Trader Joe's sun-dried tomato chicken tenders

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Learn the foolproof steps for how to cook Trader Joe's sun-dried tomato chicken tenders in the air fryer! This gluten-free TJ's recipe requires no prep work and the tenders are ready to enjoy in 10 minutes or less. Serve them alongside your favorite Italian dishes for a quick and delicious dinner that is easy to make with barely any effort.

trader joe's sun dries tomato tenders in air fryer

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Trader Joe's has a great variety of ready-to-cook foods that are perfect for air frying! On the site we have several handy recipes with step-by-step guides for preparing all kinds of classic TJ items, from breaded frozen tenders to marinated fresh chicken products. This recipe for how to cook Trader Joe's sun-dried tomato chicken tenders in an air fryer is a new favorite of ours - and we're sure that all true TJ fans will love it, too!

The first time I tried these sweet, tangy and flavorful tenders I was hooked... And so glad that I didn't have to spend all kinds of money purchasing various bottles of ingredients.

The meaty strips of chicken breasts are vacuum-sealed in a marinade that includes a dreamy and creamy blend of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and a few simple spices. Because there is no crunchy heavy breading the bold flavors really shine!

the only ingredient needed for this recipe

When ready to heat and eat, simply open the convenient package and place the marinated tenders right in the fry basket. (Well, I do suggest lining the basket first with parchment for easy cleanup.) Then air fry for only about 10 minutes until the tenders are lightly crisp and browned, juicy, and tender - of course!

Add these zesty and delicious protein-packed tenders to salads, sandwiches, or wraps. They are also fabulous to pair with classic Italian comfort food sides like pasta or polenta!

raw chicken tenders in air fryer before cooking

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between sun dried tomatoes and dried tomatoes?

Dried tomatoes are tomatoes that have been dehydrated in a machine to remove nearly all moisture. They are sometimes seasoned, but that's about it. To make sun-dried tomatoes, the tomatoes often are first dehydrated a bit in a machine before being fully dehydrated in the sun. This makes them have slightly more moisture than fully dehydrated tomatoes.

Sun-dried tomatoes are then usually preserved in oil to lock in the freshness and taste, without them becoming overly dry.

Do sun-dried tomatoes taste like regular tomatoes?

No, the taste is much more intense - in all the best ways! Regular tomatoes are a bit sweet but fairly mild. Sun drying the fruit concentrates the flavor so that it becomes super tangy and a bit tart. They also get that nice slightly chewy texture that we love!

What flavors go with sun-dried tomatoes?

Trader Joe's pairs sun-dried tomatoes with basil in their chicken tenders. Other herbs like oregano and thyme also go well with the zesty tomato-y taste.

The flavor profile definitely leans towards Italian and Mediterranean flavors. So it pairs well with rich olive oil, salty feta and parmesan cheeses, and mild tasting pastas.

Can you cook raw chicken in air fryer?

Yes, you absolutely can! The air fryer is essentially a small high-powered oven and is therefore great for cooking raw meat. But I recommend that you line the basket with parchment paper to cut down on mess... Place the parchment in the fry basket after preheating, right as you are ready to add the chicken.

Do I need to flip my chicken in the air fryer?

Whether or not you flip them the tenders will cook completely in the air fryer. But I do suggest flipping them halfway through air frying to help them cook more evenly and get a nice browning on all sides.

How can you tell if chicken tenders are cooked?

The sun-dried tomato and basil chicken tenders cooked in the air fryer will be firm, lightly browned and crisp on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

What to do with leftovers

I like to store Trader Joe's sun-dried tomato chicken leftovers in my glass container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer for couple minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not overheat.

More Trader Joe's air fryer recipes

Hope you will like this Trader Joe's sun-dried tomato chicken tenders 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.

Recipe