A step by step tutorial explaining how to make Frozen Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer. Stock your freezer with these homemade (healthier) chicken fingers and you've got an easy meal on hand that can be on the table in 10 minutes or less!
I've been trying to make weeknight dinners easier by prepping food and stocking my freezer. I tripled this recipe and still wished I had made more! Cooking the frozen chicken tenderloins was quick and easy - perfect for busy weeknights.
- Angela P
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Bailey's Thoughts ...
Wouldn't it be funny if I published a recipe for chicken tenders just to include another reason to buy an air fryer? People who DON'T want an air fryer would be so upset. That's not why I'm doing this, although it's tough to beat consistently crunchy, crispy chicken perfection that cleans up easily, cooks in less time and requires less oil. You really should get one.
Anyway, I don't want to make this Frozen Chicken Tender recipe about why you shouldn't deep fry chicken tenders, or why baking them in the oven is fine (they never quite get crisp enough), and focus more on the positive, which is: an air fryer really is the best way to experience chicken tenders.
If you don't have an air fryer YET ... I've included oven directions in the notes section of the recipe.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. The idea is to spend an afternoon whipping up a double, maybe even triple batch of these guys. Freeze them, and then pull them out on nights when life is hard, everyone is hungry and you dinner on the table FAST. Throw out some grocery store bbq sauce or homemade honey mustard, it doesn't matter ... the entire family is going to love this one.
-Bailey
Ingredients
- plain potato chips - the crunch factor is what's important, use your favorite brand or what you have on hand
- flour - helps to absorb the moisture of the chicken and gives the egg bath something to cling to
- spices - a combination of paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- eggs - acts as a binder for the crispy coating since the moisture from the chicken alone isn't enough
- dijon mustard - adds a tangy, sharp strong flavor to the chicken tenders
- buttermilk - slightly acidic so it helps to break down the protein structure resulting in tender chicken
- chicken tenders - choose evenly sized chicken tenderloins that have a pinkish color
See recipe card for quantities and nutritional information
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. Season chicken tenders liberally with salt and pepper.
Add ½ cup of flour + 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper to a medium sized dredging bowl.
In a second bowl, combine eggs, dijon and buttermilk. Whisk until smooth.
Into the bowl of a food processor (or blender) add chips, flour, paprika and garlic powder. Pulse until a fine crumb forms. Pour into a third bowl and set aside.
Create a dredging station by lining up your three bowls. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, followed by egg mixture and finally, the chip mixture.
Spray each coated chicken tender lightly with cooking spray. Arrange into a single layer in the air fryer basket or rack. You may have to make multiple batches. Cook time will vary based on size of your air fryer.
Freeze chicken tenders. Allow chicken tenders to cool completely. Arrange into a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze overnight. Remove chicken tenders and store in an airtight container or bag.
Serve/ reheat frozen chicken tenders. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees. Place chicken tenders into the basket and cook 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook time may vary. Serve with favorite dipping sauce.
Hint: Avoid spraying cooking spray directly onto your air fryer basket or racks. It can damage the coating. Instead, lightly spray your food just before you place it into the air fryer.
Substitutions
- buttermilk - heavy cream or half and half + a small amount of vinegar or lemon can be subbed
- chicken tenders - chicken breasts cut into tenders or large chunks (chicken nuggets) can be used
- potato chips - swap out plain potato chips for flavored to add a fun twist to this recipe
- white flour - for a slightly healthier chicken tender, wheat flour can be subbed
Variations
- spicy - add some cayenne pepper to your flour mixture and use a spicy bbq or buffalo dipping sauce
- low carb - check out my recipe for pecan crusted chicken tenders if you are looking for a low carb/healthier dinner option
Equipment
*The links below are affiliate links, which means that I earn a small commission if you purchase.
Traditional Air Fryer (Basket): Compact and takes up less counter space, smaller cooking chamber means that food cooks faster.
Air Fryer Oven (Shelves): Has multiple racks, making it possible to cook more food once. A more expensive option than a traditional air fryer.
Air Fryer Liners - These make cleanup a breeze. You can get 200 for around $7.00.
meat thermometer - this is the inexpensive thermometer I use to ensure that I cook my meat to a correct temperature.
Storage
Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and make a great lunch. To heat, simply pop them into the air fryer at 375 degrees F. for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
Air fryer chicken wings freeze well! Step by step instructions for freezing and reheating can be found on the recipe card. Chicken tenders can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Top tip
Don't skip on your favorite sauce. To make a delicious honey mustard combine even parts mustard and honey in a small bowl. Stir and serve!
FAQ
No, this can be damaging to the air fryer's non stick coating. Instead, spray the food directly before placing into the air fryer.
To avoid dry chicken, set the air fryer no higher than 375 degrees, spritz the chicken with olive oil spray and do not cook too long.
Recipes Like Frozen Chicken in Air Fryer
More Freezer Friendly Recipes
Recipe
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
A step by step tutorial explaining how to make Frozen Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer. Stock your freezer with these homemade chicken fingers and you've got an easy meal on hand that can be on the table in 10 minutes or less!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. raw chicken tenders
- salt and pepper
- 1 ½ cups flour, divided
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- 4 cups potato chips
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. Season chicken tenders liberally with salt and pepper.
- Add ½ cup of flour + 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper to a medium sized dredging bowl. Set aside.
- In a second bowl, combine eggs, dijon mustard and buttermilk. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Into the bowl of a food processor (or blender) add chips, flour, paprika and garlic powder. Pulse until crumbly. Transfer mixture into a third dredging bowl. Set aside.
- Create a dredging station by lining up your 3 bowls. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, followed by egg mixture and finally, the chip mixture.
- Spray each coated chicken tender lightly with cooking spray. Arrange into a single layer in the air fryer basket or rack. Cook chicken tenders in a pre-heated air fryer for 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. You may have to cook multiple batches. Do not stack chicken tenders.
- Once cooked, enjoy chicken tenders immediately OR follow directions below to freeze for later use.
TO FREEZE CHICKEN TENDERS: Allow chicken tenders to cool completely. Arrange into a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze overnight. Remove chicken tenders and store in an airtight container or bag.
TO REHEAT AND SERVE FROZEN CHICKEN TENDERS IN AIR FRYER: Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees. Place chicken tenders into the basket and cook 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook time may vary. Serve with favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
OVEN DIRECTIONS: Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking rack with non stick spray and place it onto a foil covered baking sheet. Arrange prepared chicken tenders into a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes (time will vary based on size of tenders) or until the center of the chicken is no longer pink and has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Quick Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken tenders
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 2.9 g
- Sodium: 390.1 mg
- Fat: 13.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 32.7 g
- Protein: 13.9 g
- Cholesterol: 62.4 mg
Food safety
- Cook chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
Rebekah
What exactly is a baking rack? Also if i freeze and recook (like tyson chicken strips) will they be dry and gross?
Bailey Sissom
Hi Rebekah.. a baking rack is just a rack that looks like a cookie cooling sheet, but is oven proof. I linked to the one I use in the post. I don't find the chicken strips to be dry and gross after being reheated, I hope you don't either!!!!