Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders: Perfect Temperature Tips

Air fryer chicken tenders are a quick and easy meal to make. The air fryer should be preheated to around 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and the chicken tenders are cooked for around 10-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. The chicken should be flipped halfway through the cooking time to ensure it is cooked evenly.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F

Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can begin preparing the chicken tenders. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat completely. This will help to ensure that the chicken is moist and juicy after cooking.

Next, mix your chosen seasonings together in a small bowl. You can use a variety of seasonings such as flour, paprika, parsley, seasoned salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the chicken tenders, making sure they are well coated.

After the chicken tenders have been seasoned, it is time to place them in the air fryer. Lightly mist the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.

Set the air fryer to the desired cooking time, typically around 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken tenders. Flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Once the chicken tenders are cooked through and golden on the outside, they are ready to be served. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 degrees F to ensure food safety.

Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels before placing them in a large mixing bowl. This is an important step as it helps the oil and seasoning stick to the chicken. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and toss to coat completely. You can also spray the chicken generously with oil on both sides.

Mix your chosen seasonings together in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken tenders. You can use a combination of flour, paprika, parsley, seasoned salt, and pepper, or simply season with salt and pepper.

Alternatively, you can dredge each chicken tender in seasoned flour, dip in beaten egg, then back in the seasoned flour.

Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat

To cook chicken tenders in an air fryer, you should preheat the fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Then, pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat completely.

The next step is to mix your seasonings together in a small bowl, then sprinkle them evenly over the chicken tenders. You can use a combination of flour, paprika, parsley, seasoned salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can simply season with salt and pepper.

Once the chicken tenders are coated and seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer to allow them to cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the basket. You can lightly mist the tops of the tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up.

Cook the chicken tenders for around 10-12 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time. They are done when they are cooked through, golden on the outside, and have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Mix seasonings and sprinkle over chicken

To make chicken tenders in an air fryer, you'll first need to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Now, it's time to mix your seasonings. In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to create a flavourful blend. Some popular options include paprika, parsley, seasoned salt, and pepper. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect mix. Once you've mixed your seasonings, it's time to sprinkle them over the chicken tenders. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated for a consistent flavour throughout.

For a simple yet delicious option, you can use a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you're feeling adventurous, add some smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for an extra kick of flavour. You can also use a premade seasoning blend, such as a BBQ rub or an Italian herb mix, to save time and effort.

Don't be afraid to get generous with your seasoning! The key to flavourful chicken tenders is ensuring each piece is well-coated. After sprinkling the seasoning, give the chicken a gentle toss or massage to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. You can also use your hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken for a more thorough coating.

Once your chicken tenders are seasoned to perfection, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Place them in the preheated air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. Set the timer and temperature according to your air fryer's instructions, typically around 8-12 minutes at 400 degrees F.

For crispy, golden chicken tenders, flip them halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. You can also lightly mist the chicken with cooking spray before and after flipping for extra crispness. When the chicken is cooked through and golden, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 degrees F to ensure it's safe to eat.

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through

To cook chicken tenders in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat completely. Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken tenders.

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through the cooking time. The tenders should be cooked through and golden on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165 degrees F when using a meat thermometer. Place them in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer to allow them to cook evenly.

Some recipes suggest cooking the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or 7 minutes on one side, flipping, and then cooking for another 3-5 minutes. However, the internal temperature should always reach 165 degrees F before serving.

Frequently asked questions