Last updated on February 8th, 2024 at 05:58 pm
When the hustle of a busy week leaves you craving a speedy yet delicious dinner, turn to the magic of your air fryer. Elevate your weeknight meals with the irresistible crunch of crispy frozen chicken tenders cooked to perfection in record time. Whether it's a swift lunch for one using a countertop air fryer or a feast for the whole family courtesy of the Frigidaire Air Fry Range, you'll discover a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried fast food version. Embrace the ease and goodness of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders—a savory solution to your time-pressed cravings.
Frozen chicken tenders are a perfect quick kid-friendly lunch or dinner serve them as the main dish with a side of air-fried vegetables. The whole family will love this easy meal and moms will love the little to no prep time!
Air Fried Crispy Chicken Strips were inspired by my other easy air fryer recipes: Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Rolls, Air Fried Fish Stick Tacos & Air Fry Frozen Corn Dogs. For a fun twist toss crispy chicken tenders in this Wingers Sticky finger sauce and serve with Homemade French Fries.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Your favorite brand of Frozen Breaded Chicken Tenders or Chicken Fingers from the frozen food section of the grocery store and optionally your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Today I'll be using Kroger brand Simple Truth Organic Breaded Homestyle Chicken Tenders. For a gluten-free option check out the Perdue Simply Smart Organics option.
Countertop Air Fryer Instructions
Select the Air Fry function on the air fryer and set the temperature to 350 degrees fahrenheit, If indicated by your air fryer lightly spray the air frying basket with olive oil cooking spray and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
Place the frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the tray so that the hot air can easily move around the food.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes flipping at the 8-minute mark if needed to achieve even crispness. Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the frozen chicken strips.
Air Fry Range Instructions
Select the Air Fry function on the air fry range and set the temperature to 350° F.
Place the frozen chicken tenders in a single layer on the ReadyCook Air Fry Tray or air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the tray so that the hot air can easily move around the food.
Allow the range to come up to temperature before placing the air fry tray in the oven. Place a large baking sheet or drip pan two spaces below the air fry basket to catch any crumbs or drips.
Air fry for 18-20 minutes flipping at the 10-minute mark if needed to achieve even crispness. Cook time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken tenders.
If you are new to using a full-size air fry range the best way to ensure you are air frying/cooking for the correct amount of time is by using an instant-read thermometer. When cooking chicken the internal temperature needs to reach 165. For full instructions on how to use an Air Fry Range plus 50 recipes with cooking times and temperatures read this article.
What To Serve With Chicken Tenders
A great way to make a complete meal in less time than ordering take-out is to pair crispy air fryer chicken tenders with an equally delicious side dish.
- Homemade French Fries
- Frozen Crispy Crowns or Air Fryer Tater Tots
- Frozen French Fries
- Alexia Sweet Potato Fries
- Crispy Air Fried Broccoli
- Banza Pasta Salad
- Air Fried Cauliflower
- Instant Pot Corn on The Cob
Favorite Dipping Sauces For Chicken
- BBQ Sauce
- Ranch
- Honey Mustard
- Fry Sauce
- Mustard
Variations
Perfect all on their own, but if you want to change things up toss them in your favorite sauce.
- Spicy - Toss air-fried chicken in Franks Buffalo Sauce or this Nashville Hot Sauce, and top with sliced dill pickles on a toasted brioche bun.
- Sweet and Spicy - Check out this Wingers Sticky Finger Copycat Recipe for a finger-licking treat.
- Kid-friendly - Buffalo Wild Wings bottled sauces like Garlic Parmesan and Honey BBQ are perfect for kids that don't like heat.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Hand Breaded Homemade Chicken Tenders Made in the Air Fry Range.
- Just Bare Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- 20 minute Air Fryer Orange Chicken Rice Bowls
- Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken
- Air Fried Nashville Hot Chicken
- Sticky Fingers Salad
Equipment
For a countertop air fryer, I recommend the Instant Pot Vortex 6 quart. This is the perfect size for our family of 4 and makes air frying quick and simple. When air frying larger quantities I prefer to use the full-size air fry range like the Frigidaire Air Fry Range. The cook times and temperatures for the larger range with air fry may vary from smaller countertop air fryers. Check out these articles for the full reviews of the Frigidaire Air Fry Range or the Samsung Range With Air Fry.
Storage
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350° F for about 5 minutes or until fully warmed through and crispy.
Can you air fry frozen chicken tenders?
Even if the package directions don't give air frying directions you can most certainly still air fry frozen chicken tenders. Frozen chicken tenders or chicken fingers are perfect for air frying because they turn out crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. Using the air fryer is a healthy alternative to deep frying them in oil.
Frozen Chicken Tenders In the Oven
If you don't have the air fry feature on your oven and don't own a countertop air fryer you can still follow the package directions for baking chicken tenders in the oven. While air frying is typically faster baking can also produce great results.
Leave a Reply