Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

49 7 minutes read

Do you know air fryers are not just for making French fries and other fried snacks – with a few simple steps, you can use your air fryer to cook delicious frozen chicken tenders that are full of flavor?

In this post, we’ll take a look at how to easily prepare frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer from start to finish – so grab your ingredients now and let’s get started!

Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer: What Is It?

Frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer are a quick and easy way to enjoy chicken without fuss. This method of cooking chicken tenders uses an air fryer, as opposed to traditional frying methods. The air fryer cooks food by utilizing high-speed air circulation, which evenly circulates hot air around the food. The result is crispy outside and juicy inside that is far healthier than traditional fried chicken.

Frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer are easy to prepare and require minimal effort. All you need is the frozen chicken tenders, the air fryer basket, and some oil or butter for cooking. Simply place the frozen tenders into the air fryer basket and set the temperature according to your desired cooking time. Cook the tenders until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them over halfway through.

Frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer are a great way to enjoy a healthy, delicious meal without all of the mess. The air fryer cooks quickly and evenly, resulting in a healthier alternative to traditional fried tenders.

Why Will You Love These Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer?

Great way to enjoy fried-style chicken without all of the fat and calories.
Cook up quickly and evenly, making them a great option for busy weeknights.
Require minimal effort and are easy to clean up.
Delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.
Requires less oil than other cooking methods.

This is why it’s become so popular lately!

How Long Do Fry Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer?

Frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer typically take around 10 to 15 minutes to cook.

However, this time can vary on the size and type of the tender, as well as the temperature settings for the air fryer. It’s always best to check your food after about 8 minutes to make sure it doesn’t overcook. For larger or thicker pieces, you may need to cook them a bit longer.

When cooking frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer, it’s important to remember that the food will continue to cook even after it is removed from the appliance. This means that if you leave it in the basket for too long, it will overcook. To avoid this, you can always check the temperature of your tenders after 8 minutes and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What Temperature Do I Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer?

The optimal temperature to cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer is 400°F. This temperature will give you the best results, cooking your chicken evenly and resulting in a crispy outside and juicy inside. If you’re using a different type of air fryer, make sure to consult the manual to determine the appropriate settings for your model.

It’s important to note that the temperature for air frying frozen food may vary depending on your preference. If you prefer a softer texture, you can lower the temperature slightly. Conversely, if you like your tenders extra crispy, you can increase the heat slightly. It’s all about finding what works best for you.

Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer: Step By Step Guide

It’s time to learn how to prepare frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer now that you know everything about them. You can make tasty chicken tenders any time of day by following this step-by-step tutorial.

Ingredients and tools you will need:

A bag of chicken strips: you can find them in the freezer section of grocery stores.
Any brand of air fryer

Cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer is incredibly simple, you just need to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Put as many pieces in your basket as you want to eat in one layer.
Step 3: Set the timer for 8 minutes. There’s no need to wait to turn them over; they’ll still crisp up just fine.
Step 4: After the required time has passed, leave them in the basket for an extra 5 minutes to allow the inside of each piece to finish heating.
Step 5: Serve on a plate and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

– Calories: 227kcal

– Carbohydrates: 1g

– Protein: 24g

– Fat: 14g

– Saturated Fat: 2g

-Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

– Monounsaturated Fat: 9g

– Trans Fat: 1g

– Cholesterol: 73mg

– Sodium: 714mg

– Potassium: 447mg

– Fiber: 1g

– Sugar: 1g

– Vitamin A: 283IU

– Vitamin C: 1mg

– Calcium: 10mg

– Iron: 1mg

Pro Tips

Always use fresh and thawed chicken tenders for maximum flavor.
Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before adding your tenders, as this will ensure even cooking throughout.
Make sure to check on your chicken regularly and adjust the cooking time if needed.
Let the tenders cool for a few minutes after cooking before serving, as this will help them to retain their juiciness and flavor.

Watch the video below to know how to do it in detail:

Recipe Variations And Substitutions

For a spicier version, add some chili powder or diced jalapenos to the coating mix before air frying.
To reduce fat and calories, opt for a leaner cut of chicken, such as boneless skinless breasts or thighs.
For an Asian-style twist, try coating your tenders in sesame oil and soy sauce before air frying.
To add some variety to your frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer, try adding a range of spices or herbs like garlic powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, or rosemary.

Storage And Reheating Instructions

Frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply place them back into the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, however, the air-fried version will remain crispier.

What To Serve With Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer?

Frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer go great with a variety of sides such as:

Roasted vegetables
Mashed potatoes
Macaroni cheese
Crispy bacon
Or even a simple green salad
…

You can also serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor. Whatever you choose, frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer are sure to be a hit with your family. Enjoy!

FAQs About Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer

There’s no need to thaw the chicken, just toss it in your air fryer straight out of the freezer. It’s a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken breasts!

Why are my chicken tenders soggy from the air fryer?

If you don’t put a single layer inside the fry basket, it will not cook properly, and your tenders will become soggy. To avoid that, you’ll want to lay your frozen chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. By doing this, you ensure that your air fryer frozen chicken tenders come out very crispy.

Most frozen breaded chicken products like chicken nuggets, strips, burgers, chicken fries, and popcorn chicken contain raw chicken. They may look pre-cooked or browned but they are raw inside.

Frozen chicken provides some health benefits because of its mineral content. Its zinc content activates enzymes that your cells rely on to function properly and also plays a key role in immune function.

Undercooking can also lead to a rubbery texture, which is why it’s imperative to test the meat with a reliable instant-read thermometer. Conditions like woody chicken breast and white striping are possible culprits as well.

Conclusion

Sweet Basil’s Cafe hopes you enjoy this quick and easy way to cook frozen chicken tenders. An air fryer is a fantastic appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking methods. If you haven’t tried using an air fryer before, I suggest giving it a go – you may be surprised at just how versatile it is. Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!