Frying Chicken Tenders: Air Fryer Cooking Time Guide

Chicken tenders are a popular dish, but how long do they need in the air fryer? The answer depends on the thickness of the chicken and the model of the air fryer. As a guide, most recipes suggest cooking chicken tenders for around 10–12 minutes in a preheated air fryer at 400°F, flipping them halfway through. However, some recipes suggest cooking for up to 16 minutes for extra crispy tenders. It's important to ensure the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to make chicken tenders from scratch

Chicken tenders are a great, easy meal to make from scratch, and they're perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can use an air fryer, deep fryer, or oven bake them—they're versatile! Here's a step-by-step guide to making chicken tenders from scratch.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or tenderloins
• Olive oil or another oil of your choice (vegetable, corn, or avocado oil)
• Spices and seasonings of your choice (e.g., salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, basil—you can also use Italian seasoning as a substitute)
• Breadcrumbs (regular or Italian)
• Eggs
• Flour (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Optional Ingredients for a More Complex Marinade:

• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce
• Milk
• Lemon juice
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Pepper

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into strips or using pre-cut tenderloins. If you're using breasts, be sure to cut against the grain of the chicken to get more tender strips. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Marinade (Optional)

If you want to add extra flavour and moisture to your chicken, you can prepare a marinade. In a small bowl, combine buttermilk, a dash of hot sauce, milk, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together, and then pour the marinade over the chicken in the mixing bowl. Gently shake the bowl to coat the chicken, and then place it in the fridge to marinate for 20 minutes to an hour.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Whether you've marinated or not, it's now time to season your chicken. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat. In a separate small bowl, mix your chosen spices and seasonings. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken tenders.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken (Optional)

If you want a crispy coating on your chicken tenders, prepare a breading station. Beat eggs in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and, if you're using them, flour and any extra seasonings. Dip each chicken tender first in the egg, and then in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded tenders on a cutting board or baking tray.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

There are several ways to cook your chicken tenders:

• Air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the chicken tenders with olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they're golden and crispy.
• Deep fryer: Heat about 2 cups of oil to 365°F in a frying pan. Fry the chicken tenders for 2-4 minutes on each side, depending on their size.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the chicken tenders on a cookie sheet and spray them lightly with oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they're golden and crispy.

Your chicken tenders are now ready to serve! Enjoy them with your choice of dipping sauces, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a homemade fry sauce.

Tips:

• Always preheat your air fryer or oven before adding the chicken tenders to ensure the outside gets crispy without overcooking the meat.
• If you're using an air fryer or oven, place the tenders in a single layer to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• If you're frying the tenders, make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken to get a crispy coating.
• If your breading keeps falling off the chicken, your oil temperature might be too high or too low, or your chicken might be too cold. Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before frying.

Enjoy your homemade chicken tenders!

How to bread chicken tenders

To bread chicken tenders, you'll first need to prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, paprika, parsley, seasoned salt, and pepper; another with beaten eggs; and a third with breadcrumbs. You can also add parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and then place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat completely.

Next, you'll bread the chicken. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour, dip it in the egg, and then dip it back in the seasoned flour or breadcrumbs. You can also double-dip the tenders in the egg for a stronger seal.

Finally, place the breaded tenders on a cutting board or baking tray, and spray or drizzle both sides with olive oil or cooking spray.

How long to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer

Chicken tenders are a great, quick and easy meal to make in your air fryer. They're perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. The best part is that they're just as crispy as their deep-fried counterparts, without all the grease!

Ingredients

To make chicken tenders in your air fryer, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken tenders
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Breadcrumbs (Panko is a popular choice for extra crunch)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic powder
• Eggs
• Flour

You can also add other spices and seasonings to the breadcrumbs like chili powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to give your chicken tenders an extra flavour kick.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook chicken tenders in your air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Prepare the chicken tenders by patting them dry with paper towels and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat completely.
• Mix your chosen seasonings together in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken tenders.
• Prepare your dredging station by placing flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and the seasoned breadcrumbs in a third.
• Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook in batches.
• Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray to help them get that crispy texture.
• Air fry the chicken tenders for 5-6 minutes on each side, turning halfway through the cooking process. The total cooking time will be around 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders.
• Your chicken tenders are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of the chicken reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Serve your chicken tenders with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and to help the outside of the chicken get crispy.
• If you're making a large batch, cook the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Don't skip the step of patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels before coating them with oil and seasonings. This helps the coatings stick better and ensures a crispier texture.
• If you're using frozen chicken tenders, increase the cooking time by a few minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to store leftover chicken tenders

Now that you've fried your chicken tenders to perfection, it's important to know how to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover chicken tenders:

Cooling and Storing:

Firstly, it's important to let the chicken tenders cool down to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent bacterial growth. However, don't leave them out for too long—aim to get them into the fridge within two hours to maintain food safety.

Once they've cooled, place the chicken tenders in a sealed container or a sealed bag. If using a container, choose one made of glass or plastic with a tight-fitting lid. This helps preserve freshness and prevents odours from transferring to other foods in the fridge. You can also wrap the tenders tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap.

Refrigerator Temperature:

Ensure your refrigerator is set to the correct temperature. It should be at 40°Fahrenheit or less to safely store leftovers.

Storage Time:

Leftover chicken tenders will usually last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. After this time, it's best to discard them.

Freezing:

If you don't anticipate eating the chicken tenders within the 3-4 day window, consider freezing them. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing.

Properly frozen chicken tenders can last in the freezer for up to 4 months. After this time, they may start to lose their flavour and texture.

Reheating:

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover chicken tenders, there are several ways to reheat them:

• In the oven: Place the tenders in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°Fahrenheit for 10-25 minutes, depending on the size of the tenders.
• In a skillet: Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tenders, cover, and heat for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
• In the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°Fahrenheit and cook the tenders for 3-5 minutes, checking the internal temperature regularly.
• In the microwave: Cut the tenders into smaller pieces and place them in a microwave-safe container. Cover and heat at medium power in short intervals, checking the temperature after each interval.

Always ensure that reheated chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°Fahrenheit to ensure they are safe to eat.

Tips for Optimal Taste and Safety:

• Add a sauce, broth, or water when reheating to prevent the chicken from drying out.
• Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as this can enhance any unpleasant "warmed-over" flavours.
• Add fresh herbs or spices when reheating to enhance the taste and mask any off-flavours.
• Try to eat leftover chicken within 1-2 days, even if it's still within the safe storage window.

By following these instructions, you can safely store and enjoy your leftover chicken tenders!

What to serve with chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, depending on your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken tenders:

Starches and Carbohydrates

Starches and carbohydrates are a great source of energy and can be a perfect side dish for chicken tenders. Some options include:

• Pasta: A super easy and kid-friendly option. You can serve it plain, with cheese, or mixed with vegetables or legumes.
• Breads: Try garlic bread, breadsticks, or sweet potato zucchini muffins.
• Rice: White or brown rice is a simple and versatile option. You can also try fried rice with a tomato jalapeño relish.
• Potatoes: Regular French fries, sweet potato fries, or sweet potato wedges are always a delicious option. You could also try parsnip fries or sweet potato pretzel bites.
• Oats, quinoa, corn, beans, and cereals are other great options to consider.

Vegetables

Vegetables provide essential nutrients and can be a healthy and tasty side dish for chicken tenders. Some options include:

• Broccoli, carrots, parsnips, peas, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, beets, onion, and mushrooms.
• Salads: Try a kale Caesar salad, a Mediterranean quinoa salad, or a couscous salad.
• Roasted or air-fried vegetables: Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, acorn squash, or air fryer frozen green beans.

Fruits

Fruits are a great way to add some natural sweetness to your meal. Some options include:

• Tropical fruits like mango or pineapple.
• Berries, grapes, or stone fruits.
• Dried fruits like cranberries or strawberries.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken tenders are often served with a variety of dips and sauces. Some popular options include:

• BBQ sauce
• Honey mustard sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Honey yogurt
• Ketchup
• Lemon wedges

Other Ideas

• Cheesy beef taco pasta
• Baked goat cheese pasta
• Greek quinoa salad
• Sweet potato mac and cheese
• Crockpot cheesy potatoes
• Baked oranges with honey whipped feta
• Crispy oven-roasted baby potatoes

Remember, you can serve chicken tenders with almost anything, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairings!

Frequently asked questions