Fry Chicken Tenders: How Long Is Too Long?

Chicken tenders are a popular dish, but how long should you keep them in the fryer? The answer depends on the method of frying and the desired level of doneness. Some recipes call for frying chicken tenders in a skillet, while others use a deep fryer. For skillet frying, it is recommended to cook the tenders for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For deep frying, the cooking time is slightly longer, around 6-8 minutes, again until they are golden brown. It's important to maintain a steady oil temperature of around 350°-375°F to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

How to make chicken tenders in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or corn oil)
• Spices (such as smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
• Optional: flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and cooking spray

Method

• Prepare the chicken: Place the raw chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into uniform strips about 1 inch thick.
• Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, add the cut chicken strips, oil, and spices. Stir until the chicken is coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 380-400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Add the chicken: Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.
• Cook the chicken: Air fry for 5-12 minutes on each side, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
• Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray or oil before air frying.
• Always preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• For a complete meal, serve the chicken tenders with sides like French fries, sweet potato fries, or a salad.

How to make chicken tenders on a stove

Chicken tenders are a great, easy meal to make for the family, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here is a simple recipe for making chicken tenders on a stove, with some extra tips and tricks to ensure they are juicy and tender.

Ingredients:

• Chicken tenderloins (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• Olive oil (or avocado oil)
• Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper
• Optional: fresh parsley, butter, and/or your favourite dipping sauce

Method:

Firstly, prepare your chicken tenderloins. You can remove the small white tendon with kitchen scissors or a knife. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to ensure the tenders get crispy.

Next, season the chicken. Place the tenders in a shallow dish and coat them with your chosen spices. You can use a premixed seasoning blend, or make your own. A good tip is to add a little kick to the chicken with some smoked paprika.

Now you are ready to cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet on medium heat and add your oil. Allow the oil to warm up for about a minute. Place the chicken tenders in the skillet, smooth-side down, and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes. Then, flip the chicken with kitchen tongs, put a lid on the skillet, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. You can add a teaspoon of butter or ghee to the skillet for extra flavour.

Your chicken tenders are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°. You can use an instant-read meat thermometer to check.

Tips:

• You can add some butter to the skillet once the chicken is cooked for extra flavour.
• Chicken tenders go well with a dip. Try ketchup, chipotle aioli, hot honey sauce, spicy mayo, or peanut sauce.
• You can store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Enjoy your delicious, juicy, stove-cooked chicken tenders!

The best oils for frying chicken tenders

Frying chicken tenders is a great way to create a tasty, crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy. Choosing the right oil is essential to achieving this result. Here are some of the best oils for frying chicken tenders:

Canola Oil

Canola oil has a high smoke point, a neutral flavour, and is a health-conscious option due to its high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and low levels of saturated fats. It is also versatile and can be used for frying fish.

Vegetable Shortening

Vegetable shortening is a popular choice for frying chicken in the South. It is a solid fat that melts as it heats up, and its high smoke point makes it ideal for achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Lard

Lard, another traditional Southern option, gives chicken a rich, savoury flavour and an unparalleled crispy crust.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil has a high smoke point and a nutty flavour. It also prevents flavour transfer, making it excellent for establishments serving multiple fried foods. However, peanut oil is less popular in commercial kitchens due to its high price point and potential to cause nut allergies.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a healthy alternative for deep frying, with high levels of lauric acid and healthy fats. It is also odourless and lightly flavoured, adding a hint of sweetness while preventing flavour transfer.

When frying chicken tenders, it is important to maintain an oil temperature between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will be greasy, and if it's too hot, the crust will burn while the interior remains raw.

How to keep chicken tenders warm before serving

Chicken tenders are a quick and easy meal to make, but how do you keep them warm before serving?

First, it's important to note that chicken tenders are best served fresh and crispy. However, if you need to keep them warm before serving, there are a few methods you can use. One option is to place them in an oven set to a low temperature, such as 200°F. This will keep the tenders warm without drying them out. You can also use a toaster oven set to a similar temperature. If you're looking for a quicker option, an air fryer set to 375°F for 3-7 minutes is a good choice, but be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer to ensure proper air circulation.

No matter which method you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind. Avoid wrapping the chicken tenders in foil or plastic before reheating, as this will cause the coating to steam instead of crisp. Additionally, it's important not to overcrowd the chicken tenders during reheating. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the tenders from becoming soggy. Finally, be careful not to overheat the chicken tenders, as this can make them chewy and tough.

Now, how long should you keep chicken tenders in the fryer? Well, that depends on the method you're using to cook them. If you're frying them in oil, it should take around 6-8 minutes in small batches at 375°F. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and crispy. If you're using a deep-fat fryer, the cooking time will be similar, but you won't need to flip the chicken halfway through. Cast iron skillets are another popular option and will give your tenders a classic taste.

How to store leftover chicken tenders

Storing leftover chicken tenders properly is essential to maintaining their crispy texture and delicious flavour. Here is a detailed guide on how to store leftover chicken tenders:

Before Storing:

Allow the chicken tenders to cool down completely after cooking. This will help prevent condensation from forming when you store them, which can lead to a loss of crispiness. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

Choosing the Right Container:

Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags for storage. These containers help lock in moisture and prevent air from getting in, which can cause the chicken to become soggy. Make sure the container you use is the right size to avoid excessive empty space. If you don't have an airtight container, you can use aluminium foil to wrap the chicken tightly.

Using Paper Towels:

Place a paper towel in the container with the chicken tenders. The paper towel helps absorb excess moisture, keeping the chicken crisp. It also acts as a barrier between the chicken and the container, preventing it from becoming soft.

Avoid Overcrowding:

When packing the chicken tenders for storage, make sure not to overcrowd the container. Leaving space between the pieces will help maintain their crispness. If the pieces are touching or stacked on top of each other, they can become damp and lose their crunch. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer inside the container.

Refrigerate Promptly:

Once the chicken tenders have cooled down, refrigerate them promptly. The refrigerator's low temperature will help maintain the chicken's freshness and prevent bacterial growth. It is recommended to consume the leftover chicken tenders within 3-4 days.

Avoid Microwave Reheating:

Microwaving leftover chicken tenders can cause them to become soggy. To reheat the chicken and retain its crispiness, use a conventional oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to around 375°F (190°C) and warm the chicken for 10-12 minutes until heated through and the coating becomes crispy again.

Separate the Sauce:

If your chicken tenders are served with a sauce or gravy, store the sauce separately. Keeping the sauce separate prevents it from saturating the coating, helping to keep it crispy for longer.

Consider Freezing:

If you want to store chicken tenders for an extended period, consider freezing them. Wrap the individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in airtight freezer bags. Frozen chicken tenders can be reheated directly from the freezer in a preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes.

Alternative Methods:

There are also alternative methods for storing chicken tenders if you don't want to use airtight containers. These include the paper bag method, baking rack method, and re-fry method. Each method has its own advantages and can help maintain the crispiness of the chicken tenders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Storing hot chicken tenders directly in the refrigerator.
• Using containers that don't provide an airtight seal.
• Not separating the pieces and allowing them to stick together.
• Forgetting to use paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
• Leaving the chicken tenders at room temperature for too long.
• Reheating in the microwave, which can make the coating soggy.
• Storing the chicken tenders with the sauce or gravy.
• Not properly labelling and dating the container.

Frequently asked questions