Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders are easy to make and a healthier option compared to deep frying. Learn how to cook frozen chicken strips in an air fryer with this quick lunch and easy dinner recipe.
Why Make These:
- Crispy without deep frying: air fried chicken strips use just a little oil, making them a healthier option compared to cooking them in a pot of cooking oil.
- Perfect for the whole family: whether you pair this with salad, tater tots, or vegetables like green beans, crispy chicken fingers are a great way to make a delicious main dish for the entire family.
- Quick Lunch or Weeknight Dinner Option: it’s easy to turn this chicken tenderloin recipe into a complete meal with these sides for chicken tenders or sides for fried chicken.
Ingredients Needed
Air Frying this classic finger food requires just two simple ingredients and your air fryer.
- Frozen Chicken Breast Tenders: I kept this simple by using frozen chicken tenders that I picked up from my grocery store. I prefer Applegate because they have regular strips and options without wheat flour. They also typically come seasoned really well with things like garlic powder and onion powder. But, this recipe also works well with other brands like the Tyson crispy chicken strips.
- Cooking Spray: I use avocado oil spray, but olive oil spray also works in this recipe.
Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of the post to get the exact amounts and cook times.
How to Make Frozen Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the chicken tenders in a single layer to your air fryer basket.
- Spray the chicken tenders generously with oil – this helps with crisping and browning.
- Air fry the chicken strips at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. Flip the tenders and spray with more oil.
- Air fry the chicken tenders for 6-8 minutes, depending on desired browning and crisping.
Top Cooking Tips & FAQs
- Cook from frozen: frozen chicken tenders do not need to come to room temperature before cooking them. Simply take them out of the freezer and add them to your air fryer basket
- Adjust the cooking time: different air fryer models have different cooking power and functions. While chicken tenders can take as little as 10-12 minutes, you should always cook them until they are crisp enough for you.
Storage & Leftovers
Store your leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
You can reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes if needed the next time you eat them.
For best results, cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes at 400°F. You can cook them longer for a crispier result.
To air fry frozen tenders, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and then cook for 12-15 minutes.
If your breaded chicken tenders are coming out soggy, you can cook them longer. This has happened to me when there were too many chicken tenders in the air fryer at a time and the hot air could not circulate as well.
Yes, frozen chicken tenders are typically pre-cooked before being frozen. However, always check the packaging or label to confirm. Some say that there is raw chicken. In this case, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure an instant-read thermometer says that the chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Strips
- 38 Best Sides for Chicken Tenders
- Your favorite dipping sauce like Honey Mustard, Bang Bang Sauce, or BBQ Sauce
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Sweet Potato Fries
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken Legs
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Patties
- Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 10 tenders Frozen Chicken tenders I used Applegate Chicken Breast Tenders and added as many could fit in my air fryer basket with space in between.
- Avocado oil spray or oil in a spray mister
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the chicken tenders in a single layer to your air fryer basket.
- Spray the chicken tenders generously with oil – this helps with crisping and browning.
- Air fry the chicken strips at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. Flip the tenders and spray with more oil.
- Air fry the chicken tenders for 6-8 more minutes depending on desired browning and crisping.