Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

There are many ways to cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer, depending on whether they are raw or pre-cooked, and the type of breading used. However, the general method is to cook the tenders at a high temperature for a short amount of time, without overcrowding the air fryer basket.

How to make frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken tenders will be crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

Firstly, you should consult the instructions for your specific air fryer model. Different models may have different preheating instructions, so it's important to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines. Some air fryers may not require preheating at all, so checking the instructions beforehand is essential.

If your air fryer does require preheating, the general rule of thumb is to preheat it to a temperature between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature will depend on the model and your personal preference for crispiness. Set the timer for about 5 minutes to allow the air fryer to reach the desired temperature.

During preheating, you can prepare the chicken tenders by rinsing them under cold running water to remove any ice and patting them dry with paper towels. You can also season them or brush them with oil at this stage, depending on your recipe.

Once the air fryer has preheated, you can carefully place the chicken tenders inside, ensuring they don't overlap and there is space for hot air to circulate. Now, you can proceed with the cooking instructions for your chosen recipe.

Remember, preheating ensures that your chicken tenders will cook evenly and helps to achieve that desirable crispy texture. By following the steps outlined above, you'll be on your way to delicious, perfectly cooked chicken tenders.

Oil and season the chicken

To make frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer, you'll need to oil and season the chicken before cooking. This will ensure the chicken doesn't dry out and will add flavour.

Firstly, you'll need to pat the chicken dry with paper towels. You can use any type of oil to coat the chicken, such as avocado oil, olive oil, avocado oil spray, or even mayonnaise. If using a liquid oil, mix it with your chosen seasonings in a small bowl before brushing the mixture onto the chicken. Be sure to cover all sides of the chicken tenderloins with the oil mixture.

For seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add extra spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika. You can also experiment with different types of breading, such as Japanese panko, Italian-style breadcrumbs, gluten-free options, or keto pork rinds.

Cook for 15 minutes

So, you've rinsed your chicken tenders and patted them dry. You've sprayed them with avocado oil and seasoned them with salt and pepper. You've placed them in your air fryer basket, making sure they're not overlapping. You've set your air fryer to 360 degrees F (or 400 degrees F, or 350 degrees F, depending on your recipe and air fryer model) and now you're ready to cook.

For perfectly cooked chicken tenders, you'll want to air fry for 15 minutes. But don't set a timer and walk away! Depending on the size and power of your air fryer, and the thickness of your chicken tenders, the cooking time will vary. So, keep an eye on them.

Halfway through the cooking process, you'll want to turn your chicken tenders over. This ensures they cook evenly on both sides.

After 15 minutes, check that the chicken is no longer pink in the centre and that the juices run clear. You can use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F. If the chicken isn't quite ready, put it back in the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Once your chicken tenders are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and serve!

Turn the chicken over

Turning the chicken over is an important step in the cooking process. This ensures that the tenders are cooked evenly on both sides and helps to achieve that desirable crispy texture. Depending on the size and thickness of the chicken tenders, as well as the model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time after turning the chicken over.

When turning the chicken over, use tongs or a spatula to handle the tenders carefully. Ensure that you do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect the cooking time and temperature. It is best to cook the tenders in a single layer, without overlapping, so they can cook evenly.

After turning the chicken over, continue cooking for the remaining time. For fully cooked, breaded frozen chicken tenders, this may only take a few minutes until they are crunchy and warm. For frozen raw chicken tenders, you may need to add an extra minute or two to ensure they are cooked through, depending on the model of your air fryer.

Checking the internal temperature of the chicken tenders with a food thermometer is a good way to ensure they are cooked properly. According to the USDA, chicken needs to be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Once the chicken tenders have reached the desired level of doneness and crispness, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can also allow them to cool and enjoy them as a snack, lunch, or dinner later.

Check the internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your chicken tenders is crucial to ensure they are cooked thoroughly and safe to eat. The USDA states that chicken needs to be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

To check the internal temperature, you can use an instant-read thermometer or a food thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken tender, ensuring it is not touching any bone, and check the temperature reading. If it has not yet reached 165°F (74°C), continue cooking the tenders in the air fryer in short intervals, checking the temperature each time until the desired temperature is reached.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, as well as the size and thickness of the chicken tenders. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the internal temperature to ensure your chicken is cooked properly.

Additionally, it is recommended to let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more accurate temperature reading.

Frequently asked questions