Air Fryer Frozen Honey Battered Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, these Air Fryer Frozen Honey Battered Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution. With no need to defrost, you can go from freezer to plate in just a few minutes. The result is a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior, making these chicken tenders a hit with both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love Honey Battered Chicken Tenders

• Quick and Easy: These chicken tenders go straight from the freezer to the air fryer, cooking in just 8 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick snack.
• Crispy Perfection: The air fryer ensures a wonderfully crispy exterior without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
• Juicy Inside: Despite the crispy outside, the inside of these tenders remains juicy and tender, offering a delightful contrast in textures.
• Kid-Friendly: These chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with kids. The honey batter adds a touch of sweetness that children love.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy these tenders on their own, in a sandwich, or paired with your favorite dipping sauce. They make a great addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• Frozen honey battered chicken tenders: The star of the recipe, providing a delicious and convenient meal option. Look for brands like Tyson or Aldi Kirkwood or any other available in your freezer section.
• Optional dipping sauces: Enhance the flavor with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Frozen Honey Battered Chicken Tenders

• Air Fryer: Essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture without the need for oil.
• Tongs: Useful for placing the chicken tenders in the air fryer and removing them once cooked.
• Measuring Spoons (optional): Handy if you want to measure out dipping sauces or additional seasonings.

How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Honey Battered Chicken Tenders

• Prepare the air fryer: Place the frozen honey-battered chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Set the temperature: Insert the basket into the air fryer and set it to 400°F.
• Cook: Air fry the chicken tenders for 8 minutes.
• Check for doneness: Once done, remove the tenders from the air fryer and ensure they are crispy and golden brown.
• Serve: Enjoy the crispy and juicy chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Side Dishes: Serve the chicken tenders with classic sides like French fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• In a Sandwich: Use the tenders to make a crispy chicken sandwich. Add lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce on a toasted bun. If you love sandwiches, also check out my recipes for Subway tuna sandwich, deli turkey, and lox sandwich.
• With Dipping Sauces: Pair the tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, barbecue for added flavor, or Greek tzatziki sauce.
• On a Platter: Create a party platter with the tenders, an assortment of veggies, and different dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• In a Wrap: Slice the tenders and add them to a tortilla with some veggies and sauce for a quick and easy wrap.

Tips For Success

• Single-Layer Cooking: Always arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly crispy exterior.
• Check for Doneness: While the recommended cooking time is 8 minutes, air fryer models can vary. Check the tenders for doneness a minute or two before the timer goes off to prevent overcooking.
• Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, give the air fryer basket a gentle shake. This helps the tenders cook evenly on all sides.
• Preheat Not Necessary: There’s no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe. The tenders will cook perfectly starting from a cold air fryer.
• Use Tongs: When handling the hot chicken tenders, use tongs to avoid burning your fingers and to keep the crispy coating intact.
• Experiment with Brands: Different brands of honey-battered chicken tenders might have slightly different cooking times and flavors. Experiment to find your favorite.
• Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the chicken tenders immediately after cooking. If they sit for too long, they might lose their crispiness.
• Pair with Sauces: Enhance the flavor by serving the tenders with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular choices include honey mustard, ranch, and barbecue sauce.
• Batch Cooking: If cooking for a large group, you might need to cook in batches. Keep the first batch warm in a low oven while the next batch cooks.

Variations And Substitutions

• Different Brands: While this recipe uses Aldi Kirkwood honey battered chicken tenders, you can substitute with any brand available in your local grocery store. Tyson honey battered chicken tenders is another popular brand that is great. Each brand may have slight variations in flavor and texture, so try a few to find your favorite.
• Homemade Tenders: If you prefer homemade, you can batter and freeze your own chicken tenders. Dip chicken strips in a honey batter, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then cook from frozen in the air fryer.
• Spicy Version: Add a little heat by serving the tenders with a spicy dipping sauce or by sprinkling some cayenne pepper or hot sauce over the tenders before air frying.
• Gluten-Free Option: Look for gluten-free honey-battered chicken tenders in the freezer section. Many brands now offer gluten-free options that are just as delicious.
• Honey-Free: If you prefer a less sweet option, you can use regular breaded chicken tenders instead of honey-battered ones. The cooking method remains the same.
• Vegetarian Alternative: For a vegetarian twist, try using breaded tofu or cauliflower florets. These can be coated in a similar honey batter and air-fried for a tasty meat-free option.
• Low-Sodium: Choose a low-sodium version of the chicken tenders if you are watching your salt intake. Some brands offer options with reduced sodium content.
• Extra Crispy: For an extra crispy texture, spray the chicken tenders lightly with cooking oil before air frying. This helps achieve a golden brown finish.
• Kid-Friendly Bites: Cut the tenders into smaller pieces before cooking to make bite-sized snacks that are perfect for kids. These cook a bit faster, so reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
• Different Cuisines: Give the tenders an international twist by serving them with sauces and sides from different cuisines. Think teriyaki sauce for an Asian flair or tzatziki for a Mediterranean touch.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftover chicken tenders to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Leftovers: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: To reheat refrigerated or frozen chicken tenders, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the tenders in the basket in a single layer and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
• Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes if refrigerated, or 15-20 minutes if frozen. This method helps retain their crispiness.
• Microwave Option: Although not recommended for maintaining crispiness, you can reheat the tenders in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. They might lose some of their crispy texture.
• Avoid Overheating: Be careful not to overheat the tenders as they can become dry. Check them frequently during reheating to ensure they are just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook these chicken tenders in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen honey-battered chicken tenders in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they are crispy and heated through. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe?

No, preheating the air fryer is not necessary for this recipe. You can place the frozen chicken tenders directly into the air fryer basket and start cooking. This saves time and still results in perfectly crispy tenders.

Can I use fresh chicken tenders instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can use fresh chicken tenders. However, the cooking time will be shorter. Check for doneness around the 5-6 minute mark, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. Fresh tenders may not have the same crispy texture as frozen ones.

What dipping sauces go well with honey-battered chicken tenders?

Honey-battered chicken tenders pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular options include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and sweet chili sauce. For a spicy kick, try buffalo sauce or sriracha mayo.

Can I cook other frozen foods in the air fryer at the same time?

While it’s possible to cook multiple frozen foods in the air fryer simultaneously, it’s important to ensure that they are arranged in a single layer without overlapping. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Be mindful that different foods may have varying cooking times.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?

The chicken tenders are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into a tender to check that the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Can I add extra seasoning to the chicken tenders?

Yes, you can add extra seasoning to enhance the flavor. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil and sprinkle your desired seasoning, such as garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper, before air frying. This can add an extra layer of flavor to the already delicious tenders.

Is it necessary to shake the basket during cooking?

Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking helps to ensure even cooking and crispiness. If your air fryer doesn’t have a shake reminder, set a timer to shake the basket around the 4-minute mark. This simple step can make a big difference in the final texture.

Can I use the air fryer for reheating other leftovers?

Yes, the air fryer is excellent for reheating leftovers. It restores the crispiness of foods like pizza, fries, and chicken wings. Set the air fryer to 350°F and heat for a few minutes until the food is warmed through and crispy.

What should I do if the chicken tenders are not crispy enough?

If the chicken tenders are not crispy enough after the initial cooking time, you can return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded to achieve maximum crispiness.

Other Easy Chicken Recipes

Pan Seared Breaded Chicken Tenders: Crispy and golden-breaded chicken tenders cooked to perfection in a pan.

Instant Pot Chicken Thigh Quarters: Juicy and tender chicken leg quarters made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.

Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry: A healthy and delicious meal of crispy chicken and tender broccoli cooked together in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Kabobs: Flavorful and juicy chicken kabobs cooked quickly in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Foil Wrapped Chicken Breast: Moist and flavorful chicken breast wrapped in foil and cooked in the air fryer.

Oven Broiled Chicken Strips: Perfectly broiled chicken tenders with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Hearts: Savory and tender chicken hearts cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Tyson Breaded Chicken Patties: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, air fryer is perfect for cooking these chicken patties.

See also:

• Crispy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

• Air Fried Cornish Game Hens

• Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Shrimp