How to Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders to Crispy Perfection in Your Air Fryer

Cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, crunchy meal in minutes With just a few simple steps, you can transform frozen chicken strips into restaurant-quality tenders with less oil and mess than deep frying.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to master cooking frozen chicken tenders in your air fryer, from gathering ingredients to monitoring cook times for perfect crispiness every time. Let’s get started!

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for Frozen Chicken Tenders

Air frying frozen chicken tenders offers several advantages over using a traditional oven

• Speed: Air fryers preheat and cook much faster than conventional ovens. You can have crispy, fully cooked tenders in just 10-15 minutes!

• Convenience: No need to wait for tenders to thaw. Air fryers cook directly from frozen for quick meals on busy nights.

• Crispiness: The circulating hot air mimics deep frying for an ultra-crispy exterior with less oil.

• Versatility: Use your air fryer for all kinds of frozen foods from fries to wings. It’s a multitasker!

• Easy Cleanup: With little to no oil, air fryers are a breeze to clean up after cooking.

Step-By-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer chicken tenders every time.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

You’ll need just a few ingredients:

• Frozen chicken tenders (try brands like Tyson)
• Optional cooking spray or oil for more crispiness
• Desired seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.

2. Preheat Your Air Fryer

• Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F.
• Allow it to fully preheat for 3-5 minutes before adding food.

3. Add Chicken Tenders

• Place frozen chicken tenders in a single layer in the fryer basket.
• Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
• For larger batches, cook in multiple rounds.

4. Mist with Oil (Optional)

• For added crispness, lightly mist tenders with cooking spray or brush with oil before air frying.

5. Apply Seasonings (Optional)

• Sprinkle desired seasonings over the tenders. Try salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, etc.

6. Air Fry for 10-14 Minutes

• Cook at 400°F, flipping halfway through.
• Check for doneness around 10 minutes.
• Cook up to 14 minutes if needed until cooked through and crispy.

7. Check Internal Temperature

• Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.

8. Allow to Rest

• Let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.

9. Serve Immediately

• Enjoy your hot and crispy chicken tenders!

• Pair with favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard or BBQ sauce.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Follow these expert tips for extra crispy, restaurant-worthy air fryer chicken tenders:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in smaller batches for even crispiness.

• Flip halfway for golden browning on all sides.

• Mist with oil or cooking spray for added crunch.

• Try breading tenders in panko crumbs or Parmesan before air frying.

• Use meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.

• Let tenders rest before serving to lock in juices.

• Add sauces after cooking so breading stays ultra crispy.

• Adjust cook times up or down if tenders are over or underdone.

Cooking Other Frozen Items in Your Air Fryer

The air fryer isn’t just for chicken tenders! You can cook all kinds of frozen foods. Here are some top picks:

• French fries
• Tater tots
• Mozzarella sticks
• Pizza rolls
• Frozen shrimp
• Veggie burgers
• Fish fillets or nuggets
• Onion rings

Follow similar tips, like cooking in batches, oiling or misting, flipping, and using meat thermometer for doneness. Refer to package instructions and adjust air fryer time or temperature as needed.

Handy Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover air fried chicken tenders reheat beautifully. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Let tenders cool completely before storing.

• Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave reheating works too but won’t recrisp the outside.

• Don’t reheat more than once for food safety.

Creative Flavor Ideas to Try

Plain chicken tenders are delicious, but don’t be afraid to kick up the flavor with creative breadings, marinades, and sauces:

• Buffalo tenders: Toss in buffalo sauce after cooking. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dip.

• Southwest tenders: Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic and paprika before air frying.

• Parmesan-ranch tenders: Toss breaded tenders in ranch dressing and grated parmesan before cooking.

• Maple-sriracha tenders: Brush with a maple syrup and sriracha glaze near the end of cooking.

• Lemon-herb tenders: Marinate raw tenders in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and herbs before breading and frying.

The possibilities are endless for customizing the flavor!

Get Crispy Chicken Tender Perfection

Air frying frozen chicken tenders is a quick and easy route to fast, crispy chicken everyone will love. In just minutes, you can have restaurant-quality tenders cooked to golden perfection in your air fryer.

Use this comprehensive guide to prep your ingredients, dial in the right time and temperature, and unleash your inner chef with creative flavors. Say goodbye to boring frozen chicken with these pro air frying tips and recipes. Your family will keep coming back for your delicious, crunchy homemade chicken tenders!

Frozen chicken tenders typically require 20-25 minutes of cooking time in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through. Air fryers offer a faster method, with cooking times around 10-15 minutes at 380°F (193°C), also flipping halfway through.

To get frozen chicken tenders crispy, avoid thawing them before cooking and opt for methods like air frying or baking with a wire rack.