Cooling Chicken Tenders: Air Fryer Tips And Tricks

Chicken tenders are a popular dish, but how long do they need to cool in an air fryer? This is a question that many people may be asking themselves, especially those who are new to using this kitchen appliance. The cooking time for chicken tenders in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the model of the air fryer. On average, chicken tenders take around 7-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but it is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly.

How to make chicken tenders from scratch

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• Olive oil (or vegetable/corn oil)
• Smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme, oregano, and basil (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (panko and/or seasoned)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
• Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat.
• In a separate bowl, mix together your seasonings: smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, and basil, salt, and pepper.
• Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken tenders.
• Bread the chicken tenders: dip each one first in beaten egg, then in breadcrumbs.
• Place the breaded chicken tenders on a cutting board or baking tray.
• Spray or drizzle both sides of the chicken tenders generously with oil.
• Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Air fry for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.
• Serve with lemon wedges.

Tips:

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken tenders to get the crispiest results.
• If you prefer not to use breading, simply omit steps 6 and 7, and be sure to spray the chicken tenders generously with oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• For a keto-friendly option, serve with a low-carb dipping sauce.

How to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer

Ingredients

Chicken tenders (or chicken tenderloins)

• You can also use chicken breasts and cut them into strips.
• For gluten-free chicken tenders, swap out the flour for gluten-free crumbs.

Oil

Olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use avocado, vegetable, or corn oil.

Breadcrumbs

• Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for the air fryer.
• For a low-carb option, leave out the breadcrumbs.

Eggs

You'll need these to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

Seasoning

• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried thyme, oregano, and basil
• Parsley and lemon slices, to garnish

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
• Drizzle oil over the chicken and toss to ensure they're fully coated.
• Mix your chosen seasonings together in a small bowl.
• Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken tenders, ensuring they're evenly coated.
• Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they're not overcrowded.
• Air fry for 7-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Check the chicken is cooked through – it should be crispy and golden on the outside. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken to ensure the outsides get crispy without overcooking the meat.
• If you're using breadcrumbs, don't be gentle when coating the chicken – really press the breadcrumbs into the meat.
• Use enough oil to ensure the breadcrumbs don't come off in the air fryer.
• If you're making a large batch, you can store cooked chicken tenders in the refrigerator for 2-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

How to prevent chicken tenders from drying out

Cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. However, it can be tricky to get the cooking time just right, and it's easy to end up with dry, overcooked chicken. Here are some tips to help prevent your chicken tenders from drying out:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step that can help ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes. Modern air fryers often have a preheat setting that makes this step easier.

Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Start with fresh chicken tenders, ideally cooked within the last 3-4 days. If the tenders appear dry, add some moisture by lightly spraying them with water or oil. You can also brush the chicken tenders with olive oil or another neutral cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer basket.

Cook at the Right Temperature and Time

Air fry your chicken tenders at 375°F (190°C) for 7-12 minutes, depending on their thickness. It's important not to overcook them, as this can lead to dry and tough chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked.

Avoid Overcrowding

Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. This allows for even heating and prevents the tenders from steaming and becoming soggy. If you have a large batch, cook them in multiple batches.

Add a Little Bit of Oil

Adding a small amount of oil to the chicken tenders before cooking can help keep them moist and juicy. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or corn oil. Brush or spray the oil onto the tenders lightly, just enough to coat them.

Don't Overcook

The key to preventing dry chicken tenders is to avoid overcooking them. Don't leave them in the air fryer for too long, even if you're worried about undercooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and remove the tenders from the air fryer once they reach 165°F (74°C).

By following these tips, you can enjoy juicy and delicious chicken tenders cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

How to store and reheat chicken tenders

Storing Chicken Tenders

To store chicken tenders, allow them to cool to room temperature, and then place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To freeze chicken tenders, first, let them cool to room temperature, and then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Flash freeze for 1-2 hours, and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen chicken tenders will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Tenders

There are several ways to reheat chicken tenders, including using an air fryer, oven, toaster oven, stovetop, or microwave.

Air Fryer

The air fryer is a quick and easy way to reheat chicken tenders, keeping them crispy. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Reheat refrigerated chicken tenders for 5-7 minutes, and frozen tenders for 10 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time.

Oven

Reheating chicken tenders in the oven is a good option if you have a larger batch to reheat. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the tenders in a single layer on the sheet. Bake refrigerated tenders for 10-15 minutes, and frozen tenders for 20-25 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through.

Toaster Oven

The toaster oven is ideal for reheating a smaller number of tenders. Set the toaster oven to 400°F. Place the tenders on a lined baking sheet or directly on a wire rack for extra crispiness. Bake for 7 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Stovetop

The stovetop is a good option if you don't want to heat up your oven. Heat a small amount of neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tenders to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional minute.

Microwave

While the microwave is not the best method for reheating chicken tenders, it can be done if you are short on time. Place the tenders on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For better results, cover the tenders with a damp paper towel to keep them moist, and ensure there is space around each piece of chicken for even heating.

Tips for Reheating Chicken Tenders

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Avoid overcrowding the tenders when reheating, as this can lead to soggy texture.
• Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time for even heating.
• Don't reheat multiple times, as this will dry out the chicken.
• Remove any sauce from the tenders before reheating to prevent sogginess.

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 are a great way to add some nutrients and color to your plate. They can be enjoyed in several ways, such as air-fried, roasted, or plain. Some ideas include broccoli, carrots, parsnips, peas, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, beets, onion, and mushrooms.

Salads

Salads are a refreshing option that can be packed with nutrients. Try a simple kale Caesar salad or a more flavorful option like a mango quinoa salad or a cucumber salad.

Starches

Starches provide energy and fiber, and can be a great complement to chicken tenders. Some ideas include pasta, bread, rice, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, corn, beans, and cereals.

Fruits

Fruits are a sweet and nutritious option that are generally easy to prepare. Try a creamy Greek yogurt fruit salad or simply serve a variety of fresh fruits.

Snack Foods

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

Dips and Sauces

Chicken tenders are often served with dips and sauces. Some popular options include ketchup, ranch, honey yogurt, BBQ sauce, and honey sriracha sauce.

Other Sides

There are also several other side dish options that can complement chicken tenders. These include garlic bread, onion rings, tater tots, French fries, sweet potato fries, and baked potatoes.

Frequently asked questions