Cooking frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer is a total game-changer. It's quick, and easy, and delivers restaurant-quality results without the hassle or extra calories of deep frying. Plus, you can have these tasty tenders ready to devour in just 15 minutes!
Say goodbye to soggy, disappointing chicken and hello to golden, crunchy perfection. The hot air circulation in the air fryer crisps up the breading beautifully while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
Not only do air fryer frozen chicken tenders taste amazing, but they're also a healthier alternative to traditional air fried chicken. You can enjoy all the satisfying crunch without the excess oil and guilt. It's a win-win!
Whether you're feeding hungry kids, hosting a party, or just craving a delicious snack, these air fryer delicious chicken tenders are sure to be a hit. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces and you've got a crowd-pleasing appetizer or easy meal in no time.
Why This Recipe A Must Try
Quick and Convenient
- Cooking frozen chicken tenderloins in air fryer is much faster than baking in the oven or deep frying. They can go from freezer to table in under 15 minutes.
- There's no need to thaw the chicken first, so it's perfect for busy weeknights when you forget to plan.
- Older kids can easily make these themselves for a quick snack or meal.
Healthier than deep-fried
- Air frying uses little to no oil, so it's a healthier cooking method compared to deep frying in oil.
- You can control the ingredients by choosing chicken tender brands with higher meat content and fewer fillers/additives.
- Pair the tenders with veggies or salad for a more balanced meal.
Crispy and Delicious Results
- The circulating hot air in the air fryer crisps up the breading beautifully for restaurant-quality chicken tenders.
- Preheating the air fryer helps ensure even cooking - crispy outside and juicy, tender inside.
- You can customize flavors with different dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, etc.
Budget-Friendly
- Cooking frozen chicken breast strips at home is cheaper than constantly getting fast food or takeout.
- You can stock up on bags of frozen tenders when they're on sale to always have an easy meal option on hand.
Versatile
- Chicken tenders are great as an appetizer, snack, kids' meal, or as part of a main dish.
- Use them in wraps, salads, or pasta dishes for a protein boost.
- Try different breading options like panko, gluten-free, keto-friendly, etc. to suit your dietary needs.
What You Need To Make Frozen Chicken Tenders
- Frozen breaded chicken tenders - These are the star of the dish. Look for your favorite brand of frozen, pre-breaded chicken tenders or strips. The breading helps them get nice and crispy in the air fryer.
- Cooking spray (optional) - A light spritz of cooking spray on the frozen tenders can help the breading crisp up even more in the air fryer. Olive oil or avocado oil spray works well. This is optional but recommended for maximum crunch.
Equipment you need
- The only equipment you need is an air fryer. Any model will work - a basket-style or oven-style air fryer is perfect for cooking frozen chicken strips
How To Make Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Remove the frozen breaded chicken tenders from the packaging. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, making sure they are not overlapping. Spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray if desired.
- In the air fryer for a few minutes fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees (74°C).
- Carefully remove the crispy chicken tenders from the air fryer and let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces.
Popular Dipping Sauces For Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer
- Honey Mustard - A classic dipping sauce that combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard. It's easy to make at home by mixing mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and yellow mustard.
- Ranch - The cool, creamy flavor of ranch dressing pairs perfectly with crispy chicken tenders. You can use store-bought ranch or make your own with buttermilk, herbs, spices, onion, and garlic.
- BBQ Sauce - The smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy notes of barbecue sauce complement air-fried chicken tenders well. There are many regional and brand variations.
- Buffalo Sauce - For a spicy kick, buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and butter is a great option. Blue cheese or ranch dressing can help tame the heat.
- Chick-fil-A Sauce - This popular dipping sauce combines honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and mayonnaise for a creamy, tangy, smoky flavor.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce - The blend of pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce creates a balanced sweet, and tangy dip that's popular with chicken.
- Ketchup - Sometimes simple is best, and classic ketchup remains a favorite dipping sauce for both kids and adults.
- Garlic Aioli - A flavored mayonnaise with garlic, lemon juice, and herbs provides a more elevated option.
What Can I Serve With Frozen Chicken Tenderloin
- French Fries or Tater Tots - Stick with the finger food theme and air fry some frozen french fries or tater tots to serve with the chicken tenders. Sweet potato fries are another tasty option.
- Side Salad - Balance out the meal with a simple green salad tossed with your favorite dressing. A crisp, cool salad contrasts nicely with the hot, super crispy chicken.
- Coleslaw - The tangy crunch of a classic coleslaw complements fried chicken tenders perfectly. Buy pre-made slaw or easily mix up your own.
- Veggie Sticks - Keep it simple and healthy with carrot sticks air fryer corn, celery sticks, sliced bell peppers, and cucumber rounds. They're great for dipping in ranch or hummus.
- Macaroni and Cheese - Creamy, comforting mac and cheese is a classic pairing with crispy chicken. Make it from scratch or use a boxed mix for a quick side dish.
- Roasted Vegetables - Toss some broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or Brussels sprouts with a little oil and seasonings and roast them in the oven while the chicken cooks.
- Potato Salad - A scoop of creamy potato salad makes a hearty side dish for crispy chicken tenders.
- Baked Beans - Sweet and savory baked beans are a classic BBQ side that also pairs well with fried chicken.
Tips For Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
- No need to thaw the chicken tenders before air frying. Cook them straight from frozen for best results and food safety.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer with a bit of space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisp the breading evenly on all sides.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your chicken tenders, as well as your specific air fryer model. The first time you make them, check a couple of minutes early and adjust as needed.
- For extra perfectly crispy frozen chicken tenders, spritz them lightly with cooking spray before air frying. This is optional but can maximize the crunch factor.
- Let the tenders cool for a minute or two after cooking. This helps the breading set up and gets them to the perfect temperature for devouring.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces to keep things interesting. BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, buffalo sauce, and sweet chili sauce are all great options.
How To Store
Refrigerating leftovers:
- Let the chicken tenders cool completely before storing them.
- Place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
- Store in the fridge for approximately 3-4 days.
Freezing leftovers:
- Cool the chicken tenders completely before freezing.
- Arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze.
- Transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating :
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees (175°C).
- Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes to cook, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
- No need to thaw before reheating.
frozen chicken tender air fryer
Say goodbye to the temptation of greasy fast food and embrace the convenience of preparing a delectable fried chicken experience right in your own kitchen.
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Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb 454 g frozen breaded chicken tenders
- Cooking spray optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Remove the frozen chicken tenders from the packaging. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Spray lightly with cooking spray if desired for extra crispiness.
- Air fry the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- No need to thaw the chicken tenders before air frying. Cook them straight from frozen for best results.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your chicken tenders, as well as your specific air fryer model. Adjust as needed.
- For unbreaded chicken tenders, increase the cooking time to 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition
Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 13gFat: 8g
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to spray the frozen chicken strips with oil?
Spraying breaded frozen chicken tenders with a little cooking spray is optional but can help them get even crispier. Unbreaded tenders do not need oil.
Can I use leftover chicken breast to make air fryer chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use leftover chicken to make air fryer chicken tenders by coating the chicken with breading and air frying them until crispy.
What is the recommended temperature for cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer?
The recommended temperature for cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer is around 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
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