Do you have guests coming over, and you’re short on time? No worries! You can quickly cook frozen chicken in your air fryer.
Chicken tenders make a great appetizer or main course, and they’re usually pretty quick and easy to prepare. But if you’re short on time or don’t feel like cooking, you can pop them in the air fryer and have them ready in no time.
Here’s how to cook frozen chicken strips in an air fryer!
Step-By-Step Guide To Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer
You’ll need the following:
- A bag of frozen chicken tenders
- Your air fryer
- Cooking spray
- Salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
You can either thaw your chicken tenders before cooking or cook them straight from frozen. If you choose to cook them frozen, they will take a few minutes longer to cook.
How To Thaw Frozen Chicken Tenders?
To ensure your chicken tenders are properly defrosted, remove them from the freezer 24 hours before cooking. Then, place them in a ziplock bag or container and refrigerate on a low shelf until thoroughly defrosted.
How To Air fry Frozen Chicken Tenders?
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees.
Step 2: While the air fryer is preheating, lightly spray your chicken tenders with cooking spray. This step is optional but will help prevent the chicken from sticking together if you’re cooking a large batch.
Step 3: Place your frozen chicken strips in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space in between each one so they don’t touch.
Step 4: Cook for 10-12 minutes at 360 degrees.
Step 5: If your air fryer has a large basket, you may need to shake it and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the chicken is cooked to your desired crispness.
You can also increase the cooking time by a minute or two if you like your chicken tenders extra crispy. If you’re cooking a large batch of chicken, you may need to cook them in batches. Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket so that the chicken cooks evenly.
And that’s it! Your frozen chicken strips will be perfected in just a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Why Cook In Air Fryer?
The primary reason to use an air fryer is that you don’t have to wait for the chicken to defrost, so it cuts down on time. Additionally, air fryers can create a crispy texture without drenching the food in oil. Plus, it’s a healthier way to cook chicken overall. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, cooking frozen chicken strips in an air fryer is the way to go!
Read More: How To Cook Frozen Breaded Chicken Tenders In 5 Easy Ways?
FAQs – About Cooking Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer
How long does chicken stake in the air fryer?
It usually takes about 10-12 minutes to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer. However, cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken strips. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Do you preheat an air fryer?
Most modern air fryers include a preheat function. If your air fryer does not have a built-in preheat option, you may use it manually. Set the temperature called for in your recipe using the air fry setting.
Can I put frozen chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, it’s easy to cook frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts in an air fryer! Start by preheating the device to 360°. Then, season the chicken breasts as desired and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until done–the internal temperature should read 165° when finished.
What goes good with chicken tenders?
There are so many ways to combine chicken tenders with sides that it’s hard to know where to start. Serve roasted potatoes, a simple salad, or steamed veggies as side dishes. You may also make a dipping sauce to go with your chicken tenders. BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and ranch dressing are some of our favorites. Experiment and have fun!
Cook and Serve!
Now that you know how to cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer, it’s time to get cooking! This is a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love. Serve with your favorite sides and dipping sauces, and enjoy!

I’m Rachel, and I love food. I especially love writing about food – reviewing different brands and items, and sharing my thoughts on new frozen foods that hit the market.
Food is a huge part of my life, and I love trying new things. That’s why I’m so excited to be working on my blog Pickfrozenfood.com. I will be always innovating and coming out with new review, and I know that I’ll be able to try lots of great food with them.