Are you wondering how long those delicious chicken tenders need to cook in your air fryer? You’re not alone! As a chicken tender enthusiast myself, I’ve spent countless hours perfecting the ideal cooking time to achieve that perfect balance of juicy inside and crispy outside. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about air frying chicken tenders to perfection.
The Quick Answer: Cooking Time for Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
If you’re in a hurry. here’s the short answer
- Raw chicken tenders at 400°F: 9-11 minutes
- Frozen chicken tenders at 400°F: 14-16 minutes
- Reheating cooked tenders: 4-5 minutes at 400°F
But there’s so much more to know if you want truly amazing results!
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several factors can influence how long your chicken tenders need in the air fryer
1. Size and Thickness of Tenders
The thickness of your chicken tenders is probably the most important factor affecting cooking time Thicker tenders obviously need more time to cook through completely, while thinner ones cook faster
- Thin strips (1/2 inch): 8-9 minutes at 400°F
- Medium strips (3/4 inch): 9-10 minutes at 400°F
- Thick strips (1 inch+): 10-12 minutes at 400°F
2. Whether They’re Fresh or Frozen
Starting with frozen chicken tenders? You’ll need to add extra cooking time:
- Fresh/thawed tenders: 9-11 minutes at 400°F
- Frozen tenders: 14-16 minutes at 400°F
3. Air Fryer Model and Size
Different air fryer models heat up differently and circulate air at varying efficiencies. I’ve noticed my Cosori XL 5.8 qt Air Fryer cooks a bit faster than my old smaller model did.
4. With or Without Breading
Breaded tenders often take slightly longer to cook than non-breaded ones:
- No breading: 9-10 minutes at 400°F
- With breading: 10-12 minutes at 400°F
Best Temperature for Air Frying Chicken Tenders
Most recipes recommend cooking chicken tenders at 400°F for optimal results. This temperature gives you that perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
If you prefer to use a different temperature:
- At 375°F: 12-14 minutes
- At 400°F: 9-11 minutes
- At 425°F: Around 8 minutes (but watch for drying out!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Let’s break down the process for making amazing chicken tenders in your air fryer:
For Fresh Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
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Prep the chicken: Slice boneless skinless chicken breasts into uniform strips about 1 inch thick.
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Make a simple marinade: Combine 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl.
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Marinate the chicken: Toss chicken strips in the marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Don’t skip this step – the vinegar helps tenderize the chicken! But don’t marinate longer than 12 hours or the chicken might get mushy.
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Preheat your air fryer: Set to 400°F and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
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Arrange in the basket: Place chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if needed!
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Cook: Air fry at 400°F for 9-11 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Check for doneness: Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and edges are beginning to turn golden brown.
For Breaded Chicken Tenders
If you prefer the classic breaded version:
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Prepare your dredging station:
- Bowl 1: 1½ cups flour seasoned with salt and pepper
- Bowl 2: 2 beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
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Coat the chicken: Dredge each tender in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
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Arrange in air fryer: Place in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket.
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Cook: Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For Frozen Chicken Tenders
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
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Arrange tenders: Place frozen tenders in the basket with minimal overlapping.
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Cook: Air fry for 14-16 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through.
How to Tell When Chicken Tenders Are Done
Safety first! Here’s how to ensure your chicken tenders are fully cooked:
- Use a meat thermometer: The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Visual check: Cut into the thickest part – the meat should be white with no pink.
- Texture test: The meat should be firm but still juicy, not rubbery.
Pro Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
After making these about a million times (okay, maybe not that many), I’ve picked up some helpful tips:
- Don’t skip the vinegar in the marinade – it’s the secret to tender, juicy chicken!
- For extra juicy tenders, try wrapping them in foil for the first half of cooking.
- Shake the basket or flip tenders halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- Let them rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.
- Don’t crowd the basket – air needs to circulate for crispy results.
Delicious Ways to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These versatile tenders can be used in so many ways:
- On a salad (especially good with kale caesar!)
- In wraps with veggies and cheese
- With potato wedges or tater tots on the side
- In grain bowls with veggies and sauce
- On a caprese sandwich with mozzarella and pesto
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Every tender needs a good dipping sauce! Try these options:
- Honey mustard
- Barbecue sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Cheddar cheese sauce
- Pesto
- Mango salsa
- Avocado sauce
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Tenders
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- In the air fryer: 4-5 minutes at 400°F (best method!)
- From frozen: 20-25 minutes at 350°F, flipping halfway through
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Having problems with your chicken tenders? Here are solutions:
Tenders Are Dry
- Try marinating longer next time
- Wrap in foil for part of the cooking time
- Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes
Not Crispy Enough
- Make sure tenders aren’t overcrowded
- Spray with a little oil before cooking
- Increase temperature slightly
Breading Falling Off
- Pat chicken dry before dredging
- Press breading firmly onto chicken
- Let breaded tenders sit for 5 minutes before air frying
So, how long do chicken tenders take in the air fryer? The answer depends on several factors, but for most scenarios, fresh tenders take 9-11 minutes and frozen ones take 14-16 minutes at 400°F.
The air fryer is truly a game-changer for making quick, healthy, and delicious chicken tenders. With these tips and guidelines, you’ll be able to make perfect tenders every time with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
FAQ: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Q: Can I use olive oil instead of avocado oil?
A: Yes! Though avocado oil has a higher smoke point, olive oil works fine for air frying at 400°F.
Q: Do I need to spray the air fryer basket?
A: It depends on your air fryer model. If it has a non-stick coating, you might not need to, but a light spray can help prevent sticking.
Q: Can I stack chicken tenders in the air fryer?
A: It’s best not to stack them as this prevents proper air circulation. If you need to cook a large batch, do it in multiple rounds.
Q: Why are my chicken tenders tough?
A: They might be overcooked or you might have skipped the marinade. The vinegar in the marinade helps tenderize the meat.
Q: Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! They’re perfect for meal prep and stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer?
Yes, I do this all the time! If you’re using pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders from the store, just cook them in a preheated air fryer at 360 degrees for about 12 minutes.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
If I’m trying to keep this a low-carb meal, I serve them alongside asparagus, carrots, or frozen green beans along with a salad.
