Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty meal. It's a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as there's no need for added oil, and it's faster than baking them in the oven. With an air fryer, you can cook chicken tenders straight from frozen, making them a convenient option for a last-minute meal.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Frozen Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It helps the outside of the chicken get as crispy as possible without overcooking the meat. The optimal temperature for preheating your air fryer is 360 degrees Fahrenheit, but temperatures can range from 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set it to your desired temperature. You can then arrange your frozen chicken tenders in the basket while the air fryer preheats. It is important to note that you should not stack the chicken tenders, as this will cause them to take longer to cook. Instead, place them in a single, even layer with a slight space between each tender to allow for proper air circulation.

If you are using an air fryer that requires manual preheating, you can determine if it is preheated by checking the temperature gauge or by timing it based on the manufacturer's instructions. Most air fryers will take around 3 minutes to preheat. Once your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can proceed with cooking your chicken tenders.

It is important to note that the preheating time may vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, so be sure to refer to your specific model's instructions or user manual for the most accurate information.

Season the chicken

Seasoning the chicken is an important step in ensuring your chicken tenders are tasty. Before seasoning, pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Then, place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral spray oil, and toss to coat the chicken evenly.

Next, it's time to add the seasonings. Mix your chosen seasonings together in a small bowl. You can use salt and pepper, or try something different like a buffalo sauce seasoning. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken tenders. You can also add more seasoning after cooking if you prefer your chicken tenders to be extra flavoursome.

Arrange chicken in the fryer

When arranging frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer, it is important to ensure they are in a single, flat, and even layer. This allows for even cooking and air circulation. If your air fryer basket is not big enough, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Try to cook similarly-sized tenders together, as smaller ones will cook faster and may overcook while waiting for larger pieces to be ready. It is fine if the tenders touch slightly, but they should not be stacked or overlap, as this will increase cooking time and impact crispiness.

If you are using raw chicken, you can drizzle the tenders with olive oil and toss to coat before placing them in the air fryer. You can also season the chicken with salt and pepper or other seasonings of your choice. However, this step is not necessary, as some people prefer to cook the tenders without any added oil.

Always ensure your air fryer is preheated before adding the chicken tenders. The ideal temperature for cooking frozen chicken tenders is around 360 degrees Fahrenheit, but this may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and personal preference.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer vary depending on the brand and model of the air fryer, as well as the size and thickness of the chicken tenders. It is recommended to cook similarly sized chicken tenders together to ensure even cooking.

For pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders, some sources suggest cooking at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 minutes. Others suggest cooking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. It is important to ensure that the chicken tenders are heated through and that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit when using a meat thermometer.

For raw frozen chicken tenders, the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Some sources suggest cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, while others suggest cooking at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes on the first side and an additional 8 minutes on the second side, for a total of 23 minutes. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the number of chicken tenders being cooked and the specific air fryer being used. It is recommended to shake the basket a couple of times during cooking and flip the tenders halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Reheating and storing

Reheating chicken tenders in an air fryer is a great way to bring back their texture and taste. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, mimicking deep frying without the oil. This ensures that your chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Before reheating, assess the condition of your chicken tenders. Ideally, chicken tenders should be consumed within 3-4 days of being cooked. If the tenders appear dry, spray them with water or oil. Breaded chicken tenders will reheat differently from non-breaded ones, so adjust accordingly.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F/190°C to ensure even cooking. Then, place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air to circulate. You can lightly spray them with cooking oil for an extra crispy finish. Set the timer for 4-5 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through. Check if they are done to your liking. If not, continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments. For larger pieces, you may need to air fry for 8-10 minutes.

After reheating, serve the chicken tenders immediately. You can store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions