Frozen Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

We have all been there where we forget to pull out the meat the night before, or when you ask the kids to do it and they forget. We’ll don’t you worry. I have you covered.

If you liked the Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders, then you will like this one! It’s just the same just working with frozen chicken tenders instead of thawed chicken tenders.

Chicken tenders are super easy to make! Check out some of my favorite chicken tender recipes; Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders, Blackened Chicken Tenders, and Katsu Chicken Tenders.

blue plate with parsley on top. white towel next to it. BBQ sauce in the back with one tender inside it

❤️ Why you’ll love this easy air fryer recipe

Budget Friendly – If you buy a family pack of chicken tenderloins, you get the most bang for your buck. Just freeze the chicken tenders you don’t plan on using. The seasonings you should already have in your pantry.
Easy recipe – This recipe is incredibly easy to make with limited steps and simple ingredients.
Meal Prep – This is a great recipe for meal prep. Serve it with your favorite low-carb vegetables.
Keto recipe – These chicken tenders are perfect for anyone who’s following a keto diet since they are so low in carbs!

Ingredients

Frozen Chicken Tenders – I had mine stored in a gallon ziplock bag since I buy my meat in bulk and store the extras in the freezer.
Seasoning – salt and black pepper. I went super easy on this recipe.

Ingredient photo for frozen chicken tenders in air fryer

✳️ Tips & Tricks

Seasoning the chicken after it has cooked (defrosted in the air fryer) for a little bit, will ensure the seasonings will stick to the chicken.
To make sure that the chicken stays moist, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Once they reach 165F, remove them from the air fryer. Don’t overcook.

Tools to make this Frozen Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

Cosori Air Fryer – this is my favorite air fryer. The large air fryer basket makes it so easy to cook your favorite recipes.
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer – I love my Cosori, don’t get me wrong, but this Ninja Foodi has been a game changer with the two air fryer baskets!
Tongs – tongs are easiest to remove and flip the chicken
Meat thermometer – You always want to ensure the internal temperature of ANY chicken is 165F.

How to make Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

Pull the frozen chicken tenders out of the freezer.
Transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket. Cook at 390F for 4 minutes.
Remove the basket from the air fryer; using your tongs, separate the chicken tenders. Sprinkle some of the salt and pepper on the chicken.
Flip the chicken over and season the other side.
Put the basket back into the air fryer and cook for another 6 minutes at 390F.
Once the timer goes off, check the chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring they are 165F.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

black air fryer basket with raw chicken inside.

black air fryer basket with chicken inside

Oven Directions

Preheat the oven to 400F.
Add the chicken tenders to a baking sheet.
Transfer the chicken to the oven and cook for 5 minutes.
Once the timer goes off remove the chicken, using your tongs separate the chicken. sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken. Flip the chicken and season the other side.
Transfer to the baking sheet back into the oven and cook for 15 minutes. Making sure the internal temperature is 165F.
Remove from the oven and serve.

Substitutions

If you don’t have chicken tenders, you can slice a large chicken breast into strips to mimic chicken tenders like I did in this Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips recipe. You can also use chicken cutlets as well.

A Person holding one tenders up with bbq sauce on it.

What to serve with Frozen Chicken Tenders

If you are using your Ninja Foodi, you can throw some french fries in the other basket, like this Chicken Tenders and Fries.

If you want a healthier option, you can whip up some Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables.

How to store

Store leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 5 days.

♨️ How to reheat

Remove the lid from the container and microwave on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes or until the chicken is warm. Alternatively, you can transfer to a microwave save plate to warm up.

To warm this up in your air fryer, cook it for 2-3 minutes at 400F.

air fryer frozen chicken tenders on a blue plate with parsley on top. white towel next to it.

❓FAQs

How to cook frozen chicken tenderloins?

In the air fryer basket – place the chicken tenders inside and cook at 390F for 4 minutes. Season the chicken and then cook for another 6 minutes.

How long do frozen chicken tenders take in air fryer?

At 390F anywhere between 10-14 minutes. Depending on the thickness of the chicken.

What temperature do you air fry frozen tenders?

My go to temperature is 390F!

air fryer frozen chicken tenders on a blue plate topped with parsley.

More Air Fryer Chicken Tender Recipes

Chicken Tenders are super easy to make! Check out some of my favorite chicken tender recipes below!