Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance for their ability to make deliciously crispy foods like chicken fries with significantly less oil than traditional frying. If you love biting into golden, crunchy chicken fries but want a healthier cooking method then using an air fryer is the way to go!
In this comprehensive guide I’ll provide tips on exactly how long to cook chicken fries in an air fryer along with techniques for getting the best results. We’ll also explore some tasty seasoning ideas to take your chicken fries to the next level. After reading you’ll be fully equipped to make perfectly cooked chicken fries anytime the craving strikes. Let’s get crisping!
Understanding Chicken Fries
First, let’s clarify what exactly chicken fries are. Chicken fries are made from chicken breast fillets cut into long, thin strips then breaded or battered and fried. The end result is a crispy exterior encasing a juicy, savory interior.
Chicken fries make for a tasty appetizer, snack, or even a main dish when served alongside fresh veggies or a salad. Their fun shape and crunchy texture make them popular with both kids and adults alike.
Why Cook Chicken Fries in an Air Fryer?
Fried foods traditionally get their irresistible crunchy exterior from being cooked in hot oil. However, dunking food in copious amounts of oil isn’t the healthiest cooking method. This is where air fryers come in handy!
Air fryers use rapid air circulation to mimic the effects of deep frying. The super hot air quickly browns and crisps the exterior of foods. Not only does this cut back significantly on oil usage, but air fryers also tend to cook foods faster than traditional ovens.
Cooking chicken fries in an air fryer gives you all the flavors and textures you love without the grease and added calories from deep frying. It’s a win-win!
How Long to Cook Chicken Fries
The cooking time for chicken fries in an air fryer can vary slightly depending on the factors below:
- Size of the chicken fries – Thinner fries will cook faster than thicker homemade fries.
- Amount being cooked – Cooking a large batch may require a minute or two longer.
- Personal taste preferences – Some people prefer extra crispy chicken fries.
However, the general guideline for air frying chicken fries is…
10 to 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fried chicken fries every time:
- Pre-heat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Coat raw chicken strips with breading of choice.
- Arrange chicken fries in a single layer in the basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Check internal temperature to confirm they are fully cooked.
For safety, chicken fries should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If they need another minute or two to get there, no problem!
Cooking Frozen Chicken Fries
Many brands offer ready-to-cook frozen chicken fries. These are just as easy to make in the air fryer!
Follow the same instructions as above, but extend the cooking time to 12-15 minutes since the chicken will be starting from a frozen state. Flipping halfway through is key for getting both sides deliciously crisp.
Frozen chicken fries are a quick and convenient snack or meal with minimal prep work required.
Tips for Perfect Air Fried Chicken Fries
To take your air fried chicken fries from great to extraordinary, keep these handy tips in mind:
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Lightly coat raw chicken fries in vegetable oil before breading to boost crispiness.
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Try different breading combinations like panko, parmesan, cornflake crumbs, or spices.
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Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
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Flip or shake the basket midway for even browning.
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Brush cooked fries with melted butter or drizzle with hot sauce for extra flavor.
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Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving to set the crust.
Delicious Seasonings and Sauces
One of the best parts about chicken fries is that they pair amazingly with all sorts of flavors. Take a basic chicken fry to the next level by experimenting with zesty herbs, spices, and sauces.
Here are just a few ideas to get those taste buds revved up:
Seasonings:
- Lemon Pepper
- Cajun
- Italian Seasoning
- Ranch Powder
- Chili Powder
- Garlic Powder
Sauces for Dipping:
- Barbecue
- Ranch
- Honey Mustard
- Buffalo
- Sweet and Sour
- Blue Cheese
Get creative with bold new flavor combos or stick with classics. Either way, air fried chicken fries and delicious dips are the ultimate duo!
Chicken Fries Are Off the Hook!
Thanks to air fryers, we can keep enjoying crispy, juicy chicken fries sans all the excess oil and fat that traditionally come with fried foods. All it takes is setting the air fryer to 400°F and cooking for a mere 10-12 minutes. Follow the tips provided, experiment with exciting new flavors, and get ready to be hooked on this healthier way of preparing chicken fries.
So next time a chicken fry craving hits, you’ll be equipped with everything needed to make a batch that is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of finger-licking flavor. Now, who’s ready for some chicken fries?!
How long to heat up chicken fries in air fryer?
What if you’re not air frying frozen chicken fries in an air fryer, but rather just simply reheating chicken fries in an air fryer?
How long does it take to reheat and heat up chicken fries in an air fryer?
When it comes to reheating chicken fries (and most foods), understand that they always typically follow the same process, just shorter.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3-5 minutes
- Place your chicken fries inside the air fryer
- Reheat your chicken fries in the air fryer for 8 minutes, and flip them halfway through the 8 minutes.
- Take out your chicken fries and enjoy them! (If they’re not yet ready, put them back into the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes for as many times as you need until they’re properly fried. Be sure to flip them every time you put them in for an additional 1-2 minutes.)
Check this out if you also want to reheat wings or chicken tenders in your air fryer!
How to cook frozen chicken fries in an air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3-5 minutes.
Although it isn’t necessary, it’s generally recommended that you preheat your air fryer for the best results. Crispier exteriors, crunchier textures, and even cooking are just a few of the outcomes you get when you preheat your air fryer.
But once again, although recommended, this step is optional if you don’t feel like doing it.
The next step is arranging your frozen fried chicken fries (or frozen fried chicken) into the air fryer’s basket. Ensure that they’re evenly spaced and aren’t overcrowded!
Note that it’s not necessary to thaw your frozen chicken before air frying it. Contrary to popular belief, it’s recommended to simply put the frozen chicken into the air fryer to get it to start frying.
Nonetheless, it’s always a matter of preference for the cooker if he or she decides to thaw their frozen food before air frying it.
Proceed to air fry the frozen chicken fries for 15 – 25 minutes. And always make sure that halfway through the cooking time you give your chicken fries a nice shake or flip to ensure even cooking.
Depending on your personal preference for texture and taste will determine how long you’ll need it to cook in the air fryer.
If you bring it out of the air fryer, and your fried chicken fries don’t exactly look ready to you, pop them back into the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep doing this until it’s fried to completeness and your personal liking.
The internal temperature of your frozen chicken fries should be around 165°F or 74°C when they’re finished frying.
Now, sit back, grab a fork, grab a knife, and enjoy your fried chicken fries because you’re officially done.
Air Fryer Chicken Fries – How To Cook Frozen Chicken Fries In The Air Fryer
FAQ
How long to air fry chicken fries?
Roll into little ‘fries’ and place in air fryer basket. 4. Air fry on 400 degrees for 7-9 minutes (until golden brown)
How long are fries supposed to cook in the air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to 380 F and add the potatoes to the basket in a single layer. You may work in batches. Cook the fries for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and crisp, and remember to flip halfway through.
How long do chicken fries take to cook?
Place chicken on a foil-covered baking sheet and cook for 17-20 minutes. Turn halfway through cooking. Preheat the airfryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken fries evenly in the basket and cook for 15 to 17 minutes.
How long should I air fry Tyson Chicken Fries?
The cooking time for Tyson Chicken Fries in an air fryer depends on your specific fryer and the amount of fries in the basket. Shake the basket and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until you reach your desired level of crispness.
How long do you cook fries in an air fryer?
Hand-cut potato fries are cooked in an air fryer for 13 minutes at 190°C. Chicken nuggets and vegetables can also be cooked using the accessory pan for 10 minutes at 190°C. Cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model, but we saw differences in crispiness, texture, and doneness.
How do you cook Frozen Chicken Fries in an air fryer?
Place frozen chicken fries in the fryer basket. Do not overfill the basket; one even layer is recommended. Cook on 400°F for approximately 10-12 minutes. Optional: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken fries from sticking together if cooking a larger batch.
How do you cook chicken in an air fryer?
To cook chicken in an air fryer, follow these steps: Arrange frozen chicken in one layer in the air fryer basket. Set the Temperature to 400 degrees F and set the timer to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cook time. (Note: While this passage mentions cooking fries at the same time, the focus is on cooking the chicken.)
What are some easy air fryer recipes?
Looking for other easy air fryer recipes? You can also make your own chicken fries at home in your air fryer. Tyson chicken fries (Any’tizer) are one of the most popular chicken fries that you can find in the frozen section of your local grocery store.
How long do you cook a steak in an air fryer?
The given information is about cooking a steak in an air fryer. It does not provide information on cooking chicken and fries at the same time. Here’s the original passage: ‘Place the steak inside the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 400 degrees and the cook time for 7 minutes if you prefer medium-rare. Flip the steak about halfway through cooking, remove it from the air fryer, and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.’