When fried at the right temperature for the right amount of time, chicken tenders are incredibly juicy and crispy. They can be ready in just 20 minutes. Drowned in a dipping sauce, chicken tenders have an other-worldly taste! However, as with every fried food, it’s important to be careful with the temperature and time. Too long, and the beautiful golden color of the tenders can quickly turn black. That ruins the entire experience you’ve been looking forward to. But the great thing is, with a bit of knowledge, you can get your plate of perfectly fried chicken tenders every single time. Keep reading to learn all about the precise time required to deep-fry chicken tenders. We’ll also share the recipe for how long to deep fry chicken tenders at 375 F at home.
Read Also: How to Prepare Delicious Chicken Bones?
How Long Should You Fry Your Chicken Tender at 375 F?
375 F is a high frying temperature. When deep-frying chicken tenders at this temperature, the oil is being heated at a much higher temperature than when it gets in an oven or pan. Ideally, you must fry them at this temperature for not more than 3 to 5 minutes. Once the meat hits 375 F, set the timer. You must also check the temperature using a cooking thermometer. It ensures that the right temperature is attained and that the tenders are now safe to eat. 375 F is the perfect temperature range for frying chicken tenders. If you fry it at a lower temperature, it will make them soggy. 375 F is the sweet spot that makes your tenders come out golden brown, crispy, and moist.
Recipe for the Best Fried Chicken Tenders
Few things in life compare to the joy of relishing a plate of perfectly fried chicken tenders. Follow the stepwise instructions we’ve shared to cook this plate of joy.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 pounds of chicken tenders
- 1 and a half cups of all-purpose flour
- A teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoons of pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika
- 1 large egg beaten in 2 tablespoons of water
- Vegetable oil
Cooking Method
- Create the batter by mixing water and egg in a bowl.
- Add flour and salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to this mixture.
- Whisk everything till the ingredients are well combined.
- Now, submerge the tenders into the vegetable oil in a pan.
- Preheat oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make seasoned flour by combining the flour with salt and black pepper.
- Now, take one tender and coat it evenly with the flour. Be sure to coat only the number of tenders that you can fry at a single time.
- Put the tenders on the oil heated at 375F. Deep fry them for 3 to 5 minutes. Flip them roughly in between so both sides are evenly fried.
- The tenders will be fully cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Now, take them out of the pan and put them on a wire rack. This will drip off excessive oil.
How to Choose the Right Oil to Deep Fry Chicken Tenders?
The oil you use to deep fry chicken tenders can have a world of impact on the overall dish. Oil impacts the texture, flavor, and quality of cooked meat. Various oils are available for this purpose. Follow these tips to pick the best oil for frying chicken tenders.
- Choose an oil with a high smoke point. Such an oil can tolerate the high heat of deep frying without breaking down.
- Pay attention to the oil’s flavor. You must choose an oil whose flavor enhances the taste of the meat.
- It is best to use oils with low saturated fats.
Here are some suitable oil options for deep-frying chicken tenders.
- Peanut oil: The oil has a high smoke point. It also has a neutral flavor. So it won’t spoil the meat’s taste.
- Canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point, mild flavor, and is low in saturated fats.
- Vegetable oil: This oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. However, be sure to use pure vegetable oil when frying chicken tenders.
- Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil has a high smoke point and a light flavor. It is rich in vitamin E, which will enhance the nutritional profile of your meat.
- Corn oil: The oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point. Frying in corn oil will make your meat crispier.
Expert Tips to Create the Perfect Plate of Chicken Tenders
- Add buttermilk to water and egg to make the batter more flavorful. Buttermilk tenderizes the meat. You’ll be amazed at how juicy your chicken tenders turn out to be.
- If you don’t have a cooking thermometer, add a drop of water to the pain when the oil is hot. If the oil sizzles, it means that it is frying chicken.
- If your batter is too thick, thin it out with a splash of buttermilk or the usual milk.
- Another way to ensure crispiness in the tenders is by flash frying for 2 minutes. Then, bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit till the meat’s temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make the chicken tenders more savory by adding a bit more salt as soon as you take them out of the oil.
Read Also: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi
How to Create the Best Sauce for Fried Chicken Tenders?
Half of the charm of chicken tenders lies in the sauce. A creamy dipping sauce is what makes them taste so divine. But you don’t have to go outside to buy the sauce. Follow this recipe of honey mustard sauce for your next batch of chicken tenders.
- Add 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 3 tbsp honey, ¾ tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/8 tsp garlic powder, and 1/8 tsp salt in a medium bowl.
- Whisk them till the ingredients are well combined and have a smooth consistency.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving with chicken tenders.
- Store the dipping sauce in an airtight container.
Summing Up
It is possible to make fried chicken tenders just as delicious at home as at your favorite restaurant. All you need is to know the right amount of time and temperature for frying. Additionally, pick a suitable oil to ensure that your meat does not lose flavor. You’ll surely be able to create crispy and juicy tenders. How Long to Deep Fry Chicken Tenders at 375 F?
