Deep-Frying Chicken Tenders: How Long Should It Take?

Chicken tenders are a popular dish, but how long do you need to cook them in a deep fryer for that perfect golden crunch? The answer depends on a few factors, such as the temperature of the oil and the size of the tenders. Most recipes recommend frying chicken tenders at temperatures between 350°F and 380°F. At these temperatures, the tenders will typically take around 3-4 minutes per side, or 6-8 minutes total, to cook through and achieve a crispy, golden exterior. It's important to fry the tenders in small batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can result in uneven cooking and a less-than-perfect crust.

Oil temperature and type

When frying chicken tenders, the type of oil and temperature you use are crucial to achieving the perfect crispy texture and flavour. Here are some tips and guidelines for selecting the right oil and maintaining the ideal temperature for frying chicken tenders:

Oil Type:

The choice of oil is essential for achieving the desired flavour and texture of your chicken tenders. Here are some recommended options:

• Peanut Oil: Peanut oil is a popular choice for frying chicken tenders due to its affordability and high smoke point. It has a neutral flavour, so it won't overpower the taste of your chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is another versatile option with a high smoke point. It is widely available and suitable for frying chicken tenders.
• Canola Oil: Canola oil is also suitable for frying and has a neutral flavour.
• Vegetable Shortening: Vegetable shortening can be used for frying and will result in a crispy texture.

Oil Temperature:

Maintaining the right temperature is critical to ensuring your chicken tenders cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. Here are some guidelines:

• Ideal Temperature Range: The ideal temperature for frying chicken tenders is typically between 365°F to 375°F (185°C to 190°C). This temperature range will ensure your chicken cooks through without burning the exterior.
• Testing the Oil: To test if your oil is ready, you can use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. Alternatively, you can drop a small piece of bread or a cube of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown quickly, your oil is ready.
• Avoiding Overcrowding: It's important not to overcrowd the pan or fryer when cooking chicken tenders. Adding too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy tenders. Fry in small batches to maintain the desired temperature.
• Adjusting the Heat: If you notice the oil is smoking or the tenders are browning too quickly, adjust the heat accordingly. Lower the temperature slightly to maintain control over the cooking process.

Chicken preparation

Chicken tenders are a great, quick meal to make for the family. They can be prepared in a variety of ways and are versatile, with a range of sauces and side dishes.

Ingredients

You will need:

• Chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips
• Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, peanut, or another neutral oil)
• Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, etc.)
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Cornstarch or cornflakes (optional)

Marinating the Chicken

Some recipes suggest marinating the chicken in seasoned buttermilk for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. This helps to tenderize the meat and add flavour. You can also add other ingredients to the buttermilk, such as garlic, herbs, or onion.

Breading the Chicken

If you are using breadcrumbs, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. The first bowl contains flour, the second bowl contains beaten eggs (and water, if desired), and the third bowl contains breadcrumbs mixed with your chosen seasonings.

If you are not using breadcrumbs, you can simply dredge the chicken in seasoned flour after dipping it in the egg mixture.

Some recipes also suggest using a two-step process of dipping the chicken in flour, then egg, and then back into the flour again. This creates a thicker, crispier coating.

It is important to ensure that the chicken is dry before you begin breading it, as moisture can create steam that pushes the breading away from the meat. You can also pat the chicken dry after brining or marinating it.

Frying the Chicken

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep fryer, cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, or electric skillet to 350-375°F. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a cube of bread into it; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.

Fry the chicken in small batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Place the cooked tenders on a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to absorb any excess oil.

Serving

Chicken tenders can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ketchup, or ranch dressing. They go well with a range of side dishes, including fries, corn on the cob, coleslaw, mac and cheese, biscuits, cornbread, or green beans.

Tips

• It is important to maintain a steady temperature while frying the chicken. Adding too much chicken to the pan at once can bring down the temperature, resulting in soggy tenders.
• You can season the chicken with herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper, for extra flavour.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with milk.
• To keep the chicken warm while frying in batches, place the cooked tenders on a wire rack on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven.
• Do not cover the warm chicken tenders with foil, as this will make them soggy.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Breading and dredging

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Start by gathering your ingredients and setting up a breading station. You'll need separate shallow bowls for each step of the process. In the first bowl, place your flour—you can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free alternative. Add seasonings to your flour for extra flavour; common options include garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give the flour a good mix to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

In the second bowl, prepare an egg wash by beating eggs and adding a bit of liquid. You can use water, whole milk, half-and-half, or light cream, or buttermilk. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some spices or herbs to this mixture. The egg wash helps the breading adhere to the chicken and gives it a richer colour.

In the third bowl, place your breadcrumbs. You can use plain or Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs. If you opt for plain, feel free to season them with your desired spices. For an extra crispy texture, you can also add some cornstarch to the breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Now it's time to coat your chicken tenders. Start by coating each tender with the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Then, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it's well coated. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumbs, pressing down firmly so that the breadcrumbs adhere evenly to the chicken.

For an even thicker and crispier coating, you can double bread the chicken by repeating the process a second time. Some recipes also suggest a double dredge, where you coat the chicken in flour, then egg, then flour again, before finally dipping it in the breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Let the Chicken Rest

Once your chicken tenders are coated, it's essential to let them rest for a few minutes. This step helps the coating stick to the chicken and ensures a crispier texture. Place the coated tenders on a wire rack or a plate lined with foil or parchment paper while you heat the oil for frying.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep fryer, cast iron skillet, or Dutch oven to 375°F. You can use a variety of oils, such as peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, cooking for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil, and season with additional salt or spices to taste.

And that's it! You now have perfectly breaded and fried chicken tenders. Enjoy them as a crispy, family-friendly treat, paired with your favourite dipping sauces and sides.

Frying time

It is important to note that the temperature of the oil will affect the cooking time. As you continue to fry chicken tenders, the oil will get hotter. When new chicken is added, the oil will cool down. Therefore, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature to ensure even cooking. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb it and become soggy.

Additionally, it is recommended to fry chicken tenders in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can also affect the temperature of the oil and the cooking time.

Dipping sauces

Chicken tenders are a delight on their own, but they're even better with a dipping sauce. Here are some ideas for sauces that you can serve alongside your chicken tenders cooked in a deep fryer:

Honey Mustard Sauce

A classic combination of sweet and tangy, honey mustard sauce is a perfect match for chicken tenders. It's easy to make and can be used as a dressing or for dipping fresh vegetables.

Spicy Horseradish Dipping Sauce

For those who like a little kick, a spicy horseradish dipping sauce is a great option. This sauce is a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Comeback Sauce

This Southern favourite is a spicy, mayonnaise-based sauce often served with fried dishes. It typically includes ingredients such as ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Chick-fil-A Sauce

A copycat Chick-fil-A sauce is a creamy, smoky, sweet, and tangy sauce that is a perfect dip for chicken tenders. It can be made by mixing mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, honey, and mustard.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

A classic combination of sweet and sour, this sauce is a favourite for a reason. It's easy to make at home and is free of preservatives.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a versatile sauce that can be used as a salad dressing, a dip, or a sauce for chicken tenders. It has a creamy texture and a mild tang with herb and spice flavours.

Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce

This tangy and spicy sauce is a game-day favourite. It combines hot pepper sauce with butter for a creamy and spicy kick. You can easily adjust the flavours to your preference.

BBQ Sauce

Making your own BBQ sauce allows you to control the ingredients and skip the preservatives and artificial flavours. It's a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky, making it an excellent choice for chicken tenders.

Bang Bang Sauce

This sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce is a crowd-pleaser. It's a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha, and honey. It's perfect for chicken tenders, as well as other dishes like tacos and burritos.

Frequently asked questions