Reheating Chicken Tenders: Air Fryer Time

If you're looking to revive last night's chicken tenders, an air fryer is the best option. It's quick, easy, and will restore that crispy texture.

To reheat chicken tenders in an air fryer, first, preheat your appliance to between 350°F and 375°F. Then, place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure even heating. You can lightly spray them with oil for an extra crispy finish, but this is optional.

Reheat for around 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the tenders. Halfway through, shake the basket or flip the tenders, and continue to cook in 1-2 minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

And that's it! Your chicken tenders are now ready to serve and enjoy.

How to prepare chicken tenders for reheating

Preparing chicken tenders for reheating in an air fryer is simple and will ensure your leftovers taste as good as new. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Cool the Chicken

Before placing the chicken tenders in the refrigerator, allow them to cool down to room temperature. This is important because if they are stored while still hot, condensation will form, making the breading soggy.

Step 2: Store the Chicken

Place the chicken tenders in an airtight container or cover them and store them in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within three to four days.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

When you're ready to reheat the chicken tenders, start by preheating your air fryer. Different sources recommend preheating to different temperatures, with suggestions ranging from 350°F to 375°F (190°C).

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Take the desired amount of chicken tenders out of the refrigerator. It is best to reheat them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If you are reheating a large batch, work in batches.

Step 5: Reheat

Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer and reheat for 3 to 5 minutes at 350°F, or for about 5 to 7 minutes at 375°F, until they are thoroughly warmed. For larger pieces of chicken, reheat for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Step 6: Check the Temperature

To ensure the chicken tenders are reheated thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If they have not reached this temperature, continue warming for another minute or two.

Step 7: Serve

Once the chicken tenders are heated through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favourite sides and dipping sauces. Enjoy!

The benefits of using an air fryer

To reheat chicken tenders in an air fryer, preheat the fryer to 350–375 °F. Place the tenders in a single layer in the fryer basket and cook for 3–5 minutes.

Now, here are the benefits of using an air fryer:

Health Benefits

Air fryers are healthier than deep fryers because they use far less oil. This results in meals that contain lower amounts of fat and calories. The oil that is used drains away and isn't absorbed by the food, so you consume less fat. Air fryers are also great for reheating food, as they make it hot and crispy, rather than soggy like when you use a microwave.

Taste

The convection process employed by air fryers promotes a chemical effect known as the Maillard reaction, which improves the appearance of food and makes it very tasty, despite using less fat. Air fryers are perfect for creating crispy French fries, onion rings, fish sticks, and other types of food that are traditionally fried.

Speed

Air fryers cook much faster than traditional alternatives. The intense heat is kept inside the fryer and constantly circulated, making the cooking process speedy. Many models don't require preheating before use, or have a very short preheat time. Depending on the food, cooking time reductions can be in excess of 30–50% when compared with a regular oven.

Ease of Use

Air fryers are far less messy than deep fryers because they only need a minimal amount of oil. They are also self-contained devices, so there is less concern about splashes and burns. They are generally very straightforward to use and require very little monitoring when cooking. Simply set the temperature and time, place the food inside the basket, and let the fryer do its job.

Versatility

The vast majority of foods that are traditionally cooked in a deep fryer can be prepared by an air fryer just as well, or even better. Baked goods, vegetables, and steaks work surprisingly well. Air fryers can also be used to reheat leftovers like pizza, grilled cheese, and, of course, chicken tenders.

Size

Air fryers are relatively small kitchen appliances, barely bigger than toasters. They are great for small kitchens and are easily transportable, so they can be used on a campsite or in an RV or camper when traveling.

Cost

Considering their usefulness and versatility, air fryers are surprisingly inexpensive to buy. They are typically available at online retailers for somewhere between $50 and $150.

Step-by-step instructions for reheating chicken tenders

Reheating chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy and tasty leftovers. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Before reheating, it is important to assess the condition of your chicken tenders. Ensure they are not too dry, and consider adding moisture by spraying them lightly with water or oil. Also, ensure that your chicken tenders are at room temperature before reheating.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

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

Step 3: Arrange the Chicken Tenders

Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even heating and crispiness. Leave some space between each tender to allow hot air to circulate properly. If you have a large batch, consider reheating in multiple batches.

Step 4: Optional – 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.

Step 5: Set the Timer

Set the air fryer to reheat for 3 to 7 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.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or flip the tenders to ensure even heating. After the initial cooking 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.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

For the best taste and texture, serve the chicken tenders immediately after reheating. Enjoy them as is or with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch.

Additional Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to prevent steaming and sogginess.
• Adjust the temperature and time as needed, depending on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken tenders.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the tenders are heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Season the tenders with herbs or spices before reheating for a flavor boost.
• Always preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overheating, as it can dry out the chicken.
• Don't overlap the tenders in the air fryer to achieve a crispy texture.

Tips for achieving the best results

• If your chicken tenders are non-breaded, brush them with sauce to achieve a crispy texture.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F.
• Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil for an extra crispy finish.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through and adding more time if needed.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the correct internal temperature of 165°F has been reached.
• For best results, serve the chicken tenders immediately after reheating.
• To store, place the chicken tenders in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Do not reheat multiple times, as chicken tenders will dry out.

Common mistakes to avoid when reheating chicken tenders

Reheating chicken tenders in an air fryer is a great way to ensure your leftovers remain tasty and crispy. However, there are some common mistakes to avoid when reheating chicken tenders to ensure the best results.

Firstly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This is a common mistake when cooking with an air fryer, as it is tempting to fill up the basket to cook more food at once. However, overcrowding the basket will prevent hot air from properly circulating, leading to uneven cooking and soggy chicken tenders. It is best to cook in batches to ensure the chicken tenders are cooked evenly and remain crispy.

Another mistake to avoid is not preheating the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer to the correct temperature (around 350-375°F) ensures the chicken tenders are cooked evenly and efficiently. Starting with a cold air fryer may lead to longer cooking times, which can dry out the chicken tenders.

Not checking the internal temperature of the chicken tenders is another common mistake. It is important to ensure the chicken is thoroughly reheated to avoid foodborne illness. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Finally, avoid reheating chicken tenders straight from the fridge. Chicken tenders should be at room temperature before reheating to ensure even cooking and to prevent the chicken from drying out.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your reheated chicken tenders are crispy, juicy, and safe to eat.

Frequently asked questions