Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many home cooks, and it’s no surprise why. These handy appliances provide a quicker, healthier way to prepare your favorite crispy foods without the need for excessive oil. Chicken tenders, one of the most popular dishes cooked in an air fryer, are a prime example of how air frying can yield perfectly crispy results while keeping the calorie count low.
However, despite the convenience of air frying, many home cooks find themselves asking, “How long do I cook chicken tenders in an air fryer?” It’s a great question because the perfect cook time for chicken tenders can vary based on whether they’re frozen, fresh, or breaded. In this post, we’ll break down the ideal cook times for each scenario and give you some tips on how to achieve perfectly crispy and tender chicken tenders every time.
How Long to Cook Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer?
Ideal Cook Time for Frozen Chicken Tenders
When you’re cooking frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer, you’ll want to set your temperature to 400°F (204°C). Frozen tenders typically need about 10-15 minutes to cook through and crisp up properly. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Frozen Chicken Tenders: 10-15 minutes at 400°F
- Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides. If you like extra crispiness, you can leave them in for an extra minute or two.
The key to cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer is not to overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate around the tenders for that crispy exterior, and if they’re too close together, they won’t cook evenly.
Cook Time for Fresh, Unbreaded Chicken Tenders
If you’re starting with fresh, unbreaded chicken tenders, the air fryer can work its magic to cook them perfectly in 8-10 minutes at 400°F. Unbreaded chicken tenders cook a bit faster than their frozen counterparts, and since there’s no coating to crisp up, they require a slightly shorter cook time. Here’s how you can cook them:
- Fresh, Unbreaded Chicken Tenders: 8-10 minutes at 400°F
- Preheat your air fryer for a couple of minutes to ensure even cooking from the start.
Cook Time for Fresh, Breaded Chicken Tenders
Breaded chicken tenders require a little more time in the air fryer due to the breading that needs to crisp up. To achieve that golden, crispy Guide to Mastering Everyday Cooking texture, breaded tenders will need about 10-12 minutes at 400°F. It’s important to lightly spray the tenders with a bit of cooking oil to help them crisp up nicely. Here’s the breakdown:
- Fresh, Breaded Chicken Tenders: 10-12 minutes at 400°F
- Flip halfway through to ensure both sides are evenly crispy.
For an extra crispy result, you can give the tenders a light spray of cooking oil about halfway through cooking.
Factors That Affect the Cook Time for Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer
While the general cook times mentioned above are a great starting point, there are several factors that can affect how long your chicken tenders need to cook. Let’s take a look at these factors:
Thickness of the Chicken Tenders
The thickness of your chicken tenders is one of the biggest factors that will influence cook time. Thicker tenders will require more time to cook through compared to thinner pieces. If your tenders are on the thicker side, you may need to add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cook time.
If you’re unsure whether the tenders are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Air Fryer Brand and Model
Not all air fryers are created equal. Some models have more powerful fans, while others have more even heat distribution. As a result, your cook times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer’s brand and model.
For instance, some air fryers will cook more quickly due to faster circulation of air, while others might require a few extra minutes to achieve the same crispiness. The best advice is to always check on your chicken tenders halfway through cooking, regardless of the model you own.
Preheating the Air Fryer
While some air fryer models don’t require preheating, preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before adding your chicken tenders can make a big difference in the final result. Preheating ensures that the cooking environment is at the right temperature from the start, helping the tenders cook more evenly and become crispier.
In general, it’s a good idea to preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400°F before placing the chicken tenders inside.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer
How to Ensure Crispy Chicken Tenders
The goal with chicken tenders is to achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Here are a few tips to help you achieve that:
- Use a Light Spray of Oil: For extra crispiness, lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking oil or olive oil before air frying them. This small addition can make a big difference in the final texture.
- Flip Halfway: Flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure that both sides get a golden, crispy finish.
How to Check for Doneness
The best way to ensure your chicken tenders are fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken tenders. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Besides using a thermometer, you can also look for the following signs:
- The tenders should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- The texture should be firm but not dry when you cut into the chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer
Overcrowding the Basket
One of the most common mistakes when using an air fryer is overcrowding the basket. While it might be tempting to cook a large batch of tenders all at once, overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking. The air needs to circulate freely around the food to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up. If you overcrowd the basket, the tenders will be steamed rather than crisped, and the texture will suffer.
Not Preheating the Air Fryer
As mentioned earlier, preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and crispy results. Skipping this step can result in unevenly cooked tenders that aren’t as crispy as they should be.
Skipping the Oil Spray
Another mistake is forgetting to spray the chicken tenders with oil before cooking. While air fryers use very little oil, a light spray can make all the difference in achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
Can You Cook Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer Without Oil?
Cooking Without Oil: Is It Possible?
Yes, it is possible to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer without oil. However, they may not come out as crispy as they would with oil. Air fryers cook by circulating hot air around the food, so the natural fat in the chicken will still provide some crispiness. However, oil helps to give the tenders a golden, crispy texture.
Best Practices for Cooking Without Oil
If you prefer not to use oil, here are some tips:
- Use skinless chicken tenders for less fat.
- Spray a light coating of cooking spray to enhance crispiness without adding too much oil.
- Increase the cook time slightly to ensure the tenders crisp up properly.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer is a fast, healthy way to enjoy a crispy and delicious meal. The ideal cook time will vary depending on whether your chicken tenders are frozen, fresh, or breaded. For frozen tenders, you’ll need about 10-15 minutes at 400°F, while fresh tenders cook in 8-10 minutes. Breaded tenders require a slightly longer cook time of 10-12 minutes at 400°F.
By considering factors like thickness, preheating, and not overcrowding the basket, you can ensure your chicken tenders come out crispy and delicious every time. And while oil isn’t absolutely necessary, a light spray can enhance the crispiness, making your tenders golden brown and perfectly crunchy.
Experiment with your air fryer to find your ideal cook time and method, and enjoy perfectly cooked chicken tenders in no time!
FAQ
How long should I cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?
Cook frozen chicken tenders for 10-15 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through.
Can I cook fresh chicken tenders in the air fryer?
Yes, fresh chicken tenders can be cooked in an air fryer for 8-10 minutes at 400°F.
Do breaded chicken tenders take longer to cook in an air fryer?
Yes, breaded chicken tenders may take 10-12 minutes at 400°F to become crispy.
How do I make my chicken tenders extra crispy in the air fryer?
Lightly spray the tenders with oil and flip them halfway through cooking.
What temperature should I cook chicken tenders in the air fryer?
The ideal temperature is 400°F for crispy chicken tenders.
How do I know when my chicken tenders are done in the air fryer?
Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Can I cook chicken tenders without oil in the air fryer?
Yes, but they may not be as crispy. Light oil or oil spray enhances crispiness.