Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Chicken tenders are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer, taking somewhere between 5 to 14 minutes to cook, depending on the recipe and the size of your air fryer. The basic method involves coating chicken tenders in a breading mixture, frying them in a single layer for 5 to 10 minutes, flipping them, and then frying for another 5 to 10 minutes. This cooking method results in juicy and tender chicken tenders with a crispy exterior.

Chicken tenderloin cooking times

For thicker cuts of chicken tenderloin, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature rather than increasing the cooking time. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

To achieve a crispy exterior, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cooking the chicken for 8 minutes. Then, flipping the chicken and cooking for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, until the crust is golden.

Other recipes suggest a narrower temperature range of 380°F to 390°F for cooking chicken tenderloins for 9 to 11 minutes, flipping halfway through.

If you are using pre-cooked frozen chicken tenderloins, cook them in a preheated air fryer at 360°F for about 12 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model and power of your air fryer, so adjustments may be necessary.

Additionally, it is recommended to let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking to enhance its tenderness and juiciness.

Pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders

If you're working with precooked frozen chicken tenders, the cooking time will be significantly reduced compared to preparing them from scratch. Since the chicken is already cooked, your goal is to heat the tenders through and achieve a crispy texture without drying them out.

To cook precooked frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

Chicken tenderloin prep

Preparing chicken tenderloins in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The cooking time is generally between 7 and 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken and the model and power of your air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving juicy and tender chicken tenderloins with a crispy coating:

Brining and Marinating:

Firstly, you can choose to brine your chicken tenders by submerging them in a solution of water, kosher salt, and sugar for 30 minutes to enhance moisture retention. You can then marinate the chicken in a mixture of vinegar, avocado oil, and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for 30 minutes to 2 hours to infuse flavour and tenderness.

Breading:

For a crispy coating, dip the chicken tenders in a shallow bowl of egg, followed by a bowl of breadcrumbs and panko. Shake off any excess breading and place the tenders on a large dish or cutting board.

Seasoning and Oil:

Generously spray or drizzle both sides of the chicken tenders with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also add seasonings such as salt, pepper, paprika, and rosemary to taste. Ensure that the tenders are well-coated.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360-400°F (190-200°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overcrowd. Air fry for 7-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Resting and Serving:

Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. You can serve them with lemon wedges, dipping sauces, or a variety of side dishes such as vegetables, salads, or fries.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, juicy, and crispy chicken tenderloins prepared in your air fryer!

Chicken tenderloin seasoning

Chicken tenderloin recipes cooked in an air fryer typically take around 7 to 10 minutes to cook, depending on the thickness of the chicken. For thicker cuts, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—if it is at least 165°F, the chicken is cooked.

Now, let's talk about seasoning those chicken tenderloins. There are several ways to season chicken tenderloins, and the method you choose will depend on your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some seasoning suggestions:

Italian Seasoning

For a classic Italian flavor, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and stir to coat. You can also include other spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This blend of spices will give your chicken an aromatic and savory flavor.

Creole or Cajun Seasoning

For a spicier option, opt for Creole or Cajun seasoning. Combine olive oil, salt, pepper, and your chosen spice blend in a bowl. Add the chicken tenderloins and ensure they are well coated. This seasoning will give your chicken a kick of heat and a distinct flavor.

Asian-Inspired Sauce

If you're looking for an Asian-inspired flavor, create a marinade with soy sauce, spicy brown mustard, olive oil, and spices such as cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Place the chicken tenderloins in this marinade and let them soak up all the flavors. This seasoning option will result in a tangy and slightly spicy flavor profile.

Garlic Butter

For a savory and aromatic option, try garlic butter seasoning. Combine olive oil, butter, and fresh garlic in a pan over medium heat. Add your chicken tenderloins and cook, ensuring the garlic doesn't burn. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. This seasoning method will infuse your chicken with the delicious flavor of garlic.

Breaded Coating

For a crispy and golden coating, dip your chicken tenderloins in a mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. You can also add some Italian seasoning to the flour for extra flavor. This method will give your chicken a crunchy texture and a beautiful golden color.

Remember, when seasoning chicken tenderloins, you can be creative and adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your taste. Always ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, and feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor combination!

Chicken tenderloin serving suggestions

Chicken tenderloins are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas:

Salads

Chicken tenderloins can be a great addition to a salad. For example, you can serve them on a bed of salad greens with veggies for colour and crunch, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and thinly sliced red onion. You can also add your choice of dressing, such as honey mustard or raspberry vinaigrette.

Sandwiches

Chicken tenderloins are also perfect for sandwiches. You can either make a traditional chicken sandwich or get creative with different types of bread and toppings.

Stir-fries

Chicken tenderloins are often used in stir-fries, as they are a good source of protein and can be cooked quickly. You can use a variety of vegetables in your stir-fry, such as broccoli, and serve it with rice or noodles.

Skewers

Chicken tenderloin skewers are a great option for a summer barbecue or picnic. You can marinate the chicken in your choice of sauce or seasoning and grill them until they are cooked through.

Tacos

Chicken tenderloins can be used as a filling for tacos, either on their own or with other ingredients such as salsa, cheese, and lettuce. You can also make chicken tinga tacos, where the chicken is slow-cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Sides

Chicken tenderloins can be served with a variety of sides, such as zucchini tomato orzo, lemon wedges, broccoli, quinoa salad, or French fries. They can also be served as an appetizer, such as chicken nuggets or chicken strips.

Sauces

Chicken tenderloins can be served with a variety of sauces, such as garlic butter sauce, honey mustard, barbecue, or a creamy sauce with lemon juice and zest.

Cooking Methods

Chicken tenderloins can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, sautéing, or frying. They can also be cooked in an air fryer, which gives them a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.

There are many ways to serve chicken tenderloins, and they can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. They are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, side dish, or appetizer.

Frequently asked questions