Air fryer frozen chicken tenders are an easy and delicious way to enjoy crispy, juicy 'fried' chicken without all the fat and calories of deep-frying. It's a perfect quick and easy lunch or weeknight meal for kids of all ages.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Who doesn't love chicken tenders? They're crispy, juicy, and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce. But if you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy them, you'll love this recipe for Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders.
- Simplicity. You'll love this basic cooking method, especially if you are new to using an air fryer.
- Crispy. Food come out crispier than with deep frying even!
- Healthier. The air fryer is a miniature high speed air convection oven. You get similar deep fryer affects with just a brush of oil, and sometimes with none. This makes air frying a diet conscious cooks best friend, as it's so much healthier than traditional frying.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Recipe
- What You Need To Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
- How To Air Fry Frozen Chicken Tenders
- Serving Suggestions
- Related Recipes
- Substitutions and Variations
- Equipment
- Storage and Reheating
- Tips for Success
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
- 📖 Recipe
- Food Safety
What You Need To Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
You can use any brand of frozen chicken tenders or tenderloins with the same air fryer temperature and cooking time. Since air fryers do vary in heat and how fast they cook, check half way through the cook time.
- Frozen Chicken Tenders - Any brand of frozen chicken tenders or tenderloins.
- Seasoning salt - Optional.
- Dipping Sauce - Ketchup, Big Mac Sauce, Chick Fil A Sauce, or what ever you love to dip chicken tenders in.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Air Fry Frozen Chicken Tenders
This air fryer frozen chicken tender recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for those starting out using an air fryer. The chicken cooks up crispy and golden brown, and it's just as delicious as deep fried chicken tenders.
Place Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd. If you put too many chicken tenders in the basket, they won't cook evenly.
- Turn the air fryer to 400F and timer for 10 minutes.
Air Fry Frozen Chicken Tenders
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to help the chicken tenders cook evenly.
- Cook the chicken tenders until they are cooked through and crispy. This will take about 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken tenders.
Transfer and Serve
- Using tongs, remove from the air fryer basket and serve with your favorite side dishes and dips so your family has a healthy meal.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken tenders are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. But if you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy them, you're in luck! This recipe for Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders is the perfect solution.
Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun and festive appetizer for a party, these Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders are sure to please. For dipping sauces, see our recipes for:
- Chick Fil A Sauce
- Big Mac Sauce
- Kentucky Bourbon BBQ Sauce
- Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
- Keto Tartar Sauce
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Related Recipes
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations when making air fryer frozen chicken tenders:
- Instead of frozen chicken tenders, you can use frozen chicken strips, tenderloins, or nuggets. The air fryer temperature and time will vary by only a minute or two.
- You can also add your favorite seasonings to the chicken tenders before or after cooking.
- Serve these chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, or you can use them in other recipes, such as our Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Salad or Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when air frying frozen chicken tenders, strips, or nuggets.
- Nuwave Brio Air Fryer - Rotisserie - Grill - This 15 quart countertop Smart Oven has three slide in trays, that all can be used at the same time. You can air fry rotisserie chickens, an SO mush more!
- Nuwave Air Fryer 15 quart - This large family size basket air fryer has room to air fry enough for a large family!
- Gourmia Digital Air Fryer 6 quart - This basket style air fryer will handle four frozen waffles in the air fryer.
- Ninja Foodie Pro Air Fryer - Folds up out of the way on your counter.
- Nuwave Air Fryer 3 quart - This compact basket air fryer is perfect for singles or a small family of 2 or 3. You can air fry two frozen waffles in 4 minutes.
- Oil Sprayer - This is a perfect sprayer for spritzing a light coating of oil on vegetables, meats, and other prepared frozen foods before air frying. The tiny amount of oil ensures you get as amazing results as deep frying and roasting, with a fraction of the calories and splatter!
Storage and Reheating
These air fried frozen chicken tenders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Tips for Success
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure that the chicken tenders cook evenly
- Save any leftover chicken tenders to add to salads or sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Air fryer chicken tenders will cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and crispy.
You should cook air fryer chicken tenders at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can bake the frozen chicken tenders in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 25 oz Frozen Chicken Tenders any brand
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt optional
- dipping sauces optional
Instructions
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd. If you put too many chicken tenders in the basket, they won't cook evenly.1 25 oz Frozen Chicken Tenders
- Turn the air fryer to 400°F and timer for 10 minutes.
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to help the chicken tenders cook evenly.
- Cook the chicken tenders until they are cooked through and crispy. This will take about 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken tenders
- Using tongs, remove from the air fryer basket, season with salt to taste, and serve with your favorite side dishes and dips so your family has a healthy meal.½ teaspoon seasoning salt, dipping sauces
Notes
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure that the chicken tenders cook evenly
- Save any leftover chicken tenders to add to salads or sandwiches.
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
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