Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins: Perfect Timing For Juicy Meat

Chicken breast tenderloins are a great option for a quick and easy meal. They are incredibly tender and juicy, and can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of the tenderloins, with thinner ones cooking faster and thicker ones requiring a few extra minutes. The key to getting them just right is to use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Cooking Chicken Breast Tenderloins in an Air Fryer

How to cook chicken breast tenderloins in an air fryer from frozen

Cooking chicken breast tenderloins in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook chicken breast tenderloins in an air fryer from frozen:

Defrosting and Preparing the Chicken

Firstly, it is important to defrost the chicken breast tenderloins before cooking. Place them in the refrigerator overnight to allow them to thaw gradually and safely. Once they are thawed, rinse the tenderloins under cold running water to wash off any ice. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Seasoning and Marinating

You can season the chicken breast tenderloins with your choice of spices and herbs. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also marinate the chicken in sauces, dressings, or a specific chicken marinade. For the marinade to be effective, an hour of soaking time is usually sufficient.

Oil and Preheating

Lightly spray or coat the chicken with avocado, olive, or another neutral-flavored oil. This helps the seasonings and herbs stick to the chicken and promotes a crispy exterior. Preheat your air fryer at 400°F for about 4 minutes. Some air fryers may take longer to preheat, so adjust the time as needed.

Cooking the Chicken

After preheating, place the chicken tenderloins into the air fryer basket without overcrowding and in a single layer. Make sure the pieces do not overlap to ensure even cooking. Air fry the tenders for about 7-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the tenderloins, with thinner cuts cooking faster. For thicker cuts, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature instead of relying solely on time. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Resting and Serving

Once the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, transfer the tenders to a serving dish and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Before serving, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley for extra flavor and garnish.

Storage and Reheating

Cooked chicken breast tenderloins can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you wish to freeze the cooked tenders, use airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheating can be done in the air fryer, a preheated oven, a hot skillet, or even the microwave if you're short on time.

How to reheat chicken breast tenderloins cooked in an air fryer

To reheat chicken breast tenderloins in an air fryer, first let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will help it reheat more evenly and prevent the outer crust from burning. Then, preheat the air fryer to between 360°F and 375°F. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush the chicken breast with oil to prevent sticking and improve crispiness.

Next, place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is enough space between each piece for optimal hot air circulation. Reheat the chicken for 5 to 8 minutes, then turn the pieces with tongs. Be careful when turning the chicken, as it may be hot. Reheat for another 5 minutes or until thoroughly warmed through.

The time it takes to reheat the chicken will depend on the size and thickness of the pieces, as well as the model of the air fryer. To ensure the chicken is thoroughly reheated and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. If you prefer your chicken to be crispier, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the last minute of cooking time, but be careful not to overcook it.

Note that it is best to reheat chicken in the air fryer only once to minimise the risk of bacterial contamination.

How to store chicken breast tenderloins cooked in an air fryer

Cooking chicken breast tenderloins in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Once you've cooked your tenderloins to perfection, it's important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and tasty. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store chicken breast tenderloins cooked in an air fryer:

Step 1: Cool the Chicken

Allow the cooked chicken tenderloins to cool down to room temperature. It's important to let the chicken cool before storing it to prevent excess moisture buildup, which can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Place the cooked chicken on a clean plate or tray and let it sit for about 30 minutes until it reaches room temperature.

Step 2: Use an Airtight Container

Once the chicken is cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry. If you don't have an airtight container, you can use a resealable plastic bag, but ensure it is specifically designed for food storage.

Step 3: Refrigerate or Freeze

You can store the cooked chicken breast tenderloins in the refrigerator or freeze them, depending on how long you plan to keep them. For short-term storage, place the airtight container with the chicken in the refrigerator. Consume the chicken within 4 days for optimal freshness and quality. If you want to store the chicken for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Place the airtight container in the freezer, ensuring it is labeled with the date. Frozen chicken tenderloins can be stored for up to 3 months.

Step 4: Reheating and Serving

When you're ready to enjoy your chicken breast tenderloins again, simply take them out of the refrigerator or freezer. You can reheat the chicken in the air fryer, a preheated oven, or a hot skillet. For a quick option, you can even microwave them. Reheat the chicken until it is thoroughly warmed through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve the reheated chicken with your choice of sides, such as a salad, grains, or fries.

Cooking Chicken Breast Tenderloins in an Air Fryer:

Now that you know how to store them, let's quickly go over the cooking process for chicken breast tenderloins in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375°F and 400°F.
• Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Season the chicken tenderloins with your choice of spices and herbs. You can also marinate them beforehand for extra flavor.
• Place the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Air fry the chicken for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the tenderloins.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

What temperature to cook chicken breast tenderloins in an air fryer

When cooking chicken breast tenderloins in an air fryer, the temperature you should aim for is between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature will depend on the recipe you are following and the thickness of the tenderloins.

Some recipes suggest cooking chicken breast tenderloins at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 minutes, flipping the chicken after seven minutes. Others suggest cooking at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 13 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. If you are cooking frozen chicken tenderloins, one source recommends cooking at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the thickness of the tenderloins. Thicker cuts may require a lower temperature to ensure that the outside doesn't burn before the inside is cooked. In this case, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

To ensure even cooking and a crispy texture, it is important to arrange the chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Preheating the air fryer before adding the chicken is also recommended for the best results.

How long to cook chicken breast tenderloins in an air fryer without breading

Chicken breast tenderloins can be cooked in an air fryer without breading in a few simple steps. First, prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. Then, add olive oil and your choice of seasoning to the chicken. For seasoning, you can use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in the oil and seasoning until it is evenly coated.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, place the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and do not overlap. Set the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the chicken once halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is cooked when it is golden brown and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken tenderloins and the size of your air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to check the temperature of your chicken to ensure it is cooked safely. You can also cook vegetables alongside the chicken in the air fryer for a complete meal.

Frequently asked questions