Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders are a weeknight staple in our house. They’re quick, require zero prep, and come out golden and crispy in just 20 minutes. It’s the kind of meal you can count on when you don’t have much time or energy, or when you’re simply in the mood for something comforting and easy. No mess, no fuss—just a handful of frozen tenders and a few simple steps.

If you’ve tried my homemade Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe made from scratch, you already know how much I love a crispy chicken dinner that doesn’t require deep frying. I always make some extra and save a bag in the freezer for backup dinners, quick lunches, or last-minute snacks.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Frozen Chicken Tenders?

Using the air fryer for frozen chicken tenderloins is one of the easiest ways to get that crisp exterior without any oil splatter or waiting for the oven to preheat. The circulating hot air crisps up the breading nicely while keeping the inside juicy. It takes less time than baking and gives you a texture that’s hard to get in the microwave.

Air frying is especially helpful if you’re cooking for one or two and don’t want to heat up the whole oven. It’s faster, cleaner, and reliable every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Frozen chicken tenders – Breaded, uncooked chicken tenders straight from the freezer. You can make them from scratch following my Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe or buy them from large supermarkets frozen section.

• Oil – You don’t need much oil for this recipe. I usually lightly brush them with olive oil and avoid using spray to avoid damaging the air fryer basket.

How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

Making Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders is extremely easy and to achieve the best results, you need to follow these simple steps:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Some air fryers don’t require preheating, so check your manual. Place the tenders in the basket, arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each piece.

Air fry for 18-20 minutes. Flip halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides turn golden and crisp. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness or slice one open to confirm the inside is hot and fully cooked.

Let them rest for 2 minutes to help the coating firm up a little more before serving.

Expert Tips From the Chef

• Don’t thaw first – Cook straight from frozen for the best texture.

• Shake the basket or flip the tenders – This ensures even browning.

• Work in batches if needed – Overcrowding prevents proper airflow.

• Add a little oil – A light brush of oil can give you an even crispier finish.

• Adjust the time – Some tenders are thicker or thinner, so keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Dips That Go Perfectly With Chicken Tenders

If you ask my family, the dipping sauce is just as important as the chicken itself. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Homemade Honey Mustard – 1 part Dijon mustard, 1 part mayo, 1 part honey

• BBQ Sauce – Store-bought or homemade

• Ranch Dressing – Always a hit with the kids

• Garlic Yogurt Sauce – Great if you’re serving with salad or rice

• Buffalo Sauce – For those who like a little heat

Easy Side Dishes to Serve With Frozen Chicken Tenders

These air fryer tenders work well with just about anything. Here are some quick and easy side ideas:

• Sweet potato fries or regular fries

• Fish Taco Slaw

• Corn on the cob

• Mac and cheese

• Rice or bulgur pilaf

• Cacik – Turkish Yogurt Dip

They also make great wraps—just tuck them into a flatbread with lettuce, tomato, avocado, air fryer bacon, and your favorite sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, they store well in the fridge and are easy to reheat. Avoid freezing them again, as they were made from pre-frozen chicken.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in air fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until warmed through.

• Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crisp texture.

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