Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years, and for good reason. They allow you to make deliciously crispy foods like fried chicken, fries, and more, but with significantly less oil than traditional frying. One of the most common questions about air frying is how long to cook frozen chicken strips. The answer depends on a few factors. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to achieve perfectly cooked frozen chicken strips in your air fryer every time.
Understanding Air Fryers
Before we get into the step-by-step cooking instructions, it helps to understand what makes an air fryer work. Air fryers use super heated air combined with high-speed air circulation to simulate the results of deep frying. The rapid air technology quickly cooks food from the outside in, while also extracting excess moisture for that desirable crisp exterior.
Common features in most air fryers include
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Adjustable temperature control – Allows you to set the precise cooking temperature.
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Timer with auto shut-off – Lets you program the exact cooking duration.
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Dishwasher safe parts – Makes cleanup a breeze.
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Compact footprint – Saves valuable counter space.
Now that you understand the basics, let’s discuss how to cook frozen chicken strips to crispy perfection in your air fryer.
General Cooking Guidelines
Here are some general guidelines to follow when cooking frozen chicken strips in an air fryer:
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Recommended Temperature 380°F-400°F
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Average Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
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Flip Halfway Through: This ensures even cooking on both sides.
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Single Layer: Avoid overcrowding for optimal results.
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Use Cooking Spray: Lightly coat strips for enhanced crispness.
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Check Often: Monitor doneness to prevent overcooking.
Keep these tips in mind as we walk through the complete step-by-step process.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked frozen chicken strips every time:
1. Preheating
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This allows it to reach the ideal cooking temperature before adding the frozen strips. Preheating typically takes 3-5 minutes.
2. Prepare The Chicken Strips
While the air fryer preheats, lightly coat the frozen chicken strips in a thin layer of avocado, olive or vegetable oil. This helps promote browning and crisping.
3. Load The Air Fryer
Place the oiled chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Overcrowding blocks airflow, resulting in uneven cooking.
4. Set The Time And Temperature
Program the air fryer temperature to 380°F-400°F. Set the timer for 10 minutes.
5. Flip Halfway
After 5 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the strips using tongs. This ensures even browning.
6. Finish Cooking
Allow cooking to resume for the remaining 5 minutes. The strips should become golden brown and crispy.
7. Check Doneness
When the timer goes off, check the strips for doneness. The internal temperature should be 165°F. If needed, cook 1-2 minutes more.
8. Remove and Serve
Carefully remove the cooked chicken strips from the air fryer basket and serve immediately for maximum crispness. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Keep these additional tips in mind for extra crispy, flavorful air fried frozen chicken strips:
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For thicker strips or extra crispiness, add 1-2 minutes to the cook time. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
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Season strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika or cajun seasoning before air frying.
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Drizzle strips with buffalo wing sauce or melted butter for saucy flavor after cooking.
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If cooking a large batch, work in smaller loads, reracking strips as needed.
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Let strips rest 1-2 minutes after cooking for easier handling.
Pair With Flavorful Sauces and Sides
Now for the fun part – sauces and sides! Chicken strips are great on their own, but pairing them with flavorful sauces or sides makes for a complete, crave-worthy meal. Consider dipping air fried chicken strips in:
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Blue cheese dressing
- Sweet chili sauce
- Honey
Delicious side options include:
- French fries
- Waffle fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Onion rings
- Coleslaw
- Mac and cheese
With the right sauces and sides, you can create the perfect chicken strip meal without all the greasiness of deep frying!
The Benefits of Cooking Frozen Chicken in an Air Fryer
Using an air fryer to cook frozen chicken strips offers several advantages:
Quick cook time – No need to thaw, cooks frozen to crispy in just 10-15 minutes.
Super crispy results – Air fryers circulate hot air all around food for an evenly crispy exterior.
Fewer calories – Air frying requires little to no oil compared to deep frying.
Convenience – Simple prep and cleanup means easy meals any night of the week.
Consistency – The controlled cooking environment delivers perfect doneness every time.
Kid-friendly – Chicken strips are a go-to favorite for kids and air frying makes them healthier.
As you can see, air fryers offer a quick and convenient way to enjoy crispy, tasty chicken strips without all the fat and calories from frying. In just a few easy steps, you can cook frozen chicken strips to tender, juicy perfection. So plug in your air fryer and get ready to enjoy this favorite crispy treat anytime. Your taste buds will thank you!
My Easy Way to Make Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
I make frozen chicken tenders way too often than I like to admit, but having picky eating kids will do that. I’ve always made them in the oven, but they just take so long to cook. That’s when I decided to make the frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer.
I actually remember the first night I made the switch. I forgot to preheat the oven and there just wasn’t enough time to preheat it and cook the chicken before the rest of dinner was done.
I tossed the tenders in the air fryer and let them cook. And, since I had no idea what I was doing, I checked the chicken about 7 times to see if they were done. But even with that, the chicken still cooked so much quicker than baking them in the oven.
Now, even my 9-year-old daughter Leah helps me in making air fryer frozen chicken tenders by placing them in the basket and setting the time and temperature to cook. It’s a small step, but helps so much and she’s proud of it too!
Tips to Make the Best Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
- If you’re cooking larger pieces of frozen chicken tenderloin in air fryer, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Consider using a meat thermometer to make sure the air fryer frozen chicken strips are thoroughly cooked (165 degrees F).
- Allow the air fryer frozen chicken tenders to sit for a minute or two after cooking to lock in the juices.
- Shake the basket a couple of times as you air fry to make the best, most evenly crispy frozen chicken tenderloin in the air fryer.
- I like to use Tyson chicken tenders in the air fryer, but you can make air fried chicken with brands like Perdue, Pilgrims, Foster Farms, or any generic store brand.
Frozen Chicken Strips in the Air Fryer [Quick & Easy]
FAQ
How long do frozen chicken strips take in the air fryer?
Set the air fryer temperature to 380 degrees F (180 degrees C). Place frozen chicken strips in the air fryer basket, without touching or overcrowding. Cook until crispy, 11 to 12 minutes. The color will not change much.
How long does frozen chicken take in an air fryer?
Typically, it takes about 20-25 minutes at 360°F (182°C) to cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer.Feb 27, 2024
How long to cook frozen chicken strips?
How long to air fry real good chicken strips?
How long to cook frozen chicken strips in air fryer?
Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent proper airflow and result in unevenly cooked chicken. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the brand of frozen chicken strips and the size of your air fryer. However, a general guideline is to cook the chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
Can You air Fry frozen chicken strips?
Yes, you can air fry chicken strips even if they’re frozen. This is good news if you often buy chicken strips in bulk and store them in the freezer. Air fried frozen chicken strips are as healthy as the oven-baked version because they use little to no oil in the recipe. But personally, I found the air fryer chicken strips to be more delicious.
How do you cook chicken in an air fryer?
Just like with any cooking method, preheating the air fryer is crucial to achieving the best results. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This will ensure that the chicken strips cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior. While the air fryer is preheating, take this time to prepare the fryer basket.
Can you cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer?
Frozen chicken tenders or strips are sold in 2 ways: frozen fully cooked or frozen raw. Fully Cooked breaded frozen chicken tenders are super easy to cook in the air fryer. They can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer and cooked in minutes. You’re basically just re-heating the frozen chicken strips to be crunchy and warm in the air fryer.
Can You reheat leftover chicken strips in the air fryer?
Yes, you can reheat leftover chicken strips in the air fryer. Simply cook them for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to warm them up, ensuring they reach a safe temperature. Watch this awesome video to spice up your cooking!
How long do you cook chicken strips at 400?
However, a general guideline is to cook the chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Flip the chicken strips halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. As the cooking time nears its end, it’s essential to check the internal temperature of the chicken strips.