Crispy Frozen Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer (My Go-To Weeknight Fix)
There’s something satisfying about tossing a bag of frozen chicken tenders into the air fryer and getting crispy, golden results in under 15 minutes.
Whether you’re feeding kids, prepping for a game night, or just want something crunchy and satisfying, air frying frozen chicken tenders is a reliable choice.
I prefer not to preheat when cooking chicken tenders — especially the breaded ones — because starting from a cold basket helps the coating crisp up slowly and evenly.
That said, every air fryer behaves a bit differently, and I suggest adjusting your cook time slightly based on the brand you’re using and the thickness of the tenders.
Let’s break down how I do it every time.
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Cooking Time & Info
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 minute | 10–14 minutes | 11–15 minutes | Main / Snack | American | 2–4 |
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Ingredients & Options
| Item | Quantity (2 Servings) | Quantity (4 Servings) | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Chicken Tenders | 6–8 pieces | 12–16 pieces | Breaded, grilled, or spicy styles |
| Oil Spray (optional) | Light coat | Light coat | Helps extra crisping |
| Seasoning (optional) | To taste | To taste | Garlic, chili, lemon pepper |
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Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | Crisp and cook evenly | Convection oven |
| Tongs | Flip tenders easily | Spatula |
| Instant-read Thermometer (optional) | Check doneness | Cut to check inside |
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How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
Here’s what I’ve found works best depending on the fryer type:
| Air Fryer Type | Temp | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basket Model | 375°F (190°C) | 11–13 min | Flip at halfway |
| Oven Style | 380°F (193°C) | 12–14 min | Use center rack |
| Dual Zone | 370°F (188°C) | 10–12 min | More even cooking |
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How to Make Frozen Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
I recommend a simple, no-preheat method that makes the tenders crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside.
Starter tip: Always lay the tenders in a single layer for even cooking — don’t stack them.
Step 1: Load the Basket
Place the frozen chicken tenders in your air fryer basket. No oil or prep needed — just space them out so air can circulate.
Step 2: Cook First Half
Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 6–7 minutes. I prefer checking early if the tenders are smaller or thinner.
Step 3: Flip and Season
Use tongs to flip each tender. At this point, I suggest spraying a light coat of oil or adding extra seasoning (if using plain tenders).
Step 4: Cook Final Half
Air fry for another 5–7 minutes, until golden and sizzling. Check the thickest piece — internal temp should be 165°F.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the tenders sit for 2–3 minutes. This helps the breading set and avoids burns from hot steam inside.
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Serving Ideas & Plating Tips
- Serve with ketchup, honey mustard, or spicy mayo
- Pair with coleslaw or a side salad for a quick lunch
- Slice and toss into wraps or soft tortillas
- Great on top of mac & cheese for a comfort food combo
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Variations to Try
Change up the flavor or texture using these delicious twists.
BBQ Chicken Tenders
After flipping, brush the tenders with BBQ sauce and finish cooking. Adds a smoky-sweet glaze that’s great with fries or cornbread.
Garlic Parmesan Style
Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan. Toss the cooked tenders in this right after they come out of the fryer.
Buffalo Kick
Toss the tenders in hot sauce and a little butter for a quick buffalo version. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip.
Spicy Honey Glaze
Whisk together honey, hot sauce, and a pinch of chili flakes. Drizzle over the finished tenders for sweet-heat flavor.
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Storing Leftovers
- Store cooled tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes
- Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crispy
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Extra Tips I’ve Learned
- If using thick chicken strips, cook at slightly lower temp for longer
- Spraying oil after flipping improves browning
- Don’t overcrowd — even if it fits, it won’t cook evenly
- Pre-breaded tenders may vary in coating — check packaging if unsure
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Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Soggy breading | No space in basket | Cook in single layer |
| Burnt coating | Overcooked or fryer too hot | Reduce temp or time |
| Dry inside | Cooked too long | Check temp at 10 mins |
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FAQs
‣ Can I use homemade frozen tenders?
Yes! Just freeze them on a tray first to keep them separate, then cook from frozen the same way.
‣ Do I need to thaw the tenders first?
Nope — cook straight from frozen for best texture.
‣ Should I preheat my air fryer?
Not necessary for tenders, but you can if your model suggests it.
‣ What’s the best dipping sauce?
I suggest honey mustard, ranch, buffalo, or even chipotle mayo.
‣ Can I cook multiple batches?
Yes, but always avoid stacking. Keep each batch in a single layer.
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Give It a Try and Share!
Frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer are one of those easy wins that never disappoint. They’re fast, crunchy, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even game night snacks.
Try one of the variations above and let me know how it turned out in the comments!
