Here’s how to cook Frozen Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer! You will love how easy it is to air-fry frozen chicken tenders. In ten minutes, you will have hot chicken strips ready to serve.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
I love that it takes less than 15 minutes to cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer. I will fully admit to keeping a variety of frozen foods in the freezer at all times that we cook in our favorite air fryers.
Air fryer chicken tenders are a quick and easy dinner or snack. They taste fantastic when added to a dinner salad.
Ingredients Needed
Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make epic Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.
- Frozen Chicken Tenders
Optional - salt and pepper seasoning,
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer: We suggest getting an air fryer bigger than you think you will need. Once we started using it, we used it for more and larger meals.
- Kitchen Tongs: We recommend getting a good pair of kitchen tongs to remove items from the air fryer and save your hands from getting burned.
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for air fryer frozen chicken strips, but here's a quick version.
Evenly spread the frozen chicken strips in the air fryer basket. Air fry until golden brown and crispy.
Preparation and Storage
Make Ahead: We do not preheat the air fryer before cooking the chicken strips. Do not thaw them before air-frying them.
Storage: The USDA recommends refrigerating cooked leftovers, including cooked meats, in an airtight container and enjoying them within three to four days.
Freezing/How to Freeze: We do not suggest refreezing leftover frozen chicken tenders. Too many temperature changes may make them unsafe to eat.
How to Reheat: Reheat cooked and frozen leftovers in your air fryer for crispy, golden-brown chicken strips.
Recipe Variations
Substitutions: We used Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips in this air fryer how-to, but the instructions work with any chicken tender brand.
Vegetarian + Vegan Option: Your air fryer is also an excellent way to cook meatless and plant-based frozen chicken strips. Follow the instructions on the package for the proper cooking time and temperature.
Gluten-Free: Look for a gluten-free label on your frozen chicken tenders. We have seen many gluten-free frozen options for those with gluten sensitivities.
Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings:
Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You want the hot air to be able to circulate them.
We placed four chicken strips in our air fryer, and the cooking time was ten minutes.
Cooking time and how many you can cook at once vary depending on your air fryer. Check the chicken strips the first couple of times you make them.
Make It Spicy:
If you enjoy spicy food, we have seen many spicy chicken tender brands at the store.
You can also add a kick of heat to your chicken tender experience with a spicy dipping sauce, like our Japanese Spicy Mayo or Boom Boom Sauce.
Sugar-Free: Nutritional information varies across brands, so check the label on your frozen chicken strips if this is a dietary concern.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
- Remember to flip the chicken tenders halfway through cooking so that both sides cook evenly.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
We love enjoying crispy, golden-brown, delicious Chicken Tenders over salads, other comfort food favorites, and other dippable foods! Here are some menu planning suggestions.
Salads: Caprese Pasta Salad, Broccoli Bacon Salad, 7 Layer Salad, Sauerkraut Salad, Greek Cucumber Salad, Black Bean & Corn Salad, Broccoli Slaw, Kale and Apple Potato Salad
Sides: Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp, Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, Air Fryer French Fries, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Onion Rings, Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers, Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Main Dishes: Easy Lunch Wraps, Big Mac Salad
Desserts: Easy Apple Cider Cookies, Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, Chocolate-Covered Potato Chips, Classic Rice Krispie Treats, Watergate Salad, Ambrosia Salad, Cranberry Fluff Salad
Dipping Sauces: Copycat Outback Bloomin' Onion Sauce, Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce, Copycat Arby's Sauce, Spicy Japanese Mayo, Comeback Sauce, Copycat Raising Cane's Sauce, ketchup, honey mustard, ranch dressing, bbq sauce
When to Serve
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Appetizer
- Snacktime
- Kids snack
- When you don't want to turn on the oven
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Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 4-6 Chicken Strips frozen
Instructions
- Place chicken strips in the air fryer basket evenly spread out.
- Air fry at 400 degrees for 6 minutes, flip chicken strips, air fry for an additional 5-6 minutes until cooked and crispy.
Kitchen Tools
- Air Fryer
- Kitchen Tongs
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