Air Fryer Tenders: Timing And Temperature Tips

Chicken tenders are a popular dish to make in an air fryer, and for good reason. They're a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders, as they require far less oil to achieve a similar level of crispiness. The cooking time for chicken tenders in an air fryer can vary depending on the model and the thickness of the chicken, but generally, they take around 7 to 12 minutes to cook through.

How to make chicken tenders from scratch

Chicken tenders are a fun and easy meal to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. They are also versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, from classic French fries to healthier options like a quinoa salad. Making chicken tenders from scratch is simple and allows you to customise the flavours to your liking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious, crispy chicken tenders in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips
• Spices (e.g. smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
• Olive oil or another neutral-flavoured oil
• Parsley and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
• Breadcrumbs (regular, Italian, or panko for extra crunch)
• Eggs
• Flour (all-purpose or regular)

Optional Ingredients for a Quick Marinade:

• Milk
• Lemon juice
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Hot sauce

Utensils:

• Mixing bowl
• Air fryer
• Shallow plates or bowls
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Method:

• Prepare the Chicken: If you are using chicken breasts, cut them into strips or tenders. You can cut them into your desired size, but be sure to cut against the grain of the chicken to ensure more tender strips.
• Make the Marinade (Optional): In a small bowl, combine milk, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and hot sauce (if using). Whisk the ingredients together, and then pour the marinade over the chicken in a ziplock bag. Place the bag in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than an hour.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375-400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, add the chicken tenders and oil, and mix well. Then, add your chosen spices and mix until the chicken is well-coated.
• Bread the Chicken: Prepare your breading stations by beating eggs in one shallow bowl and combining breadcrumbs and any additional spices in another bowl. Dip each chicken tender first in the egg mixture, then in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded tenders on a cutting board or baking tray.
• Air Fry the Chicken: Place the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or olive oil. Air fry for 5-8 minutes on each side, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the tenders.
• Rest and Serve: Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce or ranch.

Tips:

• If you are using frozen chicken, ensure it is completely thawed and brought to room temperature before marinating and cooking.
• If your air fryer basket is overcrowded, cook the tenders in batches to ensure even cooking.
• To spice up your tenders, add spices like cayenne pepper, chilli pepper, or red pepper flakes.
• For extra crispy tenders, spritz them with olive oil before air frying.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade chicken tenders!

How to make chicken tenders in an air fryer

Chicken tenders are a great, easy meal to make in an air fryer, perfect for a weeknight dinner. They're healthier than fried chicken, but still get super crispy with just a little oil. You can use either chicken tenderloins or cut chicken breasts into strips. Here is a simple recipe to make chicken tenders in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• Olive oil (or another neutral-flavoured oil)
• Spices (e.g. smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper)
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Eggs (optional)
• Flour (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• Place the chicken tenders in a mixing bowl and add a drizzle of olive oil. Toss the chicken to coat it in the oil.
• Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl, then sprinkle them over the chicken tenders.
• Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If they don't all fit, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry the chicken tenders for 7-12 minutes, turning halfway through. They are done when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You can also bread the chicken tenders before cooking for some extra crunch. To do this, dip the tenders in flour, then beaten egg, and finally breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer.
• If you want to add some extra flavour, serve the chicken tenders with a dipping sauce, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or tzatziki.
• You can reheat any leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

Enjoy your homemade chicken tenders!

How to make chicken tenders crispy

Chicken tenders are a great, easy meal to make in an air fryer. The air fryer can make the tenders super crispy with way less oil than other cooking methods. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make chicken tenders crispy:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken tenders
• Breadcrumbs (regular, Italian, or panko for extra crunch)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Garlic powder (optional, to taste)
• Eggs
• Flour (all-purpose)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Lemon wedges (optional, to serve)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

If you can't find chicken tenders, you can use chicken breasts and cut them into long strips. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or cayenne pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, and any desired spices. You can add different spices to the breadcrumbs like chili powder, jerk spice, Cajun mix, or Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender first in the flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat each tender evenly and shake off any excess.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray the tenders with olive oil or cooking spray.

Cook the tenders for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook the tenders in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

How to store chicken tenders

Storing chicken tenders properly is essential to ensure they remain tasty and safe to eat. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to store chicken tenders, including refrigerator and freezer storage methods, as well as reheating instructions.

Refrigerator Storage:

Place the cooked and cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container or a large resealable bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This will keep the tenders fresh and moist, preventing them from drying out.

Freezer Storage:

Chicken tenders can also be frozen for longer-term storage. First, line the tenders on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 2 hours. This flash-freezing technique ensures the tenders don't clump together. Then, transfer the semi-frozen tenders to a large freezer bag or airtight container. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

To reheat the chicken tenders and maintain their crispiness, use an air fryer if you have one. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the tenders for 5-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven, a hot skillet, or a microwave if you're short on time.

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 flavor to your plate. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken tenders:

Vegetables

Vegetables make a great side dish for chicken tenders, providing both flavor and nutrition. You can dress them up, make them heartier, or keep them light. Some options include broccoli, carrots, parsnips, peas, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, beets, onion, and mushrooms. You can also serve them as salads, such as a kale Caesar salad or a Greek quinoa salad.

Starches

Starchy foods like pasta, bread, rice, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, corn, beans, and cereals can be an easy and filling side dish for chicken tenders. Pasta, in particular, is a great option for kids and can be made in a variety of ways, such as plain, cheesy, or with vegetables mixed in.

Fruits

Fruits are a great way to add some sweetness to your meal and are generally easy to prepare. You can serve them fresh or cooked, and they provide similar amounts of fiber and nutrition as vegetables. Some options include grapes, apples, pears, and berries.

Snack Foods

If you're serving chicken tenders to picky eaters, pairing them with some familiar snack foods can be a great way to encourage them to try new things. This could include veggie sticks, grapes, pepperoni, sweet potato apple muffins, string cheese, or ants on a log.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken tenders are often served with a variety of dips and sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, honey yogurt, BBQ sauce, sweet and sour sauce, marinara sauce, or tzatziki.

Other Sides

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Fries (regular or sweet potato)
• Baked potato
• Mac and cheese
• Coleslaw
• Cucumber salad
• Quinoa salad
• Roasted vegetables (brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, etc.)
• Fried rice

Frequently asked questions