Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. You can use either raw or pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders, and there is no need to defrost them first. The cooking time will depend on whether your tenders are pre-cooked or uncooked, as well as their size and thickness. For pre-cooked tenders, air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For uncooked tenders, air fry for 22-28 minutes, again flipping halfway through. To ensure your chicken tenders are cooked safely, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165ºF/74ºC.

Preheat the air fryer to 360-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your chicken tenders cook evenly and efficiently. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the quantity of tenders you are cooking, you may need to adjust the temperature and time slightly. However, a good rule of thumb is to preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F.

For example, if you are cooking frozen chicken tenders, a preheat temperature of 360°F is recommended. This will ensure the tenders cook through without drying out. At this temperature, you should preheat your air fryer for around 5 minutes.

On the other hand, if you are cooking fresh chicken tenders, a higher temperature of 400°F is suggested. This will help to create a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy. Again, a preheat time of around 5 minutes is ideal.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can place your chicken tenders inside, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space around each one for the hot air to circulate. Avoid stacking or overcrowding the basket, as this will impact the cooking time and evenness.

By preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature, you can be sure your chicken tenders will turn out perfectly crispy and juicy every time!

Rinse and dry the chicken

Rinsing and drying chicken is an important step in preparing it for cooking, especially when it comes to food safety. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly rinse and dry chicken tenders before air frying:

Rinsing the Chicken Tenders:

• Before handling raw chicken, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Remove the chicken tenders from their packaging.
• Rinse the chicken tenders under cold running water, ensuring you wash off any ice or residue.
• Avoid splashing or spraying water onto surrounding surfaces, as this can spread harmful bacteria.
• Do not wash raw chicken in the sink, as it can contaminate your sink and nearby areas.

Drying the Chicken Tenders:

• After rinsing, use paper towels to pat the chicken tenders dry.
• Ensure you dry the chicken thoroughly, as this will help any seasonings stick to the meat and promote even browning during cooking.
• Once dried, place the chicken tenders on a clean plate or surface.
• If desired, you can lightly spray or brush the chicken tenders with a cooking oil of your choice, such as avocado oil or olive oil. This step is optional but can help create a crispier texture when air-fried.

By following these steps, you will have properly rinsed and dried chicken tenders that are ready for seasoning and cooking in your air fryer. Remember to practice good food safety habits and always wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken.

Oil and season the chicken

Oil and seasoning are key components in achieving juicy and flavourful chicken tenders with a crispy exterior.

Oil

The oil helps to crisp the exterior of the chicken and ensures that the herbs and spices adhere to the meat. Olive oil is a good option for the air fryer due to its mild flavour. Avocado oil is another option, and it can be applied via a cooking spray.

Seasoning

Seasoning the chicken tenders is a matter of personal preference, but some recommended herbs and spices include:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Italian seasoning

You can also try a wet or dry brine to ensure the chicken is juicy and well-seasoned. For a dry brine, sprinkle salt all over the chicken and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to one day. For a wet brine, create a saltwater solution for the chicken to rest in.

You can also try marinating the chicken in a sauce or with a specific blend of spices.

Arrange the chicken in the air fryer

When arranging chicken in your air fryer, it's important to ensure that the chicken pieces are not overlapping. This is because the air fryer needs to be able to circulate air around each piece of chicken to cook it evenly and make it crispy. If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the chicken in shifts to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

When placing the chicken tenders in the air fryer, spread them out into a single layer, ensuring they have adequate space for air circulation. It's fine if they touch slightly, but avoid stacking or piling them on top of each other. This will help achieve that coveted crispy texture on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside.

If you're cooking frozen chicken tenders, there's no need to defrost them first. Simply increase the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked properly, with an internal temperature of 165ºF/74ºC.

For uncooked frozen tenders, air fry them for 22-28 minutes, depending on their size, flipping them halfway through. If you're using pre-cooked frozen tenders, air fry for 8-12 minutes, again depending on their size, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

For the crispiest chicken tenders, you can lightly spray both sides with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer. However, be sure to use a cooking oil suitable for high temperatures, such as avocado oil or olive oil, and avoid cooking sprays that can ruin the non-stick lining of your air fryer.

Cook for 15 minutes, then turn over

When cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer, it is important to ensure they are cooked thoroughly and safely. After 15 minutes of cooking, it is time to turn the tenders over. This will ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

At this point, the tenders will have already spent a good amount of time in the air fryer, and will be well on their way to being cooked. By turning them over, you allow the other side to cook, and avoid the risk of the tenders drying out or burning. This is a crucial step, as it ensures the tenders cook evenly and safely.

After turning the tenders over, they will need to cook for a further 8-10 minutes. This will ensure they are cooked through and safe to eat. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tenders, and the specific model of your air fryer. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check on the tenders periodically to ensure they are cooking evenly and to prevent overcooking.

To check if the tenders are cooked, you can use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the tender should reach 165ºF/74ºC. This will ensure any harmful bacteria have been killed, and your tenders are safe to eat.

Once the tenders have cooked for the additional 8-10 minutes, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the juices to settle and lock in that delicious flavour and moisture.

Now your chicken tenders are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Frequently asked questions