These Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders will be one of the easiest meals you make! They are perfect for an appetizer, a snack, sandwiches, salads, and more. Make these chicken tenders in no time any day of the week for a delicious and healthier meal!
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A lot of you know by now the Air Fryer has been a game-changer in the kitchen, especially when it comes to frozen foods. A lot of times when you defrost and heat frozen foods, they end up either greasy or not crunchy at all.
Using an Air fryer to crisp up your favorite frozen foods, like tater tots, is the perfect solution and it's usually faster. Frozen Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer are no exception and I will show you how fast and easy it is, almost as fast as my Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets!
Why I Love This Recipe
I love air fryer frozen chicken tenders because they turn out perfectly crispy and golden brown, with a juicy and tender interior, all without the hassle of prepping and marinating raw chicken. The air fryer method is a convenient and quick way to enjoy delicious chicken tenders straight from the freezer, making it a go-to option for a satisfying and hassle-free meal or snack.
Recipe FAQs
Frozen chicken strips take about 15 minutes to cook in an air fryer. Of course, everyone's air fryer is different so the timing may vary slightly. I like to flip my tenders halfway through cooking, although this isn't completely necessary.
You don't have to defrost frozen chicken strips before you cook them in the air fryer! That's one of the great things about using an air fryer when cooking frozen foods.
The air fryer will defrost, cook, and crisp most frozen foods, including frozen chicken tenders.
Use Your Air Fryer to Reheat Cold Chicken Strips
If you have some chicken tenders in the fridge from restaurant leftovers or from the air fryer chicken strips you just made, you can easily reheat them in your air fryer! Now, you will never have soggy, microwaved chicken again.
Set your air fryer to 375ºF and reheat the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, flipping if necessary. Don’t forget to spray your basket so they don’t stick. BTW, this works for french fries as well!
Which Air Fryer I Use
I use a COSORI Air Fryer and I love it. It does take up some counter space so make sure you have room for it. If you want a smaller option, check out the COSORI Small Air Fryer or an attachment for the Instant Pot.
There are so many different types of air fryers out there now, and each one is slightly different. There are countertop air fryers, air fryer ovens, and air fryer attachments to name a few. Whatever air fryer you use, always remember to follow the instructions from your manufacturer.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Delicious Chicken Tenders
- There is no need to defrost frozen chicken strips before cooking them in the air fryer, just place them in the basket and get to it!
- Preheating your air fryer is not a necessity (unless otherwise noted by your manufacturer). However, it definitely helps speed up the cooking time and helps cook the food evenly.
- Non-stick spray is a must-have when air frying so don’t skip it. Not only does it help the food from sticking to the basket, but it also aids in the crisping of whatever you are air frying.
- Cooking times and temperatures may vary due to variations in equipment and may require adjustment.
- Heat chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Cooking times and temperatures may vary due to variations in equipment and may require adjustments.
If you get a chance to make these Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 6 frozen chicken tenders
- non-stick spray
- ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your Air Fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes. Spray the basket of the air fryer. Place the frozen chicken strips in the basket and lightly spray the top of them. Make sure they have room around them for the hot air to circulate.
- Cook at 375°F for 8 minutes. Flip the chicken strips with your tongs and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes until brown and crispy (internal temp of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. As they cool, they will crisp up a little more. Serve with your favorite condiment, add to bread for a sandwich, or slice up for a salad.
Notes
- There is no need to defrost frozen chicken strips before cooking them in the air fryer, just place them in the basket and get to it!
- Preheating your air fryer is not a necessity (unless otherwise noted by your manufacturer). However, it definitely helps speed up the cooking time and helps cook the food evenly.
- Non-stick spray is a must-have when air frying so don’t skip it. Not only does it help the food from sticking to the basket, but it also aids in the crisping of whatever you are air frying. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or whatever oil spray you like.
- Cooking times and temperatures may vary due to variations in equipment and may require adjustment.
- Heat chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Always read the instruction manual that came with your Air Fryer and follow all safety guidelines.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Brianna May says
The air fryer can do it all!
Emily says
It really can!! I love that appliance!
Lilly says
Such a great recipe!
Leslie says
Love this recipe!