Homemade Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer

Homemade frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer are a weeknight lifesaver, especially when you’re craving something crispy and delicious. Imagine coming home after a busy day, and within just a few minutes, you’ve got golden, crunchy chicken tenders ready to devour. They’re not only easy to make but also customizable and healthier than what you’d find in the freezer section of the store. You control what goes in, so add your favorite spices or even some heat if that’s your style.

What’s more? This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can cook a big batch and have them ready in your freezer for whenever hunger hits. Just pop them in the air fryer, and in minutes, you’ll have a meal that everyone in the family will love. Let’s get started!

Why This Recipe Works

Homemade frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer deliver a mouthwatering blend of crispy texture and savory flavor without the hassle of deep frying. By controlling the ingredients and preparation methods, you achieve a family-friendly meal that’s not only quick but also healthier than store-bought alternatives.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer (Meal Prep)

These homemade chicken tenders are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. Ready in just 10 minutes, they’re sure to satisfy cravings and make meal prep a breeze. Plus, with the option to freeze and reheat, you can easily keep these tasty bites on hand for whenever hunger strikes.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. raw chicken tenders
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups flour, divided
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ⅓ cup buttermilk
• 4 cups potato chips
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Cooking spray

Preparing Your Chicken Tenders

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F. This step is vital because it ensures your chicken tenders get that perfect crispy finish.

Season Your Chicken

Liberally season the raw chicken tenders with salt and pepper, making sure each piece is well-coated. This simple step adds a great flavor base.

Set Up Your Dredging Station

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together ½ cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs, Dijon mustard, and buttermilk until smooth. This will create a lovely dipping mixture for the chicken.

Prepare the Coating

In a food processor, combine the potato chips, remaining flour, paprika, and garlic powder. Pulse the mixture until it becomes crumbly. Transfer this to a third bowl and set aside; it’s your crispy coating!

Dredge Each Tender

Create a dredging assembly line to streamline the process. Take each chicken tender and dredge it first in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally, coat it with the chip mixture. Ensure each piece is thoroughly covered for maximum crunch.

Cook the Chicken Tenders

Now, lightly spray each coated chicken tender with cooking spray. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding any overlapping. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you have a lot, cook in batches.

Enjoy Immediately or Freeze for Later

Enjoy your chicken tenders immediately! However, if you want to save some for later, let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze overnight, and then store in an airtight container or bag.

Reheat Frozen Chicken Tenders

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen tenders, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the frozen chicken tenders in the basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. This variety makes for an elevated experience that everyone will love.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your chicken tenders are of uniform size for even cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, feel free to add cayenne pepper to the chip mixture for an extra kick.
• Don’t skip the cooking spray; it helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior we all crave.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free alternative.
• Flavored Coatings: Experiment with different chip flavors like BBQ or sour cream & onion for a unique twist on the classic taste.

Storage Tips

Store uncooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Cooked tenders can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, ready for quick meals.

Pairing Ideas

These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with coleslaw, fries, or a vibrant salad. For a full meal, consider adding some roasted vegetables on the side, which complement the crispy chicken beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders instead?
Yes, but fresh chicken tenders are recommended for the best texture!

2. How do I know when the tenders are done?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked.

3. Can I make the chicken tenders without buttermilk?
Absolutely! You can substitute it with regular milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.

4. What dipping sauces work best with chicken tenders?
Popular choices include ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, or buffalo sauce. You can’t go wrong with any of them!

5. How long can I keep the fried tenders in the fridge?
Cooked tenders can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

With delicious, homemade frozen chicken tenders, you’re equipped for effortless meal prep and enjoyable weeknight dining. Flavorful and quick to prepare, these air fryer chicken tenders are a tasty solution to busy lives, ensuring you always have something delightful at your fingertips. Whether served fresh or frozen, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of your culinary creation!

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