How Long to Cook Chicken Fingers in an Air Fryer for Perfectly Crispy Results

Cooking chicken fingers in an air fryer has become an increasingly popular method for making deliciously crispy chicken at home. Air frying chicken fingers results in a tender interior and crispy seasoned exterior without needing to submerge food in oil like traditional deep frying.

However to achieve the ideal texture it’s important to understand how long to cook chicken fingers in an air fryer. The timing depends on several factors, including whether they are fresh or frozen, the thickness of the fingers, and your desired level of crispiness.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide tips and timelines to help you make perfectly cooked chicken fingers in your air fryer every time.

Factors That Affect Chicken Finger Cooking Time

Thickness of the Chicken Fingers

The thickness of the chicken fingers is the most important factor in determining cooking time Thicker chicken fingers will naturally take a bit longer to cook through to the center than thinner ones. A general rule of thumb is that thinner fingers around 1⁄2 inch thick will take less time compared to 1 inch thick fingers.

When preparing chicken fingers for the air fryer, aim to cut them into relatively uniform thicknesses to promote even cooking.

Air Fryer Model

Cooking efficiency can vary slightly across different air fryer models and brands. Some may heat up faster and distribute air more efficiently than others, impacting overall cooking time.

Refer to your specific air fryer manual for any recommended cooking presets or guidelines. Otherwise, use the general times provided here and adjust if needed based on your model.

Fresh vs. Frozen

Fresh chicken fingers will cook faster than frozen ones. Frozen fingers should not be thawed before air frying. The frozen state helps them retain their shape and absorbs less oil during cooking.

Expect frozen chicken fingers to take about 50% longer in the air fryer compared to fresh.

Desired Crispiness

The longer chicken fingers cook in the air fryer, the crispier the exterior will become. If you prefer a light crispness, cook for the minimum recommended time range. For extra crunchy fingers, you may want to extend the cooking time slightly longer.

It’s easy to adjust the time based on your texture preferences.

Cooking Fresh Chicken Fingers in an Air Fryer

For fresh, unfrozen chicken fingers, follow these simple steps:

• Pre-heat air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes.

• Pat chicken fingers dry and season with desired spices, salt, pepper, etc.

• Coat fingers in breadcrumbs or flour if desired for extra crunch.

• Arrange fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.

• Cook at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Thinner fingers around 1⁄2 inch thick will be at the lower end of the time range, while thicker fingers up to 1 inch may need the full 12 minutes.

• Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through to 165°F.

• Let fingers rest 3-5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Frozen Chicken Fingers

Cooking frozen chicken fingers in the air fryer produces amazing results. Simply:

• Pre-heat if recommended by your air fryer model.

• Arrange frozen fingers in a single layer in the basket, without overlapping.

• Cook at 390°F for 15-18 minutes. Flip halfway through.

• Check temperature to confirm 165°F is reached.

• Allow to rest before eating.

The frozen fingers may take slightly longer if thicker than average. But there’s no need to thaw beforehand!

Tips for Getting Your Chicken Fingers Perfectly Crispy

Achieving crispy air fried chicken fingers relies on a few key tips:

• Use a light breading – A basic coating of flour, breadcrumbs, or panko will crunch up nicely. Avoid heavy, dense breadings that may result in a soggy exterior.

• Don’t overcrowd – Too many fingers piled in the basket prevents air circulation for even crisping. Cook in batches if needed.

• Spritz with oil – Mist fingers lightly with avocado, canola, or olive oil before air frying for added crispness.

• Pat dry before cooking – Dumping wet chicken directly into the air fryer leads to sogginess. Dry thoroughly with paper towels first.

• Use cornstarch in the breading – Add a sprinkle of cornstarch to your breadcrumb mix for an ultra crispy crunch.

How to Tell When Chicken Fingers Are Done

It’s important to accurately check chicken finger doneness to avoid undercooked poultry. Here are some ways to test when they’re ready:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temp reaches 165°F.

• Cut into the thickest part of a finger to check no pinkness remains.

• Look for an evenly golden brown, crispy crust.

If unsure, it’s always better to air fry for an extra minute or two to play it safe. Undercooked chicken can harbor dangerous bacteria.

Serving Ideas for Air Fried Chicken Fingers

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving delightfully crispy air fried chicken fingers. Consider pairing them with:

• Honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping.

• Ranch, blue cheese, or aioli as a dip.

• Classic sides like fries, coleslaw, or potato salad.

• On a fresh salad for added protein.

• Slice and add to sandwiches, wraps, or tacos.

• For breakfast, serve with waffles and syrup.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Fingers

Properly storing leftover chicken fingers maintains both flavor and texture:

• Allow fingers to cool before storing.

• Place in a sealed container or resealable bag.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Can freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.

To reheat, place chilled fingers in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until hot. They will recrisp beautifully.

Cooking chicken fingers in the air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare crispy chicken without needing gallons of oil. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fingers, whether they are fresh or frozen, and your desired level of crispiness. Checking internal temperatures and following the recommendations above will ensure your chicken fingers turn out tender and juicy on the inside with a wonderfully crunchy exterior every time.