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Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

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Cook Time 14 minutes
Pre-heat 5 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Frozen breaded chicken tenders: Any brand. Standard size, not the jumbo strips, works best.
  • Cooking spray (optional): For extra crispiness. Use a high-heat-safe spray (avoid aerosol sprays that can damage baskets; use a pump sprayer if possible).
  • Seasonings (optional): Black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne after cooking.
  • Dipping sauces: Ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue, ranch, buffalo, or your favorite.
  • Sides: Fries, coleslaw, salad, corn, mac and cheese, or steamed veggies.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Most models take 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the tenders crisp up quickly.
  • Arrange the tenders in a single layer. Don’t stack or overlap. Leave a little space between pieces so hot air can circulate.
  • Optional: Lightly mist with oil. A quick spray can boost crunch, especially with thicker breading. Avoid soaking them.
  • Air fry for 10–12 minutes. Flip halfway (at the 5–6 minute mark) for even browning. Smaller tenders may finish closer to 9–10 minutes; thicker ones may need 12–14 minutes.
  • Check doneness. The coating should be golden and crisp. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) if you use a thermometer.
  • Season and serve. Sprinkle with a little salt, pepper, or paprika right after cooking while the surface is hot. Serve with your favorite dips and sides.