Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloin: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a fast, convenient, and healthy way to prepare a meal. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly and with minimal fuss. In this guide, we'll be focusing on how long it takes to cook frozen chicken tenderloin in an air fryer, so you can have a delicious and nutritious meal ready in no time.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frozen chicken tenderloin in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the chicken and the model of the air fryer.

It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes. Some recipes suggest preheating to a specific temperature, such as 380 degrees Fahrenheit or 390 degrees Fahrenheit, while others simply suggest preheating the fryer without specifying a temperature.

The cooking time for frozen chicken tenderloin in an air fryer generally ranges from 12 to 20 minutes, with some recipes suggesting a cooking time of 15 to 17 minutes, or until tender. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly, with an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To check this, you can use a meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer.

Some recipes suggest cooking the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, while others recommend cooking the chicken in a single layer. It is also suggested to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. As such, it is recommended to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the specific air fryer you are using.

No need to defrost

There is no need to defrost chicken tenderloins before cooking them in an air fryer. This is one of the benefits of using an air fryer, as it saves you a lot of time.

To cook frozen chicken tenderloins in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, brush or spray olive oil onto the frozen tenderloins and sprinkle on your desired seasonings. Make sure the tenderloins are evenly coated to prevent them from drying out.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Set the timer for 10 minutes and then flip the tenderloins over and cook for another 5-7 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of the tenderloins, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The tenderloins are done when the middle of the thickest piece is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can serve these chicken tenderloins with your favorite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey sriracha sauce. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, snacks, salads, or wraps.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning you use on your frozen chicken tenderloins will ensure they are tasty and moist.

Chicken tenderloins are skinless and very lean, so they can dry out during cooking. Coating them with oil prevents this from happening. Olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use avocado oil, ghee, or mayonnaise.

For seasoning, you can use a store-bought dry rub for chicken wings, or mix your own spices. A simple combination of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper will work well. You can also add some cayenne pepper, chilli pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra spice.

• Place the frozen tenderloins on a cutting board.
• Brush the tenderloins with oil, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated on all sides. Alternatively, you can put the oil in a spray can and spray the tenderloins.
• Mix your chosen spices and salt in a dish.
• Coat each tenderloin with the spice mixture, ensuring both sides are covered.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F.
• Place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.
• Flip the tenderloins and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the middle of the thickest piece is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Remove the tenderloins from the air fryer and serve with your choice of sauce.

You can also add a sauce to your tenderloins while they are cooking. Brush on some BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or Asian chicken sauce a few minutes before they are done. This will give your tenderloins a baked-on sauce flavour.

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Brown sugar
• Optional: parsley, lemon slices, and additional spices

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F.
• Brush or spray the frozen chicken tenderloins with olive oil and ensure they are thoroughly coated.
• Mix your chosen spices and salt in a bowl, then sprinkle the mixture over the tenderloins, ensuring both sides are coated.
• Place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the tenderloins.
• Check that the thickest piece of chicken is no longer pink in the middle and that the juices run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
• Remove the tenderloins from the air fryer and serve with your choice of sauce.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer chicken tenderloins are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salads and Wraps: Chicken tenderloins are perfect for adding protein to your salad or wrap. Chop them up and toss with your favourite greens, vegetables, and dressing.
• Snacks and Meals: These tenderloins can be enjoyed as a quick snack or a full meal. For a heartier meal, serve them with a couple of sides, such as air fryer Brussels sprouts, French fries, sweet potato fries, or a baked potato.
• Dipping Sauces: Take your taste buds on an adventure by pairing your chicken tenderloins with various dipping sauces. BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and honey mustard are just a few options to explore. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours!
• Meal Prep: Chicken tenderloins are excellent for meal prep. Cook a batch and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They can be easily reheated in the air fryer, oven, skillet, or even the microwave if you're in a hurry.
• Sandwiches: These tenderloins are perfect for sandwiches. Stack them between your favourite bread with some lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise for a classic chicken sandwich.
• Sides: If you're looking for a lighter option, serve your chicken tenderloins with a side of green beans or Brussels sprouts. For a heartier meal, add some bacon to your sides for an extra burst of flavour.

Remember, the beauty of air fryer chicken tenderloins is their versatility. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different serving suggestions to find your perfect combination. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions