How Long Does It Take to Cook Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer? A Detailed Guide

Chicken tenders are a family favorite, loved by kids and adults alike. Their mild flavor and tender texture make them an ideal choice for everything from weeknight dinners to game day appetizers. But traditional methods of frying or baking chicken tenders can be time-consuming and messy. This is where the air fryer comes in!

When you air fry chicken tenders, the outside gets crispy and cooked evenly without any oil splatter. If you have an air fryer, it’s easy and quick to make chicken tenders. But how long does it really take? This guide has all the information you need to master the art of air-frying chicken tenders, from the right temperatures and cook times to helpful hints.

Factors That Affect Cook Time

When air frying chicken tenders, the cooking time can vary based on a few key factors:

Size and Thickness

Thicker chicken tenderloins will naturally take longer to cook than thinner ones Aim for evenly sized tenders for uniform cooking

Amount Being Cooked

Cooking a large batch will increase cook time. Food needs to be able to move around in order to air fry properly. Don’t overcrowd.

Preparation Method

Breading or coating the tenders will add time Uncoated tenders cook faster

Doneness Preference

Cook longer for crisper tenders or shorter for more tender interior texture.

Air Fryer Model

Larger or more powerful models may cook faster than smaller ones. Get to know your fryer.

Taking these factors into account allows you to adjust cook time as needed.

Recommended Time and Temperature

For average sized, boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins, the ideal air fryer time and temperature is:

• Air Fryer Temperature: 400°F
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

At 400°F, the air fryer will get hot enough to make the outside crispy while allowing the interior to cook through fully. 10-12 minutes gives enough time for heat to penetrate without overcooking.

For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which this time and temp combination achieves.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer chicken tenders:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

2. Pat chicken tenderloins dry and season with salt, pepper, spices as desired.

3. Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding.

4. Air fry for 5-6 minutes.

5. Flip tenders and air fry 5-6 minutes more until cooked through and crispy.

6. Check internal temp with a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F.

7. Allow to rest 3-5 minutes before serving.

And you’re done! Juicy, golden air fried chicken tenders in just 10-12 minutes.

Cooking Frozen Tenders

For frozen chicken tenders, cook for 14 to 16 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. This gives the frozen tenders time to thaw and cook all the way through.

Add 1-2 minutes if tenders are extra thick. Check internal temp to confirm doneness. Let rest before serving.

Breading or Coating

Breading chicken tenders before air frying will increase cook time. After breading, air fry for 12-14 minutes, until 165°F internal temp. The coating may appear slightly underdone, but the chicken will be fully cooked.

For panko or other thicker breadings, add two to three minutes to the cooking time. Breading gives the chicken more time to cook all the way through.

Common Cook Time Questions

How long does it take to air fry chicken tenders at 375°F?

At 375°F, cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway. The lower temp increases cook time but results in super juicy tenders.

How long does it take to air fry chicken tenders at 400°F from frozen?

14-16 minutes is ideal for cooking frozen tenders at 400°F.

How long does it take to reheat chicken tenders in an air fryer?

To reheat fully cooked leftover chicken tenders, air fry at 400°F for 4-6 minutes until warmed through.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Tenders need room to circulate and crisp up.

• Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Air fry to 165°F internal temp.

• Spray or brush tenders with oil before cooking for even browning.

• Allow tenders to rest before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

• Adjust cook times based on size, amount, and doneness preferences.

• For extra crispy tenders, prolong cook time slightly.

Air Fried Chicken Perfection

Mastering the ideal time and temperature to air fry chicken tenders may take some trial and error based on your specific model and batch size. But once you nail down the perfect cook time for your needs, you’ll be enjoying hot, crispy, juicy tenders in no time! Ditch the frying oil and unlock quick, easy chicken dinners with your air fryer.