How Long to Cook Breaded Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer for Perfectly Crispy Results

Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance for their ability to make fried favorites with less oil. Cooking breaded chicken tenders in an air fryer allows you to achieve the same crispy, golden texture as deep frying without the mess or excess calories from oil. But figuring out exactly how long to cook breaded chicken tenders can take some trial and error.

Here is a complete guide to cooking times, tips, and techniques for perfectly crisped, juicy air fryer chicken tenders every time.

Factors That Affect Cook Times

Several factors impact how long it will take to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer:

Size and Thickness

Thicker tenders will take longer than thinner cut tenders or chicken strips. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips will cook faster than bone-in tenders.

Breading

A heavy breading or batter coating will increase cook time compared to lighter breadcrumb coating The type of breading used can also impact time

Quantity

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket Cooking smaller batches allows for better airflow and more even cooking

Air Fryer Model

Not all air fryers heat up to temperature at the same speed. Get to know your specific model.

Recommended Cook Times

Here are general guidelines for how long to cook breaded chicken tenders in an air fryer:

• Boneless, skinless chicken strips or thin tenders: Cook at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Chicken tenderloins: Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Bone-in chicken tenders: Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Frozen breaded tenders: Cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. May need to increase time for thicker frozen tenders.

• Homemade breaded chicken breasts: Cook at 375°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway.

Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. If breading is browned but chicken is undercooked, continue cooking until fully cooked through.

Step-By-Step Cooking Process

Follow this simple process for crispy, delicious air fryer chicken tenders:

1. Cut chicken into evenly sized strips or tenderloins. Pat dry.

2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, spices, or marinade if desired.

3. Set up breading station – flour, egg wash, breadcrumbs.

4. Bread chicken: Dredge in flour, dip in egg wash, coat in breadcrumbs.

5. Arrange chicken in a single layer in air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.

6. Cook at recommended temperature and times, flipping tenders halfway through.

7. Check internal temperature to ensure chicken is fully cooked.

8. Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving for juiciest results.

9. Serve warm with favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Results

Utilize these tips for perfectly cooked breaded chicken tenders from your air fryer:

• Always preheat air fryer 5 minutes before cooking.

• Lightly grease or oil the breaded chicken before cooking for extra crispiness.

• Flip/rearrange tenders halfway through cooking for even browning.

• Work in batches to avoid overcrowding chicken in the basket.

• Allow air flow around each piece – do not pack tightly together.

• Pat chicken dry before breading to help coating adhere.

• Use instant-read thermometer to accurately check doneness.

• Let rest before cutting for juiciest results.

Favorite Breading Combinations

The breading is key to crispy air fryer chicken tenders. Try these tasty breading ideas:

• Classic – Flour, egg wash, breadcrumbs

• Crunchy – Add panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch

• Spicy – Season flour and breadcrumbs with cayenne, chili powder

• Herbed – Use dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme

• Parmesan – Toss breadcrumbs with grated parmesan

• Cracker – Crush saltines, Ritz, or club crackers for coating

• Cornflake – Crushed cornflakes give a unique texture

Get creative with seasonings and coatings to customize your air fryer chicken tenders.

Cooking Frozen Tenders in an Air Fryer

For quick and easy meals, cooking frozen breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer is convenient and fast.

• Add frozen tenders directly to air fryer basket – no need to thaw

• Cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway

• Add 2-3 minutes more if tenders are extra thick

• Check internal temperature to ensure 165°F doneness

• For crispiest results, brush frozen tenders with oil before cooking

Follow package instructions and adjust cook times as needed. The air fryer makes weeknight dinners with frozen tenders super simple.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Properly stored, cooked chicken tenders keep well for quick meals throughout the week.

• Allow cooked tenders to cool completely before storage

• Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3-4 days

• For longer storage, freeze tenders up to 2-3 months

• When reheating, place in air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes

• Microwave reheating can result in soggy breading texture

With the right technique, air fryer chicken tenders can be conveniently made ahead and reheated to crispy perfection.

The Perfect Chicken Tender Dinner

For a quick and easy dinner, chicken tenders are hard to beat. Round out your air fryer tenders with:

• Dipping sauces – ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, etc.

• Crispy fries – Air fryer french fries or tater tots

• Tossed salad – Green, Caesar, taco salad

• Veggies – Roasted broccoli, carrots, green beans

• Quick rolls – Warm from the oven or air fryer

With minimal effort, you can have a complete meal by making air fryer chicken tenders. Crispy, juicy tenders straight from the air fryer are sure to become a new family favorite.

So next time you get a craving for chicken tenders, whip up a batch in your air fryer. In less than 25 minutes, you can enjoy piping hot, perfectly cooked and seasoned tenders that rival any restaurant. Just be sure to make extra – air fryer chicken tenders never last long!