Frozen Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer Recipe
Learn how to make crispy and delicious frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer with this easy step-by-step recipe. Perfectly cooked in just 12 minutes, these chicken tenders are coated with a flavorful blend of flour, eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs, making them a quick and satisfying main course for any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Tenders
- 1 package of frozen chicken tenders
Coating Mixtures
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for cooking the chicken tenders evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
- Prepare Coatings: In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper to taste. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste to create a flavorful breadcrumb coating.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Remove the frozen chicken tenders from their package and pat them dry with paper towels. Dip each tender first into the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally coat them thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs to ensure they stick well.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Tenders in Basket: Place the coated chicken tenders into the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and crisping. Cook in batches if needed depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook Chicken Tenders: Air fry the tenders at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Check Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating that it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Notes
- The nutritional values are approximate and based on a 3 oz serving size of air-fried chicken tenders.
- To ensure proper crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Using an instant-read thermometer is key to confirming the chicken is safely cooked.
- Customize the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste preferences.
- Let the tenders rest briefly after cooking for juicier results.
Keywords: frozen chicken tenders, air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, American cuisine
