Frying Chicken Tenders: Deep Fryer Tips And Tricks

Making fried chicken tenders in a deep fryer is a simple process that yields juicy, crispy, and tender chicken pieces. The key to success lies in preparing the chicken, achieving the right oil temperature, and maintaining a consistent frying temperature. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving delicious fried chicken tenders in a deep fryer.

Prepare the chicken

Start by patting your chicken tenders dry. This is an important step to ensure the breading sticks to the chicken. If you have time, you can also try dry brining the chicken by sprinkling it with salt and letting it sit uncovered in the fridge for several hours or even overnight. This will give your chicken extra flavour and a juicier texture.

Next, set up three separate bowls for dredging. In the first bowl, place flour. You can season this flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk. You can also add garlic salt or water to this mixture. In the third bowl, place breadcrumbs and mix in black pepper and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you can use flour again for this step.

Now, it's time to coat the chicken. First, dip the chicken in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in each step and pat the coating on firmly. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes so that the coating can dry and stick better.

If you want to add extra flavour, you can marinate the chicken before coating it. You can also try double dredging by dipping the chicken in flour, then egg, then flour again, and finally back into the egg mixture before a final coating of flour or breadcrumbs.

Prepare the breading

The breading is a crucial component of fried chicken tenders, creating a crispy exterior that complements the juicy meat. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare the breading for your chicken tenders:

Start by preparing three separate shallow bowls for a flour mixture, an egg mixture, and a breading mixture.

First Bowl: Flour Mixture

In the first bowl, combine all-purpose flour with seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning. You can also add in breadcrumbs for extra crispness. Mix the ingredients well to ensure the flour is evenly seasoned.

Second Bowl: Egg Mixture

In the second bowl, whisk together eggs and a liquid such as water, buttermilk, or milk. You can also add a dash of garlic salt or other seasonings to this mixture for extra flavour. Beat the mixture until it becomes airy and frothy.

Third Bowl: Breading Mixture

In the third bowl, combine the flour mixture and the egg mixture. Mix them together until you get a thick, sticky paste. You can adjust the consistency by adding more flour or liquid as needed.

Now you have your breading mixture ready! You can adjust the amounts of flour and liquid to create a thicker or thinner breading, depending on your preference.

Once your chicken tenders are coated in the breading, let them rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick better and also allows the breading to soften slightly, resulting in an even crispier texture after frying.

You can also double-dredge the chicken tenders by coating them in flour, then the egg mixture, and then back into the flour mixture again for an extra thick and crispy coating.

Remember to heat your oil to the right temperature (around 365-375°F or 190°C before frying, and always fry in small batches to maintain the ideal oil temperature. Happy frying!

Prepare the oil

The type of oil you use is important when frying chicken tenders. You want to use a neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil.

Fill a large pot, deep skillet, or Dutch oven with about 2 inches of oil. You can also use a deep fryer, which will tell you when the oil has reached the desired temperature. Heat the oil to between 365°F and 375°F. You can use a candy thermometer to check the temperature, or test it by dropping a small piece of flour or bread into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown, the oil is ready.

If you are frying in a pan, be sure to use a good skillet that controls heat well, such as cast iron.

Fry the chicken

Now that your chicken tenders are coated and your oil is hot, it's time to start frying! Here are some detailed instructions on how to fry your chicken tenders to crispy, golden perfection:

Firstly, you'll want to work in small batches. Add a few pieces of chicken to the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. Depending on the size of your fryer, you can fry between 2-5 pieces at once. Cooking in small batches will ensure that the oil temperature doesn't drop too much, which is important for achieving that crispy texture.

Depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders, you'll want to fry them for around 3-8 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed. You're aiming for a deep golden brown colour and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

When the first batch is done, remove the tenders from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain any excess oil. If desired, sprinkle with a little extra salt while they're still warm.

Repeat this process until all your chicken tenders are cooked. To keep the cooked tenders warm while you finish frying the rest, place them in a 200°F (93°C) oven.

And that's it! You now have a batch of crispy, juicy, golden fried chicken tenders. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauces and enjoy!

Make a dipping sauce

Making a delicious dipping sauce to accompany your fried chicken tenders is a great way to elevate your dish. Here are some ideas for sauces that will complement the crispy, juicy chicken tenders:

Chick-Fil-A Sauce

A popular choice, this sauce is smoky, sweet, and tangy. It is extremely versatile and can be used on other proteins such as steak, pork, or shrimp. To make it, simply mix together the following ingredients:

• Real mayonnaise (such as Hellmann's or Duke's)
• Barbecue sauce (a sweeter variety like Sweet Baby Rays is recommended)
• Yellow mustard
• Dijon mustard
• Honey (optional)

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste and experiment with adding spices like garlic, black pepper, paprika, or cayenne pepper for some heat.

Comeback Sauce

This sauce is a Southern classic and is perfect for those who like a bit of spice. It is a mayonnaise-based sauce with a kick, often served with fried dishes. To make it, combine the following ingredients:

• Ketchup
• Hot sauce (such as Texas Pete)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred level of spice. This sauce is best served cold and can be made ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator for about a week.

Spicy Horseradish Dipping Sauce

For those who really want to turn up the heat, this sauce made with horseradish, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce is the perfect pairing for your fried chicken tenders. Simply combine the following ingredients:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Prepared horseradish
• Prepared mustard
• Worcestershire sauce

Honey Mustard Sauce

A classic combination of sweet and tangy, honey mustard sauce is a simple yet delicious option. Mix together the following:

• Honey
• Mustard (you can use yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, or a combination of both)

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy option that pairs well with fried chicken tenders. You can easily make it at home by combining the following ingredients:

• Buttermilk
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream or Greek yoghurt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Simply mix all the ingredients together and adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Frequently asked questions