also be opaque and no longer pink in the center, with clear juices.
• Rest and serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and ensures the chicken is moist and tender.

Cooking frozen chicken tenderloins in an air fryer is a convenient and time-saving method that delivers delicious results. By following these steps, you can enjoy juicy and flavorful chicken tenderloins in no time!

What temperature should the air fryer be?

When cooking frozen chicken tenderloins in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

One source recommends preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, noting that this temperature prevents the chicken from drying out. They also mention that they tested various temperatures, including 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which dried out the chicken.

Another source recommends preheating the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

A third source recommends preheating to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, noting that this helps to make the outside of the chicken as crispy as possible without overcooking the inside.

It is worth noting that the ideal temperature may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken tenderloins.

Do you need to defrost chicken before air frying?

You do not need to defrost chicken before air frying it. In fact, air fryers are one of the best ways to cook frozen chicken, and it's perfectly safe to do so.

The benefit of cooking chicken from frozen in an air fryer is that it saves time and simplifies the cooking process. There is no need to remember to take the chicken out of the freezer in advance, and you can season the chicken while it's still frozen.

However, it's important to note that frozen chicken will take longer to cook than thawed chicken. To ensure your chicken is cooked properly, it's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. Some air fryers may not require preheating, so check your appliance's instructions.
• Place the frozen chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping and that there is a little space between each piece to maximize air circulation.
• Brush the chicken with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This will help prevent the chicken from drying out and ensure a crispy texture.
• Season the chicken with your desired spices and herbs. A simple combination could include salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Air fry the chicken at a temperature between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
• Take the chicken out of the air fryer, coat it with more oil, and put it back in for another 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If not, continue cooking until it reaches this temperature to ensure food safety.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

By following these steps, you can cook juicy and delicious chicken tenderloins straight from frozen in your air fryer, without the need for defrosting.

What are some good dipping sauces for chicken tenders?

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance their flavour. Here are some ideas for delicious sauces that will complement your chicken tenders:

BBQ Sauce

A classic choice for chicken tenders, BBQ sauce offers a sweet and smoky flavour that pairs perfectly with the juicy meat. You can either purchase your favourite brand of BBQ sauce or make your own by mixing mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, honey, and two types of mustard. Adding some spices like garlic, black pepper, or paprika can also give it a kick.

Ranch

A creamy and tangy ranch dressing is another excellent option for dipping your chicken tenders. Its cool and refreshing taste can balance out the savoury flavours of the chicken.

Honey Mustard

Honey mustard sauce is a perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavours. You can make your own by mixing honey, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. This sauce will add a burst of flavour to your chicken tenders.

Zax Sauce

If you're looking for something spicy and creamy, Zax sauce is a great alternative to traditional BBQ sauce. It's a copycat recipe of Zaxby's Zax sauce, which includes mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. It's an excellent choice for those who enjoy a little kick with their chicken tenders.

Sweet Thai Chilli Mayo

For a sweet and spicy kick, mix equal parts Sweet Thai chilli sauce and mayonnaise. This combination will add a unique flavour to your chicken tenders and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Teriyaki Sauce

Sweet and savoury teriyaki sauce is another excellent option for dipping chicken tenders. You can brush it on the tenders a few minutes before they are done cooking so that it bakes on and intensifies the flavours.

Remember, when it comes to sauces, feel free to experiment and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can also offer a variety of sauces so that your guests can choose their favourites or mix and match.

How do you store leftover chicken tenderloins?

To store leftover chicken tenderloins, place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.

If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Put the leftover chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, allow the tenderloins to thaw in the fridge before reheating them.

You can reheat the chicken in an air fryer, a preheated oven, a hot skillet, or a microwave if you're short on time.

Frequently asked questions