Crispy, juicy, and air-fried to perfection—these kid-friendly chicken tenders are your new favorite go-to!
These chicken tenders are perfect for busy days when you need a quick and delicious dish! A fairly recent invention, air fryers have been around since 2006 and work by rapidly circulating hot air. You simply place your frozen chicken tenders in a perforated tray, and that’s it! The cook time is less than 15 minutes, making it a great dish to prepare when you are in a bind and don’t have enough time. Plus, it’s budget- and kid-friendly as well.
The key to these tenders lies in the sauce. I enjoy pairing them with a creamy mixture that serves as both a dipping sauce and a salad dressing. Blend a whole avocado with a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of lime, and a pinch of sea salt. The creaminess of the avocado perfectly complements the crunchy texture of the breaded fried tender.
Another great thing about these tenders is that they work as a main dish or as toppings for salads and rice bowls. Regardless of your choice, one thing is certain—the crispier and crunchier, the better. Be sure to heat your air fryer to 360°F or higher. The hotter, the crispier. For this recipe, the cooking time is everything. It ensures your tenders turn out nice and crisp. The last thing we want is soggy tenders!
Are Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders Healthy?
Air-fryer frozen chicken tenders can totally fit into a healthy lifestyle! Using the air fryer means you’re cutting down on oil, which is a win for keeping things light. What’s more, many chicken tenders are made with lean chicken breast, giving you a solid protein boost. Of course, it’s all about balance—check the nutrition label for added stuff like extra sodium or other funky ingredients. Pair them with veggies or a salad for a meal that feels both satisfying and good for you!
Delicious Dipping Sauce Ideas
If you’ve got some extra time, try making your own delicious dips. Great ideas include a tangy honey-mustard dip made with Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of lemon juice; a smoky chipotle mayo dip blended with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and a hint of lime; a spicy ranch dip combining ranch dressing with a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick; or a classic BBQ sauce enhanced with smoked paprika for depth.
Short on time? No problem! Check out ready-made options like Primal Kitchen’s Avocado-Lime Dipping Sauce or Thrive Market’s Secret Sauce Dressing & Dip. Whether you’re into smoky BBQ or creamy and zesty flavors, the choice is yours—just about any sauce will work!
How To Make Ahead And Store?
Once cooked, store leftovers in an airtight container. They should stay fresh in your fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating in the air fryer is a great way to bring leftover chicken tenders back to life! Set your air fryer to 325°F-350°F and heat for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through (and crispy).
Serving Suggestions
These tenders are one of my favorites to cook, chop, and top. Take a handful of lettuce (I prefer spinach and arugula), and top your leaves with these tenders and a dollop of this avocado dip.
For sides, Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are a fantastic option! Also, our Air-Fryer Potato Chips, Sweet Potato Fries, and Greek Yogurt French Onion Dip also go great with these tenders. Go ahead and give this dish a try, and let us know what sides and dips do the trick!
Ingredients
- 8 frozen breaded chicken tenders
- Your choice of dipping sauce consider a Greek yogurt-based sauce for a healthier alternative
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360℉. This ensures that the chicken tenders will cook evenly and become crispy.
- Place the frozen chicken tenders in the air-fryer basket in a single layer. They can touch slightly, but avoid stacking them to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the chicken tenders for about 12 minutes. At the 6-minute mark, flip them to ensure they are crispy on both sides.
- Once the chicken tenders are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer.
- Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce. DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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