Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package of Trader Joe’s Chicken Tenders (about 1 lb or 450g)
- 1–2 tbsp Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the air fryer basket)
- Salt and pepper to taste (approximately ½ tsp each)
- Optional: Your choice of dipping sauces (e.g., BBQ, honey mustard, ranch), as desired
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitutions
- Olive Oil/Cooking Spray: If you’re out of olive oil or prefer not to use cooking spray, melted coconut oil or avocado oil are great alternatives for greasing the basket.
- Salt and Pepper: Feel free to replace or complement these with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or any seasoning blend you love for a flavor twist.
- Dipping Sauces: For healthier options, consider Greek yogurt-based sauces or homemade dips with lower sugar content. For dietary restrictions, ensure your sauces are gluten-free if necessary, or explore vegan alternatives for dairy-based sauces.
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is key for achieving that irresistible crispy chicken tenders texture.
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: While the air fryer heats, arrange your chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. This setup promotes even cooking and crispiness.
- Grease the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of oil. This step helps prevent sticking and contributes to the golden color of the tenders.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders: Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. It’s important to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are evenly cooked on both sides.
- Check for Doneness: After the cooking time, check to ensure the chicken tenders are thoroughly cooked. They should have a golden-brown exterior and be piping hot inside.
- Serve Immediately: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve them hot with your choice of dipping sauces or side dishes.
Notes
Keep in mind that air fryer models can vary in their temperature accuracy and cooking efficiency. It’s a good idea to start checking your chicken tenders for doneness a couple of minutes before the recommended cooking time ends, especially if you’re using your air fryer for the first time. This will help you avoid overcooking and ensure that each tender is just right.
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders (approximately)
- Calories: 190 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Trader Joe's Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer