Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenderloins: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking frozen chicken tenderloins in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy meal. You can use either fresh or frozen chicken tenderloins, and there is no need to defrost the chicken before cooking. The air fryer method is simple, requiring only a few ingredients and a short cooking time. This recipe is also low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a convenient option for a variety of dietary preferences.

Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. Not only does it help to ensure that your chicken tenderloins are cooked evenly, but it also helps to get that sought-after crispy exterior without overcooking the meat.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to between 380-400°F. Allow the air fryer to heat up for around 5 minutes before adding your chicken. This gives the appliance enough time to reach the desired temperature and ensures a consistent cooking environment.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken tenderloins by patting them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the oil and seasonings adhere to the meat, enhancing the flavour and crispiness of the final product.

Once the tenderloins are dry, place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil (or another cooking oil of your choice). Toss the chicken to ensure each piece is completely coated in oil.

At this point, your air fryer should be preheated and ready to go. It's now time to add the chicken tenderloins and let the air fryer work its magic!

Oil the chicken

Oiling the chicken is an important step in the process of making frozen chicken tenderloins in an air fryer. This is because chicken tenderloins are skinless and very lean, so they can easily dry out during cooking. Coating them with oil prevents them from drying out and helps to keep them moist. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, corn oil, or even ghee.

To oil the chicken, place the frozen tenderloins on a cutting board and brush them with oil, making sure to cover all sides of the chicken. Alternatively, you can place the frozen chicken tenderloins in a medium-sized bowl and toss them with the oil, ensuring that they are completely coated.

Once the chicken is oiled, you can move on to the next step of seasoning the chicken.

Season the chicken

Seasoning your chicken tenderloins is a crucial step in ensuring they are packed with flavour. The key to achieving a tasty, well-seasoned tenderloin is to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed and coats the chicken.

Firstly, you will need to pat your chicken tenderloins dry using paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken. Next, place the tenderloins in a large mixing bowl and drizzle olive oil over them. Toss the chicken until it is completely coated in oil.

Now, it's time to add the seasoning. You can use a store-bought seasoning or make your own blend. For a simple, homemade seasoning, mix together smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You can also add cayenne pepper to taste for a spicy kick. Once combined, sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken tenderloins.

Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning. You can use your hands or a spoon to ensure the seasoning is distributed over all the tenderloins. Now your chicken is ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Cook for 10-15 minutes

Now, it's time to cook your chicken tenderloins! Place them in the air fryer and let them cook for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to set a timer so you don't forget about them.

While they're cooking, you can start preparing any sides or sauces you'd like to serve with your chicken. Some great options include french fries, tater tots, sweet potato fries, onion rings, asparagus, carrots, or frozen green beans. For sauces, BBQ sauce, honey sriracha sauce, or ranch are always delicious options.

If you're looking for something a little more creative, why not try making a copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce? Or, if you're short on time, simply pair your chicken with some store-bought dipping sauces like ketchup or ranch.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken tenderloins and the model of your air fryer. To ensure they're fully cooked, it's best to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the timer goes off, use tongs to remove the chicken tenderloins from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. They should be golden brown and crispy. If you're using any sauces, brush them on the chicken now, and let them bake for a few minutes.

And that's it! Your chicken tenderloins are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them with your chosen sides and sauces, and dig in!

Serve with sauce

There are many sauces and dips that go well with chicken tenderloins. BBQ sauce, ketchup, ranch, honey sriracha sauce, and buffalo sauce are all great options. If you're looking for something a little more elaborate, you could try a copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce or a honey sriracha sauce.

If you want to add a ton of flavour to your chicken tenderloins, you can brush on some dipping sauces like sweet teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, or Asian chicken sauce a few minutes before they're done cooking. This will allow the sauce to bake onto the chicken and intensify the flavours.

You can also serve chicken tenderloins with sides that complement these sauces. For example, serve them with French fries, tater tots, sweet potato fries, or onion rings. If you're looking for a low-carb option, you can serve them with asparagus, carrots, or frozen green beans, along with a salad.

Frequently asked questions