When dinner needs to be quick and delicious, frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer come to the rescue! This 14-minute cooking method transforms basic freezer staples into crispy, golden-brown perfection.
You’ll love how these tenders turn out perfectly cooked – juicy on the inside with that irresistible crunch on the outside. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school or preparing a fast weeknight meal, this no-fuss cooking technique delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen Chicken Tenders: 1 package, straight from freezer (choose your preferred brand)
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preparation: Take out your desired number of frozen chicken tenders from the freezer bag.
- Basket Arrangement: Place the frozen tenders in your air fryer basket with some space between each piece for even cooking.
- Air Frying: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook for 12-14 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Resting Time: Let the tenders rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking for the best texture.
- Serving: Transfer to a serving plate and pair with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy chicken tenders are perfect for so many meals! Serve them with classic dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. Make them into a quick lunch by adding them to a fresh garden salad, or turn them into an easy dinner by pairing them with french fries or sweet potato wedges. Kids love them in slider buns with lettuce and mayo for mini sandwiches!
Pro Air Fryer Tips
Want the crispiest chicken tenders? Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – leave some space between each piece so the hot air can flow around them. If you’re cooking a lot, it’s better to do them in batches. A quick spritz of oil can make them extra crispy, but it’s totally optional. If your tenders are extra thick, you might need to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Storage & Reheating
Got leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll crisp right up! Avoid using the microwave, which can make them soggy. The air fryer helps them taste almost as good as fresh!
Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 package Frozen Chicken Tenders
Instructions
- Remove the amount of frozen tenders you want to cook from the freezer bag.
- Place the tenders into the air fryer basket (no need to oil unless you want to).
- Air Fry the frozen chicken strips at 380F/193C for 12-14 minutes.
- I typically let my chicken tenders rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove tenders from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
