Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Reheating Time

If you're looking to reheat chicken tenders, an air fryer is the best option. It's quick, easy, and will ensure your chicken is crispy and juicy. The air fryer's circulation of hot air will mimic the deep frying effect without the excess oil. This method is also healthier than pan-frying or deep-frying and requires little monitoring, so you can multitask while your food heats up.

To reheat chicken tenders in an air fryer, preheat your appliance to 350–375 °F (190 °C). Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to allow hot air to circulate. You can lightly spray the tenders with water or oil to add moisture, but this is optional. Reheat for 3–5 minutes, checking halfway through and adding more time if needed. For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the tenders reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).

How to prepare chicken tenders for reheating

Preparing chicken tenders for reheating in an air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F/180°C. This temperature ensures the chicken tenders are heated thoroughly without burning the outside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Take your leftover chicken tenders out of the refrigerator. It is important that the chicken is not straight out of the fridge, but has time to come to room temperature. Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.

Step 3: Reheat the Chicken Tenders

Reheat the chicken tenders for 3-5 minutes at 350°F/180°C. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the tenders, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. For larger pieces of chicken, you may need to cook for up to 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Step 4: Check the Temperature

To ensure the chicken tenders are safely reheated, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The chicken should reach a temperature of 165°F/74°C. If the tenders have not reached this temperature, return them to the air fryer for another minute or two.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken tenders have reached the correct temperature, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favourite sides and dipping sauces.

Tips:

• If you want extra crispiness, spray the chicken tenders with a little oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• Always store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
• Do not reheat chicken tenders more than once, as this increases the risk of foodborne illness.

Preheating the air fryer

Step 1: Set the Temperature

Set your air fryer to the ideal temperature of 350°F to 375°F (190°C). This temperature range is optimal for crisping up the exterior of the chicken tenders without overcooking the interior.

Step 2: Allow Preheating Time

Let the air fryer preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes. Many modern air fryers have a preheat setting, making this step more convenient.

Tips for Preheating:

• Most air fryers benefit from preheating, just like a traditional oven.
• Preheating ensures that the chicken tenders are exposed to consistent heat from the moment they are placed in the basket.
• If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes after setting the desired temperature.
• Preheating at the right temperature is crucial to achieving the desired crispiness without drying out the chicken tenders.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed to the next steps of reheating your chicken tenders, such as arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and setting the timer for the final cook.

Step-by-step instructions for reheating chicken tenders

Reheating chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy leftovers without drying out the meat. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve crispy and delicious chicken tenders:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Before reheating, assess the condition of your chicken tenders. Ensure they are not too dry, and consider adding moisture by lightly spraying them with water or oil if needed. If you have a large batch, divide the tenders into smaller portions to ensure even heating.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (190°C). This temperature range will help crisp up the exterior without overcooking the meat. Allow the air fryer to preheat for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Arrange the Tenders in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation and even heating. Leave some space between the tenders to prevent them from steaming and becoming soggy.

Step 4: Optional – Lightly Spray with Oil

For an extra crispy finish, you can lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil. This step is optional but can enhance the texture of your chicken tenders.

Step 5: Set the Timer and Reheat

Set the air fryer to reheat for 3-5 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the tenders. For thicker tenders, you may need to increase the time by a minute or two. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or flip the tenders to ensure even heating.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After the initial heating time, check the tenders. If they need more time, continue to reheat in 1-2 minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Serve Immediately

For the best taste and texture, serve the chicken tenders immediately after reheating. Enjoy them as a standalone snack or incorporate them into sandwiches, wraps, or salads.

Additional Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Reheat in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the temperature and time as needed depending on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken tenders.
• Add flavor by seasoning the tenders with your favorite spices or herbs before reheating.
• Always preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
• Avoid overheating, as it can dry out the chicken.
• Don't reheat multiple times, as chicken tenders can dry out after the first reheating.

Tips for getting the best results

• Ensure there is enough space between the tenders for air to circulate. This will prevent them from steaming and becoming soggy.
• Adjust the temperature and time as needed. Different air fryer models and chicken tender sizes may require slight adjustments.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
• If you want to add a flavour boost to your chicken tenders, season them with your favourite spices or herbs before reheating.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure the chicken tenders start cooking immediately and heat evenly.
• Lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil for an extra crispy finish.
• Check the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time and shake the basket or flip the tenders to ensure even heating.
• For best results, keep the chicken tenders in a single layer so the chicken cooks evenly.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Air needs to circulate to crisp the chicken up.
• If your chicken tenders are frozen, flash freeze them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and putting them in the freezer for 1-2 hours.
• If your chicken tenders are dry, add moisture by lightly spraying them with water or oil before reheating.

Common mistakes to avoid when reheating chicken tenders

Reheating chicken tenders in an air fryer is a great way to get that crispy texture without the excess oil. However, there are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your chicken tenders come out perfectly.

Firstly, always preheat your air fryer. Not preheating can lead to uneven cooking, so set your air fryer to 350°F-375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and heats evenly.

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Place the tenders in a single layer with space between them to allow hot air to circulate. If you have a large batch, cook them in multiple batches. Overcrowding can lead to uneven heating and cause the tenders to become soggy.

Don't forget to check on the chicken halfway through the cooking time, which should be around 3-5 minutes. Shake the basket or flip the tenders to ensure even heating and prevent burning. You can add more time in 1-2 minute increments if they need longer.

Finally, don't overcook the chicken. It's better to put them back in for longer if they aren't warm enough than to dry them out. The ideal internal temperature for the chicken tenders is 165°F (74°C).

Frequently asked questions