Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (from Frozen)

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These Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders are a really fast and convenient meal idea. They turn out super crunchy, juicy and delicious in just minutes in the air fryer.

Chicken tenders on a platter with dipping sauce

The easiest fastest method for cooking frozen chicken tenders and having them turn out crispy and delicious is putting them in the air fryer. They are way better this way than in the oven, and a lot faster too.

I use a Ninja Max XL air fryer and this thing is the bomb for cooking frozen foods. You don’t need any extra oil. All you have to do is dump them in the machine and hit start. It takes just 8-10 minutes in the air fryer at 400° F.

>> You might like to try these Air Fryer Street Corn Fried Chicken Tacos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bag of frozen chicken tenders.
  • Frozen chicken tenders: The main ingredient you will need is chicken tenders. For me the hardest part is finding good ones that have a firm meat filling and not something mushy and unidentifiable. We like Tyson’s chicken tenders or Foster Farms crispy strips.
  • Salt & pepper: You don’t need a lot of seasoning. I find that just a sprinkle of salt and pepper is all that’s needed.
  • Dipping sauce: Use your favorite dipping sauce – ketchup, honey mustard, etc.

How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders

Space frozen chicken tenders apart in the air fryer basket. There is no need to spray the basket or the chicken tenders with oil.

Frozen Chicken tenders in the air fryer basket

Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until crispy, flipping carefully halfway through.

Chicken tenders in the air fryer basket

Serve with ketchup or BBQ sauce on the side.

Chicken tenders on a platter with dipping sauce

What to Pair with Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

When you’re looking for something to pair with your crispy chicken nuggets, we’ve got a few ideas.

  • Sauces and dips: These chicken nuggets are a perfect snack that goes so well with any sauce of your choice. Whether ketchup, bbq sauce, garlic mayo, honey mustard, you can enjoy these with any sauce or dip you like.
  • Serve with French Fries: Chicken nuggets and French fries go way back! You could also serve potato wedges or sweet potato fries.
  • Corn on the cob: We love serving these with corn on the cob. Both finger foods. Both delicious.
A plate of chicken tenders and fries.

How to Store Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

It’s best to air fry only the amount of chicken tenders you wish to eat at the moment. That’s because they don’t store well once they’ve been cooked. The breading won’t remain crispy and will have to be cooked again to get that crunch back. Cooking them a second time might lead to over-cooked, dry chicken.

If you have to store them, you can keep left overs in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer on 400° F for 5 minutes.

A plate of chicken tenders and fries.

What Side Dishes to Serve?

You can serve some really easy side dishes with your main dish cooked in the Air Fryer. Sometimes, you can cook them together in the air fryer to make it even faster.

Some of our favorite side dishes to serve include:

Here are 30 more air fryer side dishes to try

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A plate of chicken tenders and fries.

Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

These Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders are a really fast and convenient meal idea. They turn out super crunchy, juicy and delicious in just minutes in the air fryer.
5 from 34 votes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 228 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 8 frozen chicken tenders
  • Ketchup or BBQ Sauce for dipping optional

Instructions
 

  • Space frozen chicken tenders apart in the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until crispy, flipping carefully halfway through.
  • Serve with ketchup or BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Some chicken tenders are larger than others. Smaller chicken tenders will need 12 minutes to cook the larger ones will need 15 minutes.

All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcalProtein: 42gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 232mgPotassium: 740mgVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Chicken
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