Craving a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than these irresistibly crispy Frozen Chicken Tenders cooked to perfection in your air fryer! In just 20 minutes, you can transform frozen tenders into a mouthwatering dish that rivals your favorite restaurant fare. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is not only a time-saver but also a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy, no-fuss recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen chicken tenders
- Cooking spray
- Barbecue sauce or dipping sauce of choice
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that your chicken tenders cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
- While the air fryer is preheating, take the frozen chicken tenders out of the packaging. There is no need to thaw them; they can be cooked directly from frozen.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken tenders from sticking. This will help achieve a crispy exterior.
- Place the frozen chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space between each piece for proper air circulation. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the tenders to ensure even cooking.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer using tongs. Let them rest for a couple of minutes to allow the juices to settle.
- Serve the chicken tenders with your choice of barbecue sauce or dipping sauce. You can also garnish with fresh herbs or serve alongside a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Preheat for Perfection: Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a crispy finish on your chicken tenders.
- No Thawing Needed: You can cook the chicken tenders straight from the freezer—there's no need to thaw them first, making this recipe a super convenient option for busy nights.
- Spray to Sizzle: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the chicken tenders. This simple step helps prevent sticking and enhances the crispiness.
- Space it Out: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer with enough space between each piece. This allows hot air to circulate effectively, ensuring even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Flip for Evenness: After the first 10 minutes of cooking, flip the tenders to guarantee that both sides get that golden-brown color and crispy texture.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken tenders reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the chicken tenders rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.
- Dipping Delights: Serve your chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like barbecue, ranch, or honey mustard. For a complete meal, pair them with a fresh side salad or your favorite veggies!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
