Last summer, we went on a road trip to Idaho. We stopped at this amazing restaurant, Wingers. My kids loved their Air Fryer Copycat Wingers Sticky Chicken Fingers.
If you have never gone to a Winger’s Restaurant, trust me, get the Sticky Fingers. They are amazing and extremely simple to make in the air fryer. Today, for lunch, I made a batch for my kids. They loved them; they were easy and delicious.
I used frozen breaded chicken tenders. This is one of my favorite things I have made in the air fryer. Easy for lunch, and that’s what I am all about.
You can create this copycat recipe in less than 10 minutes in the air fryer. And while the chicken is cooking in the air fryer. You can be adding the three ingredients to make the sauce.
The sauce is called Freakin’ Amazing Sauce, and it’s all that. I mean, with three ingredients, you get so much flavor, and it’s amazing. I would personally say that you can add it to anything, and it will be amazing.
Copycat Wingers Sticky Chicken Fingers
Copycat Wingers Sticky Chicken Fingers is a mouth-watering recipe that will impress anyone who loves delicious chicken tenders. Wingers is a popular restaurant chain with a reputation for its unique and delicious sticky chicken fingers.
This recipe offers a simple and easy way to replicate the same flavors and textures of the Wingers Sticky Chicken Fingers in the comfort of your own home. With a crispy golden crust and a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze, these chicken fingers are perfect as an appetizer or as a main dish. Let’s get started on this simple yet flavorful recipe.
Ingredients Needed For Copycat Wings Sticky Chicken Finger Cooked in Air Fryer
Are you a fan of wings and sticky chicken fingers? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Below below, we’ll discuss all the ingredients needed for making copycat wings and sticky chicken fingers cooked in an air fryer.
- Frozen Breaded Chicken Tenders: Any brand will work; I recommend getting larger frozen chicken tenders for this recipe.
- Hot Sauce: Any brand will work.
- Water: Cold water
- Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar.
How To Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer
- Place the frozen chicken tenders into the air fryer basket.
- Set the temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting for 7 minutes
- Using a pair of tongs, flip the chicken and air fry for another 3-4 minutes.
- Toss with the sauce.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
How To Make Winger’s Sticky Fingers and Freakin’ Amazing Sauce
Add the Hot sauce, water, and brown sugar to a small saucepan, and simmer until well blended, constantly stirring. The amounts are the copycat recipe amounts, it does seem like a huge amount of brown sugar, but the sauce is known for being sweet.
Add the chicken to the sauce, and then dip, reserve some of the sauce, a dipping sauce.
Pro Tips For Cooking Frozen Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer
Here are some pro tips for cooking frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking the chicken tenders. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly and come out crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket with too many chicken tenders at once. This will prevent the hot air from circulating properly, resulting in uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
- Shake the basket: Shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure that the chicken tenders cook evenly and are evenly coated in the breading.
- Spray with cooking spray: Spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray before cooking to help them brown and become crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken tenders. The chicken tenders should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Adjust cooking time: Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the chicken tenders. Thicker chicken tenders will take longer to cook than thinner ones.
- Serve immediately: Chicken tenders are best served hot and crispy, so serve them immediately after they come out of the air fryer for the best texture and flavor.
By following these pro tips, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in your air fryer to perfection every time. Enjoy your crispy and delicious chicken tenders!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken tenders instead of frozen ones. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
Yes, you can use a different type of sauce if you prefer. However, the sticky sauce is an essential component of this recipe and may not taste the same without it.
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders in the oven instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken tenders on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. However, they may not be as crispy as cooked in an air fryer or fried.
Can I freeze leftover chicken tenders?
You can freeze leftover chicken tenders for up to three months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of chicken tenders?
You can use bone-in chicken pieces instead of chicken tenders, but the cooking time will be longer. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure that it is fully cooked.
Don’t Forget To Pin For Later,
Air Fryer Copycat Wingers Sticky Chicken Fingers
Description
Ingredients
- 26 ounces chicken tenders, frozen/breaded
- 3/4 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 cups brown sugar, yes 3 cups
Instructions
- Place the frozen chicken tenders into the air fryer basket.
- Set the temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting for 7 minutes
- Using a pair of tongs, flip the chicken, air fry for another 3-4 minutes.
- Toss with the sauce.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Winger's Sticky Finger Sauce
- Add the Hot sauce, water, and brown sugar to a small saucepan, simmer until well blended, constantly stirring.
Equipment
Nutrition
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