Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenderloins
Learn how to make Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenderloins in the air fryer or Ninja Foodi! With no defrosting or thawing needed, they also come out perfectly cooked every time to serve with your favorite side dishes!
Chicken tenderloins are strip-shaped portions of boneless chicken breast that are incredibly tender and juicy. They’re also super versatile and are breaded or unbreaded and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to stir-fries and pasta recipe.
While there are many ways to cook chicken tenderloins (fresh or frozen), the air fryer is the best way to cook them. Rapid hot air circulation cooks the chicken from all sides, resulting in perfectly crispy and juicy tenderloins every time. Plus, cooking them from frozen means you don’t have to worry about defrosting them beforehand, which saves you time and hassle.
Learn how to air fry frozen chicken tenderloins the easy way. Toss air fryer chicken tenderloins in your favorite sauce for a quick and easy appetizer, or slice them up and add them to a salad or wrap for a protein-packed meal. You can also use them as a filling for quesadillas, tacos, or sandwiches!
🧂Ingredients and Tools
- Frozen Chicken Tenderloins – You can find these in the frozen section of your grocery store near the chicken nuggets and other frozen chicken. Popular brands include Tysons, Perdue, Pilgrim’s Pride, and Kirkland Signature (Costco), and Great Value (Walmart).
- Olive Oil – Helps the seasonings stick and will also create a crust on the outside that keeps the inside tender and juicy.
- Seasonings – A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika work together to enhance the flavor of the chicken naturally.
📖How To Cook Frozen Chicken Tenderloins In Air Fryer
1️⃣Preheat the air fryer: Turn the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
2️⃣Temp out the chicken tenders: While the air fryer is preheating, take the frozen chicken tenderloins out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
3️⃣Season the chicken tenders: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Brush the chicken with the seasoned oil mixture.
4️⃣Air fry frozen chicken tenderloins: Place the chicken tenderloins in the basket in a single layer. Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
5️⃣Rest and serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
👩🍳Chef’s Tips
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy air fried chicken tenderloin.
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, you can still preheat it by running it empty for a few minutes before adding the chicken. This will ensure that the chicken starts cooking as soon as it’s added to the air fryer.
- Don’t be tempted to skip the resting time after air fry frozen chicken breast tenderloins, as this allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier meat.
- If you want to get creative with the seasoning, feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs.
- How long do i cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer? This depends on the size and temperature of your air fryer. You may need a few minutes more (or less) of cooking time. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the chicken cooks to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Air fry frozen breaded chicken tenders: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), then place the frozen breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
🍗More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Air Fryer Tyson Southern Style Chicken Breast Tenderloin
- Air Fryer Chicken Fries
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins (Fresh)
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenderloins
Equipment
- Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins frozen
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Turn the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, take the frozen chicken tenderloins out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Brush the chicken with the seasoned oil mixture.
- Place the chicken tenderloins in the basket in a single layer. Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
