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Home » Air Fryer Recipes » Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer

Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer

Published on November 7, 2021 by Bintu. Leave a Comment

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Did you know you can cook frozen chicken tenders in air fryer? From freezer to table in just minutes, making frozen breaded chicken tenders in air fryer is a quick and easy meal the whole family will love! 

Post includes Weight Watchers points.

top down view of a plate filled with cooked frozen chicken tenders in air fryer

Making frozen chicken tenders in air fryer is my go-to when the family is hungry and I need to get something on the table in a hurry. Faster than it takes to preheat the oven, I can serve up chicken tenders that are deliciously crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy inside.

Table of Contents

  • Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
  • Why Make This Recipe
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Pre-Cooked vs. Raw Frozen Chicken Strips
  • How To Cook Frozen Breaded Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer
  • Tips For Success
  • Variations
  • Budget-Friendly Tips 
  • Prep Ahead And Storage
  • FAQs
  • More Recipes You May Like
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Weight Watchers Points
  • Get The Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer Recipe:
  • Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer

Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

Of course, chicken tenders are a kid’s favorite but let’s be real: adults love them just as much. Add your favorite dipping sauce and a side of fries and you’ve got a delicious meal the whole family will request again and again. 

These will be loved just like these Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings, easy really Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets and also Reheat Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer recipes.

Air fryer frozen chicken tenders are perfect for a quick dinner, appetizer, party food or anytime snack. They can go from the freezer to the table in less than 15 minutes, and the air fryer does the work for you. Making frozen breaded chicken tenders in air fryer just might be my favorite kitchen hack. 

close up view of the finished frozen chicken tenders in air fryer recipe

Why Make This Recipe

  • Time Saver – Cook frozen chicken tenders in air fryer in about 15 minutes.
  • Easy – Preheat, cook from frozen, flip once and serve.
  • Perfect for Parties – Make a batch of chicken strips to serve at your next party or game day gathering. 

Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Tenders – Choose your favorite frozen chicken tenders for this recipe. 

Pre-Cooked vs. Raw Frozen Chicken Strips

Frozen chicken strips can come either pre-cooked or raw. It’s important to know which product you have purchased. Raw frozen chicken tenders often have a pre-cooked bread coating, so it’s important to read the package carefully.

When cooking raw frozen breaded chicken tenders in air fryer, you may need to cook for an additional 2-4 minutes to reach a safe temperature.  

one serving of frozen chicken tenders in air fryer on a white plate with dipping sauce

How To Cook Frozen Breaded Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer

Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400F / 200C.
  2. Place the frozen breaded tenders into the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. 
  3. Cook for 12-14 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165F / 74C on a meat thermometer. 
  4. Turn the chicken tenders over halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
image collage showing the steps for cooking frozen chicken tenders in air fryer

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 165F / 74C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

Tips For Success

  • There is no need to use additional oil when cooking frozen chicken tenders in air fryer. 
  • Leave plenty of space between the chicken fingers so they crisp up nicely. You may need to cook them in batches.
  • Be sure to flip the chicken strips over halfway through cooking. 
  • Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 165F / 74C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

Variations

  • Try Different Brands – There are so many different kinds of frozen chicken tenders. Try different brands to discover the ones you love the most. 
  • Swap The Sauce – The best part of frozen chicken tenders in air fryer is the dipping sauce! Mix and match with your favorite sauces. 
top down view of the frozen chicken tenders in air fryer basket

Budget-Friendly Tips 

  • Use Coupons or App – Coupons or grocery apps are a great way to save on frozen chicken strips. 
  • Plan For Leftovers – Leftovers chicken tenders are perfect for using on sandwiches and salads so you can take easy lunches with you all week.

Prep Ahead And Storage

  • Prep Ahead – The best part of this recipe is that no prep work is needed. 
  • Store – Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container for 4 days. 
  • Freeze – Refreezing frozen chicken strips cooked in the air fryer is not recommended. 

FAQs

How Long To Cook Frozen Breaded Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer?

Frozen chicken tenders will need to cook in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes and should reach an internal temperature of 165F / 74C on a meat thermometer.

Why Are Chicken Tenders Tough?

Chicken usually becomes tough when it has been overcooked. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure you cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165F / 74C. Avoid overcooking by removing from the air fryer as soon as it has reached the correct temperature.

a plate of cooked frozen breaded chicken tenders

More Recipes You May Like

  • Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings.
  • Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets.
  • How To Reheat Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer.
  • How To Reheat Chicken Nuggets In Air Fryer.
  • How To Reheat Chicken Wings In Air Fryer.
  • Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders.
  • Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
  • Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders.
  • Grilled Chicken Tenders.
  • Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders.
  • Instant Pot Chicken Tenders.

Serving Suggestions

  • Parmesan Garlic Fries.
  • Loaded Ranch Potato Salad.
  • Fruit Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 5 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Get The Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer Recipe:

one serving of frozen chicken tenders in air fryer on a white plate with dipping sauce

Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer

Serve up delicious chicken tenders that go from freezer to table in 15 minutes.
Print Pin Rate Save RecipeSaved!
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Western
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 190kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy | Budget Delicious

Ingredients

  • 16 Frozen Breaded Chicken Tenders

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400F / 200C.
  • Place the frozen breaded tenders into the air fryer basket or tray, making sure they are in a single layer.
  • Cook for 12-14 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165F / 74C on a meat thermometer.
  • Turn the chicken tenders over halfway through the cooking time.

Notes

  • There is no need to use additional oil when cooking frozen chicken tenders in air fryer. 
  • Leave plenty of space between the chicken fingers so they crisp up nicely. You may need to cook them in batches.
  • Be sure to flip the chicken strips halfway through cooking. 
  • Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 165F / 74C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
  • Storage – keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • There are 5 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 600mg
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Hi am Bintu and glad to meet you. You will find delicious easy recipes on a budget. Includes easy chicken recipes, easy Instant Pot recipes, easy Air Fryer recipes with simple ingredients loved by the whole family. Let's dig deeper →

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