These are the crispy air fryer frozen chicken tenders that dreams are made of. Whip up this recipe in under 15 minutes with 2 ingredients (or just one if you don’t need the dipping sauce).
You can pair this low-oil recipe for air fryer chicken tenders with my air fryer potato wedges for a dreamy meal. Serve it with a salad (like my fresh tomato salad or this easy Greek salad), and you’re golden.
Why You’ll Love These Frozen Chicken Tenders
- Quick as a flash: Guys, this is a 10-minute recipe. There’s nothing to it and it’s so simple with a fantastic result.
- Low oil, high on crunch: There’s no need to sacrifice the satisfying crunch we are all after with crumbed chicken. This recipe is healthy and still delivers a crispy, crunchy texture.
- Perfect for kids: They will love these; it’s pretty much guaranteed. They’re also way healthier for kids than deep-fried chicken tenders.
- Less clean-up: This is a personal win for me!
Ingredients you’ll need
- Frozen chicken strips*: Pick up a bag of your favorite brand (for example, tyson).
- Dipping sauce: this is optional– go for ketchup, bbq sauce, mustard, hot sauce, ranch, etc.
How To Make this Recipe for Frozen Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Air Fry the chicken.
Place the frozen chicken tenders / strips in your air fryer basket and spread them out into a single even layer. Air Fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 2: Serve them with a sauce.
Secondly remove the chicken tenders/strips from the air fryer basket and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Cook the chicken correctly. Make sure the chicken tenders are cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let ‘em rest. Leave your chicken tenders to rest for 5 minutes or so after taking them out of the air fryer. – this will allow them to settle and lock in their flavor and moisture.
- Get creative! Experiment with other homemade dipping sauce recipes or store-bought variations based on individual preferences.
How do I Know When Chicken Tenders are Done?
Here are the 4 checks I recommend making to tell whether my chicken tenders are done:
- Internal temperature: The most accurate way to check if chicken tenders are done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tender. Make sure it goes into the center of the chicken and doesn’t touch the grid of the air fryer basket. Cooked chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Visual check: Cut into the thickest part of the chicken tender. If the meat is opaque all the way through and there is no pinkness or translucent areas, it’s likely cooked. Juices should run clear, and there should be no signs of rawness.
- Texture and feel: Fully cooked chicken tenders should feel firm to the touch, and the meat should not be squishy or rubbery. If the tenders feel firm and spring back when gently pressed, they are likely done.
FAQs
It depends on the brand and ingredients used. Some frozen chicken tenders may contain gluten in their breading. Always read the packaging and ingredient list carefully for information about gluten content or look for specific gluten-free options if needed.
To achieve crispier chicken tenders, try using an air fryer or baking them on a wire rack placed on a baking sheet to allow air circulation. Additionally, lightly spraying them with oil before cooking can help enhance crispiness.
Yes, leftover cooked chicken tenders can be reheated in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. Ensure they reach the appropriate internal temperature before serving.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen chicken strips*
- dipping sauce (ketchup, bbq sauce, mustard, hot sauce…)
Instructions
- Place the frozen chicken tenders / strips in your air fryer basket and spread out into a single even layer.
- Air Fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the chicken tenders / strips from the air fryer basket and then enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.