Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
Temperature
380°F
195°C
Time
15 min
6-8 tenders
Safe internal
165°F
74°C
I always keep a bag of these in the freezer for the nights when cooking properly just isn't happening. The air fryer crisps them up far better than my oven ever did, and there's no oil to deal with after.
How to air fry frozen chicken tenders
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
- Add the frozen chicken tenders to the basket. Keep them in a single layer.
- Cook for about 15 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Pro tip
Flip halfway to ensure both sides get golden brown.
How to tell when it's done
I heat them through to 165°F (74°C) and look for a crisp, even golden coating. If the middle's still cool I give them another couple of minutes rather than turning the heat up, which only burns the breading.
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 380°F for 15 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.
Cooking from fresh instead? See our air fryer chicken tenders guide .
Air fryer frozen chicken tenders: FAQ
How long does it take to air fry frozen chicken tenders?
Air fry frozen chicken tenders at 380°F (195°C) for about 15 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 frozen chicken tenders at?
Set the air fryer to 380°F (195°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%.
Can you cook chicken tenders from frozen in an air fryer?
Yes - there's no need to thaw. Cook straight from frozen at 380°F (195°C) for about 15 minutes, and confirm the centre reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
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.