Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
This post may contain affiliate links which will not change your price but will share some commission. Please read my privacy policy.
Making Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders is the best way (way better than the oven!) to achieve the perfect tender every time!
With a juicy exterior and crispy, golden brown breading, this air fryer recipe is a no-brainer when it comes to weeknight dinners.
Why you will love this air fryer frozen chicken tenders recipe
At the end of a long day, sometimes even the notion of baking some chicken tenders in the oven can seem daunting. All the pre-heating and waiting? No thanks!
The air fryer preheats much faster than your oven, and with just about 10 minutes of cooking time, your tenders will be done much quicker and get even crispier in a fraction of the time.
So ditch the instructions on the bag from the grocery store, preheat that air fryer, and get your favorite sauce ready for an easy meal in less time!
How long to cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer
The exact time can vary a little depending on the size of your air fryer and how big the chicken tenders are.
In my experience, 10 minutes is generally a good starting point for cooking chicken tenders from frozen. For larger tenders, it can take up to 12 minutes, but it’ll rarely be any longer than that.
How to Cook Frozen Uncooked Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Add tenders to air fryer tray. Assemble frozen tenders in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure not to overlap them so the hot air can circulate. You may have to air fry in batches depending on how many chicken tenders you’re cooking.
- Air fry. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cook time.
- Serve and enjoy. Transfer your air fryer chicken strips to a plate and pair with a dipping sauce of your choice! I love this homemade chick fil a sauce!
How Do You Know When Frozen Chicken Tenders Are Done
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F.Some frozen chicken tenders appear to be pre-cooked, but regardless you should cook them to the correct temperature to be safe.
Another great way to check for doneness is to look for a golden and crispy exterior and a warm, juicy interior.
Can You Refreeze Cooked Frozen Chicken Tenders?
Cooked frozen chicken can be frozen after cooking! I recommend freezing leftover chicken tenders again as soon as possible for best results.
Allow the tenders to fully cool to prevent excess condensation that can lead to freezer burn. Then place them in an airtight container or a freezer safe plastic bag.
What to serve with chicken tenders
A classic pairing for crispy chicken tenders is a batch of crispy french fries, but you could also switch things up and serve them with polenta fries, radish chips, or air fried banana peppers for a quick meal or even a fun appetizer.
These chicken tenders also work great as a topping for a chopped vegetable salad or a protein for wraps.
Dipping sauces for chicken tenders
For some classic options, serve your air fryer chicken tenders with ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo. They would also pair well with cheese sauce, hot sauce, sriracha, or some kind of special burger sauce.
More easy air fryer recipes you will love
- Air Fryer Keto Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma
- Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
- Air Fryer Beer Battered Fished
- Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Thighs
WANT TO TRY THIS AIR FRYER FROZEN CHICKEN TEENDERS RECIPE?
PIN IT to your chicken recipe or air fryer dinner recipes board to save it for later!
Find me on Pinterest for more great recipes. I’m always pinning!
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen breaded chicken tenders, 20 oz
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F
- Place the frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. (Do not overcrowd the basket or they won't get crispy). Cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through and the chicken tenders are warm all the way through. You may need to work in batches depending on how many you are making.
- Once finished, transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a plate and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.
Served these for dinner last night and they were a hit all around the table! Quick, easy and delicious; a great meal for a busy weeknight, indeed!
These air fryer chicken tenders were so juicy and the outsides were the perfect amount of crispy. We loved them.
This is the best way I’ve ever cooked chicken tenders. They were so much crispier AND juicier than baking them.
Now, make this at home, I’m saving your recipe. thanks for sharing
I had no idea it was so easy to make frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer! These turned out so well – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and really was better than the oven!