Try these Naked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Tysons Chicken) Recipe. Make the most flavorful and juiciest chicken using frozen chicken tenders.
The air fryer has become a part of my everyday cooking. I didn't know how much I needed it until I had one. I love how simple it is to use, how quickly it cooks food and how the food becomes crispy without adding the calories of a deep fryer. It is a great option when you don't have a lot of time to cook.
Meal prepping has also become second nature to me. When I am in a pinch, this Air Fryer Chicken Tender Recipe is always a winner. I use Tyson Chicken Tenders and simply season the frozen chicken, toss in the air fryer and you have a healthy meal. The white meat chicken is perfect to use for an easy meal on top of salads or in wraps.
For more air fryer recipes, try these Air Fryer Parmesan Bread Bites! They taste just like Domino's Pizza Parmesan Bread Bites just healthier and made at home for a fraction of the cost. Or, try these Air Fryer Potato Wedges. These potato wedges are seasoned with chives, garlic and onion powder to make an easy side dish that tastes like the Buffalo Wild Wing's version. Air frying is sure to be your favorite cooking method!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Make dinner in less time! You can have dinner on the table in 20 minutes with this recipe.
- You can use whatever spices or marinade you have on hand to season the chicken.
- You do not have to heat up your oven or your house to make these chicken tenders because they are made in the air fryer!
Ingredients
These basic ingredients can all be found at your local grocery store!
- Tysons Chicken Breast Tenderloins are the basis of this recipe.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Brown Sugar, Paprika and Black Pepper are used to season the frozen chicken.
- The tenders are brushed with Extra Virgin Olive Oil for the seasoning to adhere.
See the below recipe card for exact ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
- You can use Tyson Southern Style Chicken Tenderloins in the air fryer. These chicken tenders are coated to make a crispy outside and taste similar to the deep fried chicken tenders you would get at a fast food restaurant. To make these, omit the seasoning and cook in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
- Use your favorite barbeque sauce or salad dressing to marinate the chicken.
- Mix up the seasonings! For extra heat, add some cayenne pepper. Use Old Bay to make these 'Chesapeake Chicken Tenders.'
- If you do not have frozen chicken tenders, use raw chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts! Marinate the chicken and cook in the air fryer 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes flipping the chicken over after 5 minutes of cooking time. Note, if you are using thick chicken breasts, slice in half. Cook time will need to be adjusted depending on the thickness.
Equipment
To make these naked chicken tenders, you will need this equipment:
- An Air Fryer. I use the Power XL 7 Quart Air Fryer. Find it on Amazon!
- Grill Brush: Optional. If you do not have a brush, you can use an olive oil spray on the chicken or drizzle the olive oil and spread with a spoon.
How to Make Naked Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Begin by preheating the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Spray or brush both sides of tenders with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Season both sides of chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, paprika and black pepper.
Step 3: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the frozen chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket. Cook for 7 minutes. Flip chicken over. Cook for an additional 6 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Remove chicken tenders from air fryer when chicken is golden brown and the inside of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Serve chicken with your favorite dipping sauces!
Expert Tips
- Don't forget to spray the air fryer basket before placing chicken tenders inside. Spraying the basket will prevent the tenders from sticking.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer. If you overcrowd the basket, the tenders will start to steam and not get a crispy outside.
- Experiment with different seasonings and and your favorite sauce. These Tyson's Chicken Tenders do not have to be boring!
FAQ
Cook frozen chicken tenders (such as Tyson's Chicken Breast Tenderloins) in the air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 13 minutes. Flip the chicken tenders over after 7 minutes of cooking. If the tenders are not cooked through, add a few minutes to your cook time. The thickness of the chicken tenderloins can alter the cook time.
The best way to cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer is to coat them in Olive Oil and then season with your favorite seasonings. You can also brush the tenders with bbq sauce or your favorite dressing. Air fry the chicken according to recipe instructions!
Chicken tenders can be soggy if the air fryer does not fully preheat before placing the tenders into the fryer. They also can be soggy if the air fryer basket is too crowded and the hot air causes the food to steam. Be sure to let the air fryer preheat for at least three minutes before adding the chicken tenders. Allow for room around the chicken in order for the chicken to properly cook.
The number of chicken tenders that you should cook at once depends on the size of your air fryer and the size of the chicken. I have a 7 qt air fryer and I can fit 4-5 chicken tenders in my air fryer basket.
Related
Looking for more air fryer ideas? Try one of these recipes!
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
📖 Recipe
Naked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Tysons Chicken Recipe)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Grill Brush
Ingredients
- 1 pound Frozen Chicken Breast Tenders
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Brown Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 370 degrees Farenheit for 3 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, brush frozen or spray chicken tenders with Extra Virgin Olive Oil on both sides.
- Sprinkle both sides with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar and black pepper.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Cook for 7 minutes. Flip chicken tenders over and cook for an additional 6 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Leave a Reply