If you’re a fan of chicken tenders, you know how convenient it is to have some frozen ones on hand for quick meals. However, cooking frozen chicken tenders can be a bit tricky, especially if you want to ensure that they are cooked through and crispy on the outside. In this article, we’ll go over the various methods for cooking frozen chicken tenders and provide you with tips on how to get the best results every time.

Preparing Frozen Chicken Tenders for Cooking

Before we dive into the different cooking methods, it’s essential to prepare your frozen chicken tenders correctly. First, make sure that they are fully thawed before cooking. You can either thaw them in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Once your chicken tenders are thawed, you can season them with your favourite spices or marinade. This step is optional, but it can take your chicken tenders to the next level.

After seasoning, pat your chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This step helps to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent your chicken tenders from getting crispy.

Cooking frozen chicken tenders in the oven is a popular method because it’s effortless and requires minimal effort. To get started, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).

Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil and place your chicken tenders on top. Make sure that they are not touching each other to ensure that they cook evenly.

Bake your chicken tenders for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature of your chicken tenders using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure that they are safe to eat.

Once your chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step helps to lock in the juices and prevent your chicken tenders from drying out.

In the next section, we’ll look at how to cook frozen chicken tenders using an air fryer.

Air Fryer Cooking Method for Frozen Chicken Tenders

Another popular method for cooking frozen chicken tenders is using an air fryer. An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

To cook frozen chicken tenders using an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Next, place your chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Make sure that they are not touching each other and that there is enough space for the hot air to circulate.

Cook your chicken tenders for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure that your chicken tenders cook evenly.

Once your chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step helps to lock in the juices and prevent your chicken tenders from drying out.

Deep Fryer Cooking Method for Frozen Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a crispy and indulgent option, deep-frying your frozen chicken tenders might be the way to go. However, it’s essential to note that deep-frying is not the healthiest cooking method, so it’s best to indulge in moderation.

To deep fry frozen chicken tenders, preheat your deep fryer to 350°F (177°C). Next, place your chicken tenders in the fryer basket, making sure that they are not touching each other.

Cook your chicken tenders for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature of your chicken tenders using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure that they are safe to eat.

Once your chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the deep fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil. Let your chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.

In the next section, we’ll wrap up our guide on how long to cook frozen chicken tenders.