Chicken tenders are a family favorite, loved by kids and adults alike. Their mild flavor and tender texture make them an ideal choice for everything from weeknight dinners to game day appetizers. But traditional methods of frying or baking chicken tenders can be time-consuming and messy. This is where the air fryer comes in!
Air frying chicken tenders results in an evenly cooked, crispy crust without the oil splatter. With an air fryer, you can whip up a batch of chicken tenders quickly and easily. But how long does it actually take? In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to perfectly air fry chicken tenders, including cook times, temperatures, and tips.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
When air frying chicken tenders, the cooking time can vary based on a few key factors:
Size and Thickness
Thicker chicken tenderloins will naturally take longer to cook than thinner ones Aim for evenly sized tenders for uniform cooking
Amount Being Cooked
Cooking a large batch will increase cook time. For food to properly air fry, it needs room to circulate. Don’t overcrowd.
Preparation Method
Breading or coating the tenders will add time Uncoated tenders cook faster
Doneness Preference
Cook longer for crisper tenders or shorter for more tender interior texture.
Air Fryer Model
Larger or more powerful models may cook faster than smaller ones. Get to know your fryer.
Taking these factors into account allows you to adjust cook time as needed.
Recommended Time and Temperature
For average sized, boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins, the ideal air fryer time and temperature is:
- Air Fryer Temperature: 400°F
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
At 400°F, the air fryer will get hot enough to make the outside crispy while allowing the interior to cook through fully. 10-12 minutes gives enough time for heat to penetrate without overcooking.
For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which this time and temp combination achieves.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer chicken tenders:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
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Pat chicken tenderloins dry and season with salt, pepper, spices as desired.
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Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding.
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Air fry for 5-6 minutes.
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Flip tenders and air fry 5-6 minutes more until cooked through and crispy.
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Check internal temp with a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F.
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Allow to rest 3-5 minutes before serving.
And you’re done! Juicy, golden air fried chicken tenders in just 10-12 minutes.
Cooking Frozen Tenders
For frozen chicken tenders, increase cook time to 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway. This allows time for the frozen tenders to defrost and cook through.
Add 1-2 minutes if tenders are extra thick. Check internal temp to confirm doneness. Let rest before serving.
Breading or Coating
Breading chicken tenders before air frying will increase cook time. After breading, air fry for 12-14 minutes, until 165°F internal temp. The coating may appear slightly underdone, but the chicken will be fully cooked.
For thicker breading, like panko, increase cook time by 2-3 minutes. Breading provides added time for the chicken interior to cook through.
Common Cook Time Questions
How long does it take to air fry chicken tenders at 375°F?
At 375°F, cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway. The lower temp increases cook time but results in super juicy tenders.
How long does it take to air fry chicken tenders at 400°F from frozen?
14-16 minutes is ideal for cooking frozen tenders at 400°F.
How long does it take to reheat chicken tenders in an air fryer?
To reheat fully cooked leftover chicken tenders, air fry at 400°F for 4-6 minutes until warmed through.
Tips for the Best Results
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Don’t overcrowd the basket. Tenders need room to circulate and crisp up.
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Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Air fry to 165°F internal temp.
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Spray or brush tenders with oil before cooking for even browning.
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Allow tenders to rest before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
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Adjust cook times based on size, amount, and doneness preferences.
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For extra crispy tenders, prolong cook time slightly.
Air Fried Chicken Perfection
Mastering the ideal time and temperature to air fry chicken tenders may take some trial and error based on your specific model and batch size. But once you nail down the perfect cook time for your needs, you’ll be enjoying hot, crispy, juicy tenders in no time! Ditch the frying oil and unlock quick, easy chicken dinners with your air fryer.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with No breading
- Chicken tenders — I’ve used chicken breasts cut into strips instead, too
- Olive oil — I’ve also used vegetable or corn oil
- Smoked paprika — or normal paprika
- Onion and garlic powder
- Dried thyme, oregano, and basil — I find Italian seasoning works great as a substitute
- Salt and pepper
- Cayenne pepper
Can I Cook Raw Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! This recipe is meant to be used with raw chicken tenderloins.
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FAQ
How long do you cook chicken tenders in the air fryer?
Cook in the preheated air fryer for 8 minutes. Flip chicken over and lightly mist the tops with more cooking spray. Continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of chicken reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 7 to 8 minutes more. Repeat with any remaining chicken tenders.