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    Home » Recipes

    Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

    Published: May 17, 2021 · Modified: Sep 15, 2022 by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links · 27 Comments

    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!

    chicken strips on a tray with ranch and ketchup
    Jump to Recipe

    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 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!

    air fried chicken tenders
    Click on the image above to PIN for later!

    How long does it take to cook Frozen Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer?

    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. I use an air fryer lid that goes on top of my Instant Pot and I find that flipping most things while cooking works best for me.

    Do I need to Defrost Frozen Chicken Strips before I Air Fry Them?

    Nope. 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.

    frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer basket
    frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer basket

    YOU CAN ALSO 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!

    air fried chicken tenders on a tray with condiments

    WHICH AIR FRYER I USE FOR THIS RECIPE

    I have the COSORI Pro Air Fryer Oven Combo 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.

    Air Fryer 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 165ÂşF.
    • Cooking times and temperatures may vary due to variations in equipment and may require adjustments.

    More Air Fryer Recipes to Check Out

    • Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Taquitos
    • Pop-Tarts in the Air Fryer
    • Air Fryer Chimichangas
    • Coconut Lime Donuts from Canned Biscuits
    • Air Fryer Tater Tots
    a basket of chicken strips cooked in the air fryer with ketchup on the side
    Click on the image above to PIN for later!
    chicken strips on a tray with ranch and ketchup

    Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

    Crisp up Frozen Chicken Tenders in less than 20 minutes using your air fryer!
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 8 tenders
    Calories: 160kcal
    Author: EmilyFabulous

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • foil
    • tongs

    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.
      frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer basket
    • 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.
      air fried chicken strips with ranch and ketchup

    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 165ÂşF.
    • Always read the instruction manual that came with your Air Fryer and follow all safety guidelines.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3oz | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 230mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.4mg

    Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

    Did You Make These Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders?

    If you make some frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer, don't forget to leave a comment below. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook!

    And if you want recipe updates, sign up for my email list and follow me on Pinterest so you never miss a new recipe!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brianna May says

      May 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm

      5 stars
      The air fryer can do it all!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        May 26, 2021 at 3:14 pm

        It really can!! I love that appliance!

        Reply
    2. Lilly says

      May 26, 2021 at 12:14 am

      5 stars
      Such a great recipe!

      Reply
    3. Leslie says

      May 25, 2021 at 11:49 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe!

      Reply
    4. Kay says

      May 24, 2021 at 6:53 pm

      5 stars
      This was superb, my frozen chicken tenders came out perfect 🙂

      Reply
    5. Jeri says

      May 24, 2021 at 10:33 pm

      5 stars
      What a quick and easy recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        May 25, 2021 at 1:24 am

        Exactly!!

        Reply
    6. Tyanne says

      May 24, 2021 at 6:37 pm

      5 stars
      So simple but yet such a good idea!

      Reply
    7. Kristina says

      May 24, 2021 at 6:12 pm

      5 stars
      I make these often as a quick lunch for my kiddos.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        May 24, 2021 at 6:47 pm

        They are kiddo-approved for sure!

        Reply
    8. Sara Welch says

      May 24, 2021 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      Enjoyed these for dinner last night and it couldn't have been easier! Fast, delicious and the whole family loved it! Easily, a new favorite way to enjoy chicken tenders!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        May 24, 2021 at 6:07 pm

        Yay, I'm so glad your family loved these chicken tenders! Air fryers are the best!

        Reply
    9. Angela says

      May 24, 2021 at 5:30 pm

      5 stars
      The air fryer makes all the difference when cooking chicken tenders! Thanks for the simple and delicious recipe. Perfect for a busy weeknight.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        May 24, 2021 at 5:32 pm

        Totally agree! I will never microwave frozen food again!

        Reply
    10. Serena says

      May 24, 2021 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      I love using the air fryer for these. So much better than a quick microwave. And it's so easy and fast for a weeknight meal.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        May 24, 2021 at 5:32 pm

        I agree, waaaay better than the microwave!!!

        Reply
    11. Shadi says

      May 24, 2021 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      Just tried this recipe and my family loved it. Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        May 24, 2021 at 5:12 pm

        So glad to hear it, Shadi!

        Reply
    12. Amy says

      May 24, 2021 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      I love using an air fryer for things like this, it is so much better than the microwave.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        May 24, 2021 at 5:00 pm

        I totally agree. I also tried these chicken tenders in the microwave and they were a rubbery mess! Air fryer for the win!!

        Reply
    13. Anna says

      May 24, 2021 at 4:43 pm

      5 stars
      These tenders were soooo good! The meat was just perfect, crispy on the outside but still juicy inside!

      Reply
    14. Angela says

      May 24, 2021 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      The air fryer definitely makes cooking easier and faster. Thanks for sharing the information.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        May 24, 2021 at 4:24 pm

        You are very welcome, Angela.

        Reply
    15. Vicky says

      May 24, 2021 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      I use my air fryer all the time. We actually just a got a new bigger one. My kids loved chicken tenders and there is no easy way to make them. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        May 24, 2021 at 4:11 pm

        Your kids will love chicken tenders in the air fryer!!

        Reply
    16. Sue says

      May 24, 2021 at 3:44 pm

      5 stars
      This was great - the chicken tenders turned out perfectly crispy and delicious. My granddaughter loved them!!!

      Reply
      • Emily says

        May 24, 2021 at 4:16 pm

        That's so great to hear, Sue. Chicken tenders are the best for the kiddos!

        Reply

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