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

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal, look no further than Tyson Chicken Tenders cooked in an air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this convenient option delivers restaurant-quality chicken tenders with a crispy, golden-brown finish, without the mess of traditional frying methods. The air fryer is also great for reheating leftovers, ensuring your tenders stay crispy and tasty.

Whether you're serving them as a snack or a meal, Tyson Chicken Tenders are a family-friendly option that can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces and sides, making them a true crowd-pleaser. So, if you're short on time but big on flavour, read on to discover how to make these mouth-watering tenders in your air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. Not only does it ensure your food cooks evenly, but it also helps to achieve that coveted crispy texture. For optimal results, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. This is a crucial step, especially if you want your chicken tenders to turn out crispy and golden brown.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can take the opportunity to prepare your chicken strips. There's no need to thaw them beforehand; simply take them straight out of the freezer and arrange them in the air fryer basket. It's important to ensure that the chicken strips are placed in a single layer and are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and proper airflow.

Once the air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed with the next steps of cooking your chicken tenders. Remember, the preheating process is key to achieving the best results for your Tyson chicken tenders. By following these instructions, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy chicken tenders made right in your air fryer!

Take the frozen chicken strips out of the packaging

To make Tyson chicken tenders in an air fryer, the first step is to take the frozen chicken strips out of the packaging. There is no need to thaw them. Place the chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking. If desired, lightly spray them with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

It is important to note that the air fryer should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes before placing the chicken strips inside. By preheating the air fryer, you ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness for your chicken tenders.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can arrange the chicken strips in a single layer, leaving space between each strip to allow proper airflow and even cooking. If you want to add some extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the chicken strips with cooking oil, although this step is optional since the chicken strips already have a crispy coating.

In summary, taking the frozen chicken strips out of the packaging is the first step in making Tyson chicken tenders in an air fryer. You don't need to thaw them, and you can simply place them directly into the air fryer basket after removing them from the package.

Place the chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer

When making Tyson chicken tenders in an air fryer, it's important to place the chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and proper airflow. If the chicken strips are overcrowded, they may end up undercooked or soggy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.

When arranging the chicken strips in the air fryer basket, leave some space between each strip. This allows hot air to circulate around each strip, ensuring that they cook evenly and become crispy. It is also recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes before placing the chicken strips inside.

You can also lightly spray the chicken strips with cooking spray or oil for extra crispiness, although this is optional since Tyson chicken strips already have a crispy coating. If you're cooking straight from frozen, make sure to remove any ice that might be stuck to the chicken strips before placing them in the air fryer.

Once you've placed the chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, you can set the temperature and timer according to your preference and the instructions on the packaging. The cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of crispiness and the model of your air fryer. Remember to always check that the chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving.

Cook the chicken strips for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through

Now it's time to cook the chicken! Place the chicken strips in the air fryer, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This will ensure even cooking. If you want, you can lightly spray them with cooking spray for extra crispiness, but this is optional as they already have a crispy coating.

Set the air fryer temperature to between 360°F and 400°F. The higher the temperature, the crispier the chicken will be. Cook the chicken strips for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking at 360°F, you may need to cook for the full 12 minutes, whereas if you are cooking at 400°F, 10 minutes should be sufficient.

After the cooking time is up, check to see if the chicken strips are crispy and golden brown. If not, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve with your favourite dipping sauce

Now for the best part: the dipping sauce!

Chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served with a wide range of sauces. You can go for a classic option, such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try something different like ranch, buffalo, aioli, or sriracha. For a zesty kick, opt for Freddy's Fry Sauce or a homemade teriyaki sauce. If you're a fan of spice, smother your tenders in buffalo sauce or sriracha. Love a creamy dip? Go for a ranch or a blue cheese dressing.

Don't be afraid to experiment and try out different sauces with your tenders. You can even set up a little buffet of sauces and sides for your family and friends to choose from. Serve with fries or a fresh salad, and you've got a delicious, crispy, and juicy meal that everyone will love.

Remember, the key to a great chicken tender experience is not just the tender itself but also the sauce you pair it with, so don't hold back!

Frequently asked questions