Make these Tyson southern style chicken tenderloins in the air fryer in just 15 minutes! In just a few minutes these chicken tenderloins turn out super juicy and tender with the perfect crispy breading. Serve them with your favorite fried chicken side dishes or dipping sauces as a quick and easy appetizer, snack, or dinner!

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Frozen fried chicken tenders are always a hit with my kids. We love to keep a bag of these Tyson southern-style chicken breast tenderloins in the freezer for those days when you don't feel like cooking. They are already fully cooked and perfect for easy meals throughout the week.

These chicken strips are "southern-style" so they are covered in a crispy deep-fried breading that tastes like your favorite fried chicken recipe. It's seasoned with a savory spice blend, buttermilk powder, and cornmeal for the perfect crunch.

There are instructions on the bag to cook these chicken tenderloins in the oven or microwave, but I prefer to use the air fryer instead. It provides a similar flavor to deep frying but it's quicker than the oven and gives a better texture than the microwave. Plus reheating frozen fried food in the oven also often tends to dry it out, so the air fryer is a great way to go if you want to better retain the moisture and juiciness of your food.

Air fryer Tyson chicken tenderloins can be a delicious dinner or quick snack that your whole family can enjoy. This recipe only takes 15 minutes to make, so it's a great option for busy school or work weeknights or lazy weekends.

How to cook Tyson Southern style chicken tenderloins in air fryer

1. Take the Tyson Southern Style Chicken Tenderloins out of the package. There's no need to thaw them; they cook well from frozen.
2. Place the frozen tenderloins into the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer to give them space. This lets the air move freely and helps the tenderloins cook evenly. You'll need to cook them in two groups since they all won't fit at once.
3. Let the tenderloins cook at 400 degrees. Halfway through the cooking time, which will be around 7-8 minutes in, open the air fryer basket and flip the tenderloins over. This helps them get crispy on both sides.
4. After the timer goes off, check the tenderloins. They should be golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
5. Remove the cooked tenderloins and place them on a plate to cool slightly. They will be very hot right out of the air fryer.
6. Repeat the process with the second batch of chicken tenderloins (the air fryer is already preheated and needs less time to cook the chicken).
7. Once both batches are done and have had a moment to cool, they are ready to eat. Enjoy your Southern Style Chicken Tenderloins with your favorite sides or dipping sauces!

Pro tips

No preheating is required. These frozen chicken tenderloins are already crispy and fully cooked so there's no need to preheat the air fryer before cooking.

Work in batches. To cook the whole bag depending on your air fryer size, you will need to prepare your chicken in batches. Avoid crowding or stacking the chicken inside the air fryer because this helps to make sure the chicken reheats evenly and that it retains its crispy exterior.

Flip the chicken over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and heating.

Since the size and thickness of these chicken tenders can vary, make sure to keep an eye on them as they cook. Watch them and take out any pieces that are browning more quickly than others so they do not overcook or dry out. If you are unsure if they are fully heated through, it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. You are looking for at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Side dishes

Make these southern style chicken tenderloins a meal by serving them with your favorite fried chicken side dishes.

• Buttered or creamed corn, peas, green beans, or mixed vegetables.
• Mashed potatoes, potato salad, french fries, or potato wedges.
• Boxed or baked mac and cheese.
• Simple garden salad, cucumber salad, or coleslaw.
• Tomato or potato soups.
• If your pieces of chicken are large enough, make mini fried chicken tender sandwiches. Serve them with soup, salad, or fresh fruit.

Dipping sauces

If you want to enjoy it as a snack, serve these chicken tenders with a variety of sauces and dips!

• Ketchup
• Barbecue sauce
• Honey barbecue sauce
• Ranch
• Mustard
• Honey mustard
• Bang bang sauce
• Cheese dip
• Chipotle aioli
• Spicy maple aioli

Frequently asked questions

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Hope you will like this Tyson Southern style chicken tenderloins in air fryer recipe as much as we do. Rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.