Cooking frozen honey battered chicken breast tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. The air fryer’s super hot air circulates around the food, cooking it very fast and giving it a light, crispy texture. With just a spritz of oil, you can enjoy crunchy, golden brown chicken tenders in less than 20 minutes. Read on to learn exactly how long to cook frozen honey battered chicken tenders in the air fryer for perfectly cooked, juicy results.
What temperature and time to cook frozen honey battered chicken tenders in an air fryer?
The exact cooking time will depend on a few factors like the size of the chicken tenders and the wattage of your particular air fryer model. However, the general rule of thumb when cooking any type of frozen battered chicken in the air fryer is to cook at 400°F for 12-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Here are the recommended cooking times for frozen honey battered chicken breast tenders in the air fryer:
- Small tenders (2-3 oz each): Cook at 400°F for 14-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Medium tenders (3-4 oz each): Cook at 400°F for 16-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Large tenders (4-6 oz each): Cook at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
When air frying frozen battered chicken, you want the temperature to be relatively high to help the exterior get crispy before the interior overcooks. The halfway flip is also key to ensure even cooking on both sides. Check the tenders a few minutes early and continue cooking if needed until the coating is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
How to tell when frozen battered chicken tenders are done in the air fryer
It can be tricky to tell when breaded frozen chicken tenders are fully cooked in the air fryer since you can’t easily cut into them to check. Here are some signs to look for to determine doneness:
- The coating is crispy and golden brown.
- The chicken feels firm when pressing gently with tongs or a spatula.
- The interior meat is no longer pink when cutting into a tester tender.
- The internal temperature reads 165°F on a meat thermometer.
The minimum safe internal temperature for chicken to be considered done is 165°F. If you have any doubts, use an instant read thermometer to double check. Undercooked chicken can pose health risks. The coating should be crispy enough that no moist batter remains inside.
Tips for the best air fried frozen battered chicken tenders
Follow these tips for deliciously crunchy, fully cooked frozen battered chicken breast tenders straight from your air fryer:
- Let the tenders sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before air frying for more even cooking.
- Separate any chicken pieces that are stuck together before cooking.
- Spray or brush the tenders lightly with oil before air frying.
- Flip the tenders halfway during cooking time.
- Check for doneness several minutes early to prevent overcooking.
- Let the cooked tenders drain on a paper towel lined plate.
- Enjoy immediately for the crispiest texture.
What to serve with air fried breaded chicken tenders
Golden brown, crunchy air fried chicken tenders are delicious on their own but pair even better with a variety of sides and sauces. Consider serving them with:
- Dipping sauces – Honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce
- Crispy fries or tater tots
- Coleslaw, broccoli slaw
- Biscuits or cornbread
- Macaroni and cheese
- Green salad, cabbage slaw
The possibilities are endless! Match your favorite chicken tender flavor with complementary sauces and sides for a quick and easy meal.
How to store and reheat leftover air fried chicken tenders
You may have leftover breaded chicken tenders after air frying. Follow these tips to safely store and reheat them:
- Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, 10-15 minutes. Or reheat individually in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Crisping: To crisp up the coating, place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 5-10 minutes.
Avoid keeping the tenders at room temperature too long. Refrigerate within 2 hours. Reheat fully until steaming hot, at least 165°F. Crisp up the coating again before serving to revive the texture.
Other FAQs about cooking frozen battered chicken in an air fryer
Can you cook frozen chicken tenders from frozen in an air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely cook frozen chicken tenders straight from the freezer in an air fryer without thawing first. The hot circulating air will quickly defrost and cook the chicken. Just add a couple extra minutes to the cook time.
How long do you cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer?
Frozen chicken nuggets typically take 10-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 400°F, flipping halfway. Smaller nuggets will cook faster than larger pieces. Check for doneness and increase cook time if needed.
Do you flip chicken tenders in the air fryer?
Flipping chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time is recommended when air frying. This allows both sides to cook evenly and prevents one side from over-browning while the other is still undercooked. The flip gives you nicely cooked chicken tenders all over.
Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?
You can cook raw chicken pieces, tenders, thighs, drumsticks, etc. straight from the fridge or freezer in an air fryer. The circulating high heat will safely cook the chicken through. Air frying raw chicken gives it a deliciously crispy texture without the oil of deep frying.
Is air fried chicken healthy?
Air fried chicken is healthier than deep fried chicken since little to no oil is used in the cooking process. However, breaded chicken tenders are still relatively high in calories and fat, even when air fried. For a healthier option, try cooking chicken brushed lightly in oil rather than breaded.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen honey battered chicken breast tenders in the air fryer is a quick and easy dinner option with crispy, delicious results. Cook at 400°F for 14-22 minutes based on size, flipping halfway. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F and crispy golden coating to determine doneness. Enjoy your air fried chicken tenders with flavorful sauces and sides for amazing flavor. Follow proper storage and reheating procedures for any leftovers you can’t finish in one sitting.