Air fryers have become an extremely popular kitchen appliance in recent years. They provide a convenient way to make fried foods like french fries, chicken wings, and chicken tenders with little to no oil. While air fryers can make delicious chicken tenders, you may sometimes end up with soggy tenders instead of the crispy ones you were hoping for. There are a few common reasons why chicken tenders can turn out soggy from the air fryer and some simple tips you can follow to ensure your tenders turn out perfectly crispy every time.
Not Enough Oil
One of the most common mistakes people make when cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer is not using enough oil. While air fryers significantly reduce the amount of oil needed compared to deep frying, you still need a small amount to help the chicken get crispy. Chicken tenders have skin that needs to become crisp. If you simply put them in the air fryer basket dry, the skin can end up soggy and rubbery rather than crispy.
To fix this, lightly coat your raw chicken tenders in oil before air frying. You only need about 1-2 teaspoons of oil per pound of chicken tenders. Any neutral tasting oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil works well. The small amount of oil helps the chicken skin crisp up nicely in the hot air. Make sure to brush or toss the tenders with the oil to evenly coat each piece.
Overcrowding the Basket
Another pitfall that can lead to soggy chicken is overcrowding the air fryer basket. Air fryers work by rapidly circulating hot air around the food. When you put too many pieces in the basket, it prevents proper air circulation. Pieces that are stacked or touching each other steams rather than crisps.
To avoid this, make sure not to overload the air fryer basket. Leave at least 1/2 inch of space around each piece. Cut large tenders in half so they fit better in a single layer. It’s better to cook them in batches rather than crowd the basket. Taking the time to air fry a few batches ensures each tender gets exposed to enough hot air flow to get perfectly crisp.
Not Enough Time
Cooking chicken tenders for an insufficient amount of time is another reason you may end up with soggy results. Thicker, larger pieces of chicken require more time in the air fryer for the heat to fully penetrate and crisp up the coating. If you undercook them, they will come out soft and rubbery.
Refer to your air fryer manual for timing, as each model varies slightly. In general, boneless chicken tenders need 14-18 minutes at 370°F. Thicker jumbo tenders may need up to 22 minutes. Check for doneness and crispiness a few minutes early, and let them cook longer if needed. Use an instant read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Breading Got Soggy
If your raw tenders were coated in a breading or batter before air frying, it’s important that coating stays crispy rather than getting soggy. Make sure your breading adheres properly to the chicken before frying. Letting the tenders sit 5-10 minutes after breading helps it stick better.
Use a light, crisp breading rather than something heavy and dense, which is more likely to get soggy. Panko, cracker crumbs, potato flakes, and cornmeal all work well. Avoid smooshing the breading down too much when putting the tenders in the basket.
Finally, mist the tenders with a light coating of oil after breading to help seal and crisp the outside. Breadings that aren’t properly adhered or protected by a light oiling can sog out in the moist heat of the air fryer.
Frying at Too Low Temperature
Air fryers work by blasting food with very hot, rapid air circulation. Trying to air fry at too low of a temperature can lead to soggy food before it fully crisps up. Most recipes call for setting the air fryer between 370-400°F to properly crisp up chicken tenders.
If your machine has an adjustable thermostat, make sure it’s heating to the proper amount. An air fryer thermometer can help verify this. The high heat ensures the breading gets crispy and the chicken gets cooked through without steaming. Don’t be afraid to run your fryer on the hotter end of the recommended range for extra crispness.
Poor Air Fryer Circulation
For your air fryer to properly crisp up food, it needs good airflow. If your machine has weak circulation, excess moisture can build up inside leading to soggy food. This may happen over time as your fryer gets older and the fan or heating element start performing worse.
Make sure the fryer isn’t overstuffed with food which can impede airflow. Also double check that any vents or openings aren’t blocked by food debris or grease buildup. Clean out crumbs and other dirt regularly. Consider replacing your machine if performance seems to be declining and you notice your results getting soggier.
Using a Baking Sheet
Some recipes suggest placing chicken tenders on a baking sheet or aluminum foil lined pan inside the air fryer basket. The idea is that it helps contain mess and allows you to toss or flip the tenders easier. However, doing this can interfere with air circulation to the bottom side of the chicken, resulting in sogginess.
For best results, fry your tenders directly in the mesh basket. The direct exposure to air all over results in better crispness. If needed, put a sheet of parchment paper down in the bottom of the basket to catch any crumbs or drips rather than using a pan.
Incorrect Chicken Type
Not all chicken tenders are created equal. The specific cut of chicken used to make tenders can impact how well they crisp up. Whole muscle tenders cut from the tenderloin or breast pieces work best.
Reprocessed nugget-style tenders are often made from minced and chopped meat. These tend to get soggy more easily. The same goes for tenders pumped with lots of water or brine. Check the ingredient label and choose high quality whole muscle tenders when possible.
Not Letting Them Rest
Once your chicken tenders are done air frying, it’s important to let them rest before biting in. Allow them to sit on the cooking rack for 5 minutes after removing from the fryer. This allows any excess moisture to evaporate rather than getting trapped inside.
The resting time ensures you get an evenly crispy piece of chicken rather than biting into a soggy center. Be patient and allow the tenders to dry out a bit before serving for ideal texture.
Conclusion
It can be disappointing when chicken tenders turn out soggy and soft when you were craving crispy, crunchy frying. Thankfully, it’s easy to remedy with a few simple adjustments to how you prepare and cook them in your air fryer. Be sure to lightly oil the tenders, cook them in a single layer, set the temperature high enough, and let them fully cook and rest before eating. Follow these air frying tips and you’ll be rewarded with perfect, juicy chicken tenders encased in a deliciously crispy crust every time.