Frying Chicken Tenders: How Long Should You Fry?

Frying chicken tenders is a great way to get that classic crispy texture and flavour. But how long do you need to fry them for? Well, it depends on a few factors, such as the method you're using and the temperature of the oil. If you're using a deep fryer, it's important to set the temperature to 375°F and fry the chicken tenders for around 6 minutes. If you're pan-frying, it's best to cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and crispy. So, whether you're using a cast iron skillet or a deep fryer, you can enjoy perfectly cooked chicken tenders by following these timings.

Oil temperature and type

The ideal temperature for frying chicken tenders is between 350°F and 375°F. You can use a deep fryer, or a skillet with about 2 inches of oil.

It's important to maintain a steady temperature while frying. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb it and become soggy. If the oil is too hot, it may burn the tenders or cause the breading to fall off.

You can use a variety of oils for frying chicken tenders, including peanut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil, or vegetable shortening. Peanut oil is a good option as it is affordable, has a high smoke point, and will not flavour the meat.

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

Depending on the recipe you are following, you will need:

• Chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips
• Flour (all-purpose or plain)
• Breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain)
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, peanut, or olive oil)
• Salt and pepper
• Other spices and seasonings (e.g. garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper)

Preparation

Before frying, you will need to prepare the chicken tenders. There are a few different methods you can use:

• Dry brine the chicken by salting it and letting it sit uncovered in the fridge for several hours. This will make the chicken more juicy and tender, and will also help the breading stick better.
• Dip the chicken in a combination of eggs, buttermilk, and garlic salt in a shallow dish.
• Dredge the chicken in flour, coating it well. You can also add other seasonings to the flour, such as cayenne pepper or paprika.
• Some recipes suggest double-dredging the chicken by dipping it in the egg mixture, then flour, and then repeating this process.
• Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes to dry while you heat the oil. This will help the breading stick and crisp up.

Frying

Once your chicken is prepared, you can start frying. Here are some tips:

• Use a deep fryer, cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, or electric skillet for frying.
• Heat 2 inches of oil to 350-375°F. You can use a candy or oil thermometer to check the temperature.
• Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature of the oil.
• Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when it is done.
• Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
• Keep the fried chicken warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you cook the rest of the batches.

Breading and seasoning

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be made in a variety of ways, including baking, pan-frying, and deep frying. The breading and seasoning are key steps in the cooking process that can be customised to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect breading and seasoning for your chicken tenders.

Preparation

Before you begin breading and seasoning, it is important to prepare your chicken tenders. Use kitchen shears to trim any white tendons from the ends of the chicken tenderloins and discard them. This step ensures that your chicken tenders are neat and uniform in size. Additionally, you can cover the chicken tenders with plastic wrap and lightly pound them with a meat mallet to achieve an even thickness. This step is particularly useful if you want to ensure even cooking and browning.

Breading

The breading process involves coating the chicken tenders in a dry mixture, typically consisting of flour, breadcrumbs, or a combination of both. Here are the general steps to bread your chicken tenders:

• Set up a breading station by placing the dry mixture in a shallow bowl or pie plate.
• Dredge the chicken tenders in the dry mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Use your hands to gently pack the mixture onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
• Optionally, you can dip the chicken tenders in eggs or a combination of eggs and milk before dredging them in the dry mixture again. This extra step helps the breading adhere better and creates a thicker coating.
• Allow the coated chicken tenders to rest on a wire rack while you prepare the oil for frying. This step helps the breading dry a little and ensures a crispier texture.

Seasoning

Seasoning your chicken tenders is a crucial step to enhance their flavour. You can season the chicken tenders themselves before breading, or you can add seasonings to the breading mixture for a more robust flavour. Here are some seasoning options to consider:

• Salt and pepper: Lightly season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper before breading. You can also add salt and pepper to the flour or breadcrumb mixture.
• Garlic: Add garlic powder to your breading mixture, or mince garlic cloves and mix them into the egg mixture before dipping the chicken tenders.
• Spices: Experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Add them to your breading mixture for a flavourful kick.
• Herbs: Fresh or dry herbs such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, and basil can be added to your breading mixture for an extra punch of flavour.
• Cheese: Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into your breading mixture for a savoury twist.

Feel free to mix and match seasonings to find a combination that suits your taste. You can also create themed flavour profiles, such as Italian, Southwest, or curry, by using specific combinations of herbs and spices.

Tips for Success

• Keep one hand dry and the other hand wet while breading. This helps prevent your fingers from getting coated in the breading mixture.
• Don't be skimpy with the breading. Make sure the chicken tenders are thoroughly and evenly coated.
• Allow the breading to solidify and firm up after baking or frying. This helps prevent the breading from falling off when handling the chicken tenders.
• Store any leftover breaded chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Cooking time

The cooking time for chicken tenders depends on the method of cooking and the number of tenders being cooked at the same time.

Pan-Frying

When pan-frying chicken tenders, it is best to use a large skillet to avoid having to cook the tenders in batches. The tenders should be cooked for 4 minutes on one side, undisturbed. Then, they can be flipped and cooked for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side. If you are cooking the tenders in batches, it is important to ensure that the oil temperature is maintained at a steady 375°F.

Deep-Frying

When deep-frying chicken tenders, it is recommended to fry them in small batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can result in uneven cooking and a soggy texture. The tenders should be fried for a total of 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Air-Frying

For those who prefer to avoid oil-frying, air-frying is an option, but the cooking instructions differ slightly. The tenders should be placed in the air fryer basket without overlapping and sprayed generously with cooking spray. They are then cooked for 6 minutes, flipped, sprayed again, and cooked for an additional 3-4 minutes.

General Tips

Regardless of the cooking method, it is important to ensure that the chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are cooked thoroughly. Additionally, the oil temperature plays a crucial role in achieving the desired crispiness. For pan-frying and deep-frying, the oil should be heated to 375°F before adding the chicken.

Dipping sauces

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for sauces that will complement the tenders:

Honey Mustard Sauce

Honey mustard sauce is a classic choice for chicken tenders. It has a tangy and slightly sweet flavour that pairs well with the tenders. You can make your own by combining mayonnaise, honey, and yellow mustard, or purchase a ready-made version.

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce is another popular option for chicken tenders. It has a sweet and smoky flavour that can be enhanced by using a sweeter sauce, such as Sweet Baby Rays. You can also add some spices like garlic, black pepper, or paprika to your sauce for an extra kick.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy sauce that goes well with chicken tenders. It can be purchased ready-made or made from scratch by combining buttermilk, mayonnaise, and herbs.

Spicy Horseradish Dipping Sauce

For those who like a kick to their tenders, a spicy horseradish dipping sauce is a great option. You can make your own by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Comeback Sauce

Comeback sauce is a spicy, mayonnaise-based sauce that is perfect for dipping chicken tenders. It typically includes ingredients such as ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. This sauce will keep you coming back for more!

Zax Sauce

Zax sauce is a spicy, creamy sauce that is similar to BBQ sauce but with a unique twist. It can be made by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Add black pepper to taste for an extra kick.

Frequently asked questions