Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Temperature
375°F
190°C
Time
12 min
6-8 tenders
Safe internal
165°F
74°C
Tenders are my go-to when the children are starving and I need something on the table fast. Because they're all a similar size they cook evenly, and the coating crisps up without that soggy underside you get off a baking sheet.
How to air fry chicken tenders
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Add the fresh chicken tenders to the basket. Keep them in a single layer.
- Cook for about 12 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Pro tip
Spray lightly with oil to help the breading crisp.
How to tell when it's done
Done for me is 165°F (74°C) and golden all over, with the meat white the whole way through. They're thin, so I check a minute early - overcooked tenders go dry quickly.
Safe internal temperature
Cook to 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point. An instant-read thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm it.
Converting from an oven recipe
If your recipe is written for a conventional oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and reduce the time by roughly 20% to land near 375°F for 12 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.
Cooking from frozen instead? See our air fryer frozen chicken tenders guide .
Air fryer chicken tenders: FAQ
How long does it take to air fry chicken tenders?
Air fry chicken tenders at 375°F (190°C) for about 12 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. That's for 6-8 tenders in a single layer; adjust slightly for a fuller basket or a different model.
What temperature do you air fry chicken tenders at?
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If you're converting an oven recipe, that's roughly 25°F (15°C) below the oven temperature, with the time cut by about 20%.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for chicken tenders?
A 2-3 minute preheat gives the most accurate timing and the best browning, but it isn't essential - if you skip it, add a minute or two to the cook time.
What's the safe internal temperature for chicken tenders?
Cook chicken tenders to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), measured at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking time is a guide; internal temperature is what confirms it's safely done.