Air-Fryer Tyson Chicken Tenders: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy fried chicken taste and texture without the calories of deep-frying. Air-frying chicken tenders can be done in as little as 10 minutes, making it a convenient and tasty dinner option. While cooking times may vary depending on the appliance, air-frying is generally a faster cooking method than a regular oven.

Air fryer temperature and time

The optimal temperature and time for cooking Tyson chicken tenders in an air fryer depends on the specific model of the air fryer, the size of the tenders, and personal preferences for crispiness. Here are some general guidelines:

Air Fryer Temperature:

• It is recommended to set the air fryer temperature between 360°F and 390°F.
• Some sources suggest that cooking at a lower temperature of around 300°F-315°F can also yield good results, especially if you are cooking other types of food alongside the chicken tenders.

Air Fryer Time:

• The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken tenders. For frozen tenders, it typically takes around 15-20 minutes to cook at 360°F.
• For smaller tenders (around 5-6 ounces), 8-10 minutes may be sufficient. Medium-sized tenders (7-8 ounces) may take 10-12 minutes, while larger tenders (9 ounces or more) could take up to 14 minutes.
• It is important to always flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• For crispier results, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2 minutes of cooking and spray the tenders with olive oil.
• An instant-read thermometer can be used to check if the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Insert it into the thickest part of the tender, and it should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
• It's worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model, so it's always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the time as needed.

How to make chicken tenders crispy

Chicken tenders are a great, easy meal to make for the family, and they can be made even crispier and tastier with an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make chicken tenders crispy.

Ingredients

First, you will need to gather your ingredients. For chicken tenders, you will need:

• Chicken tenders or chicken tenderloins
• Breadcrumbs (Panko is recommended for extra crunch)
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Eggs
• Flour
• Oil spray (neutral oils with a high smoke point, like avocado, canola, or olive oil, are recommended)

Brining (Optional)

Brining your chicken tenders is an optional step, but it is recommended by some as it adds moisture to the meat and keeps it juicy. To brine your chicken, mix together water, salt, and sugar in a large bowl until dissolved. Submerge the chicken tenders in the water and let them brine for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Seasoning

After brining, mix together your seasonings in a small bowl. You can use a mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the spices to your preference and add more or less of each to suit your taste.

Battering

Now, it's time to set up your breading stations. You will need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, beat your eggs. In the second bowl, add flour. In the third bowl, combine your breadcrumbs and seasoning mix.

Dredging

Take each chicken tender and coat it first in flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each tender is evenly coated, and shake off any excess. Place the breaded tenders on a cutting board or baking tray.

Oil Spray

Once all your tenders are breaded, spray them on each side with oil spray. This step will help ensure that your tenders come out crispy, not soggy.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F. Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip the tenders and air fry for another 4-7 minutes, until the breading is golden and crispy.

Serving

Your chicken tenders are now ready to serve! You can serve them with your favourite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or sweet chili sauce.

Storing and Reheating

You can store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, use your air fryer and heat the tenders at 350-375°F for 4-5 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezing

You can also freeze your uncooked or cooked chicken tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Frozen uncooked tenders can be cooked in the air fryer at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Frozen cooked tenders can be reheated in the air fryer at 390°F for 10-15 minutes, or until hot.

Air fryer cooking times for different chicken cuts

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, producing a crispy outside and a tender, juicy inside. The cooking times for different cuts of chicken in an air fryer vary, so it's important to know the right times to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly.

Chicken Tenders or Strips

Chicken tenders or strips are a great option for air frying. Tyson, for example, recommends preheating your air fryer to 390°F and cooking their frozen chicken strips for about 15 minutes or until they are warm and crispy. You can also cook them at 180°C/360°F for 10 minutes and then increase the temperature to 200°C/400°F for the last 2 minutes for crispier results.

Whole Chicken

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer yields excellent results, with a crispy exterior and juicy meat. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken, but generally, a 3-4 lb chicken will take around 12 minutes at 360°F, plus an additional 5 minutes at 400°F. It is recommended to cook the chicken breast-side down for the first half of the cooking time and then flip it over to ensure even cooking.

Chicken Breasts

Boneless chicken breasts weighing around 8 oz should be cooked at 400°F for 5-6 minutes. Bone-in chicken breasts (around 10 oz) will take a little longer.

Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks

Boneless chicken thighs (4-5 oz) and bone-in chicken thighs (5-6 oz) should be cooked at 360°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of the thighs, but it usually takes up to 30 minutes. Chicken drumsticks (bone-in, 5 oz) will take about 20 minutes at 375°F.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings can be cooked in the air fryer without any additional ingredients. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, dry the wings, and season them with your choice of spices. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

General Tips

When cooking chicken in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance to the desired temperature. Always ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (75°C). It is also recommended to pat the chicken dry before placing it in the air fryer to ensure a crispy texture.

How to cook raw chicken in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook raw chicken, and it's super easy to do. You can cook both fresh and frozen chicken in an air fryer, and it will usually take half the time it would in a regular oven.

Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the chicken

If your chicken is frozen, remove any ice by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels.

Season

Lightly spray or brush the chicken with oil. You can use olive oil or avocado oil. Season with salt and pepper, or any other spices or herbs of your choice.

Place in the air fryer

Make sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer and do not overlap. This will ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Set the temperature and time

Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces. As a guide, small chicken breasts (5-6 ounces) will take 8-10 minutes, medium breasts (7-8 ounces) will take 10-12 minutes, and large breasts (9 ounces or more) will take 12-14 minutes. Always flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time.

Check for doneness

Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat; the internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is not done, continue cooking in 2-minute intervals until it reaches the correct temperature.

Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve with your favourite sauces or sides.

Tips for Crispy Chicken

• For crispier chicken, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 2 minutes of cooking time.
• You can also spray the chicken with olive oil before increasing the temperature for extra crispness.
• Always ensure your air fryer is preheated before adding the chicken.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and perfectly cooked air-fried chicken!

Air fryer recommendations

When it comes to air frying Tyson chicken tenders, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the appliance used, so adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired level of crispiness.

For the best experience, it is recommended to use an air fryer with a larger capacity, such as the Ninja Foodi Dual Basket, which has been praised by users for its ability to cook frozen chicken breasts perfectly in just 18 minutes. This air fryer also allows for flexibility in cooking other types of food, such as fish and chicken wings.

Another recommended air fryer is the Philips Air Fryer XL, which is a popular choice among those who enjoy cooking a variety of recipes. This air fryer has been used to create over 600 recipes, showcasing its versatility and reliability.

When cooking Tyson chicken tenders, it is important to ensure that the tenders are spread out in the air fryer to allow for even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the desired level of crispiness, you can also spray the tenders with olive oil and cook them at the highest setting for a couple of minutes.

For optimal cooking, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken tenders. Additionally, it is worth noting that defrosted chicken tenders may require a shorter cooking time than frozen ones, so it is important to adjust the timing accordingly.

Lastly, it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken tenders. According to food safety guidelines, chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Frequently asked questions