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.
Kay says
This was superb, my frozen chicken tenders came out perfect 🙂
Jeri says
What a quick and easy recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights!
Emily says
Exactly!!
Tyanne says
So simple but yet such a good idea!
Kristina says
I make these often as a quick lunch for my kiddos.
Emily says
They are kiddo-approved for sure!
Sara Welch says
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!
Emily says
Yay, I'm so glad your family loved these chicken tenders! Air fryers are the best!
Angela says
The air fryer makes all the difference when cooking chicken tenders! Thanks for the simple and delicious recipe. Perfect for a busy weeknight.
Emily says
Totally agree! I will never microwave frozen food again!
Serena says
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.
Emily says
I agree, waaaay better than the microwave!!!
Shadi says
Just tried this recipe and my family loved it. Thank you so much!
Emily says
So glad to hear it, Shadi!
Amy says
I love using an air fryer for things like this, it is so much better than the microwave.
Emily says
I totally agree. I also tried these chicken tenders in the microwave and they were a rubbery mess! Air fryer for the win!!
Anna says
These tenders were soooo good! The meat was just perfect, crispy on the outside but still juicy inside!
Angela says
The air fryer definitely makes cooking easier and faster. Thanks for sharing the information.
Emily says
You are very welcome, Angela.
Vicky says
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!
Emily says
Your kids will love chicken tenders in the air fryer!!
Sue says
This was great - the chicken tenders turned out perfectly crispy and delicious. My granddaughter loved them!!!
Emily says
That's so great to hear, Sue. Chicken tenders are the best for the kiddos!