Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Perfect Timing For Crispy Treats

Chicken tenders are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenders and the specific air fryer being used, but generally, they take around 10-12 minutes to cook in a preheated air fryer at 380-400°F.

To make chicken tenders in an air fryer, first season the chicken with salt and pepper, or a variety of other spices and herbs. Then, dip the tenders in egg and breadcrumbs or flour, before placing them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooking for 5-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

How to season chicken tenders for the air fryer

Seasoning chicken tenders and getting them ready for the air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Pat the Chicken Tenders Dry

Use paper towels to pat the chicken tenders dry. This will help the oil and seasonings stick to the chicken.

Step 2: Place the Chicken Tenders in a Large Mixing Bowl

Place the chicken tenders in a large mixing bowl. This will make it easier to drizzle and coat the chicken with oil.

Step 3: Drizzle with Oil

Drizzle olive oil (or another neutral-flavoured oil) over the chicken tenders. You can also use avocado oil, which has a high smoke point. Toss the chicken tenders in the oil to ensure they are completely coated.

Step 4: Mix Seasonings and Sprinkle Over Chicken Tenders

In a small bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings. A simple blend of salt and pepper will work, but you can also add spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and dried basil. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken tenders, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 5: Bread the Chicken Tenders (Optional)

If you want to add a crispy breading to your chicken tenders, dip each piece in a shallow bowl of beaten eggs, and then into a separate bowl containing a mixture of breadcrumbs and panko. Place the breaded chicken tenders on a cutting board or baking tray.

Step 6: Spray with Oil

Spray both sides of the chicken tenders generously with oil. This step is especially important if you are not using any breading, as it will help the chicken achieve a crispy texture.

Now your chicken tenders are ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to between 375F and 400F, and cook the tenders for around 5-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken and whether you are cooking in batches or not. Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy air-fried chicken tenders!

How to bread chicken tenders for the air fryer

To bread chicken tenders for the air fryer, you'll first need to prepare your chicken and your breading. If you're using chicken breasts, cut them into thin strips. You can also buy chicken tenderloins, which are already cut into strips.

Next, prepare your breading stations. In one shallow bowl, whisk two eggs. In a separate shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and panko. You can also add Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Now it's time to bread the chicken. First, dip each tender into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess. Place the breaded tenders on a large dish or cutting board. Spray both sides of the chicken generously with oil.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Once it's heated, place the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

How long to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer

Chicken tenders are a great, quick and easy meal to make in the air fryer. They're a healthier alternative to fried chicken and are super crispy and juicy.

The length of time it takes to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer depends on the type of air fryer you have, the thickness of the chicken, and whether or not you are using a breading.

Air Frying Breaded Chicken Tenders

If you are using a breading, most recipes suggest cooking the chicken tenders for around 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Some recipes suggest misting the chicken tenders with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer, and then again once you have turned them over.

Air Frying Unbreaded Chicken Tenders

If you are cooking unbreaded chicken tenders, you should preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees F and cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. You can check if the tenders are cooked by using a meat thermometer—they are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Tips

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken tenders.
• Place the tenders in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer to allow them to cook evenly. If you need to, cook them in batches.
• If you are cooking unbreaded tenders, pat them dry with paper towels before adding the oil and seasoning.
• If you are cooking breaded tenders, you can dip them in flour, then egg, and then back in the flour before placing them in the air fryer.
• If you are cooking frozen chicken tenders, you can cook them in a preheated air fryer at 360 degrees F for about 12 minutes.

How to store leftover chicken tenders

Now that you've cooked your chicken tenders in the air fryer, you might be wondering what to do with leftovers. Here are some tips on how to store leftover chicken tenders to keep them safe and tasty.

Storing in the Fridge

Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. It's important to let the chicken tenders cool down to room temperature before storing them. Use an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent bacteria from forming and maintain freshness.

Storing in the Freezer

If you don't plan on eating the leftover chicken tenders within a few days, it's best to freeze them. Frozen cooked chicken will stay fresh for up to 4 months, although it's recommended to consume it within 3 to 4 months for the best quality and flavour. Before freezing, wrap the chicken tenders individually in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavour. Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover chicken tenders, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop until heated to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Leftover Chicken Tender Recipes

If you're looking for some inspiration on how to use up your leftover chicken tenders, here are some ideas:

• Chicken Caesar wraps
• Honey Mustard Chicken Tacos
• Chicken Parmesan
• Buffalo Chicken Sub
• Chicken Fried Rice
• Chicken Katsu
• Chicken Salad
• Chicken Sandwich with Marinara and Cheese
• Chicken Enchiladas
• Chicken on a Salad

What to serve with air-fried chicken tenders

There are several side dishes that go well with air-fried chicken tenders. Here are some ideas:

Salads and Vegetables

If you're looking for something light and healthy, serve your chicken tenders with a salad or some vegetables. A simple Caesar salad is a great option, or you could get creative with a grain bowl or Mediterranean quinoa salad. Asparagus, carrots, or frozen green beans are also tasty choices.

Fries and Potato Sides

For a more indulgent option, serve your chicken tenders with French fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots. You can cook these in the air fryer as well, for extra crispiness. Potato wedges, mashed potatoes, or oven-baked steak fries are also great choices.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken tenders are often served with a variety of dips and sauces. Ketchup, ranch, BBQ sauce, and honey sriracha sauce are all popular choices. If you're looking for something healthier, try a low-carb buffalo sauce.

Other Sides

Some other side dish options include roasted broccoli, a simple pasta salad, or homemade applesauce. If you're serving the chicken tenders in a wrap or pita, you might include melty cheese or veggies on the side.

Frequently asked questions