How Long to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Strips for Perfectly Crispy Results

A quick and easy way to make a tasty meal or snack is to air fry frozen chicken strips. After only a few minutes in the air fryer, you can have juicy chicken with a golden, crispy crust. But the key to getting the perfect crunch is to know exactly how long to cook frozen chicken strips. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know to air fry frozen chicken strips like a pro.

What Are Frozen Chicken Strips?

Frozen chicken strips, also called chicken tenders or chicken fingers, are thin cuts of chicken breast that are breaded or battered and then frozen. The breading styles vary – some feature a light breadcrumb coating while others have a crunchy panko crust. The most common options are

• Fully cooked and frozen – These are par-fried or baked then frozen so just need reheating

• Raw coated frozen – The breading is cooked but the chicken itself is raw. These need to be fully cooked through.

You can quickly add protein to the air fryer by using frozen chicken strips. Both kids and adults love how crispy they are and how mild they taste.

Benefits of Air Frying vs. Oven Baking

You can bake frozen chicken strips in the oven, but there are some clear benefits to air-frying them.

• Faster cooking time – Frozen chicken strips take 10-15 minutes in the air fryer vs. 18-25 minutes baked.

• Better breading—The hot air that moves through the air fryer makes the breading nice and crispy.

• No preheating required – The air fryer heats up rapidly so no need to preheat.

• More convenient – Simple and easy clean up with air frying.

How Long to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Strips

Cooking times can vary a bit based on the thickness of the chicken strips and your particular air fryer model. However, the general guideline is:

• Fully cooked frozen chicken strips: 8-12 minutes

• Raw frozen chicken strips: 10-15 minutes

For best results, check periodically and adjust the time as needed to reach your preferred level of crispness.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for perfect air fried frozen chicken strips:

1. Select your chicken strips – Choose a fully cooked or raw frozen option. Raw may take a couple extra minutes.

2. Preheat air fryer (optional) – If desired, preheat to 380°F. But not necessary.

3. Arrange strips in basket – Place strips in a single layer without overcrowding.

4. Cook 8-15 minutes – Cook fully cooked strips for 8-12 minutes, raw for 10-15 minutes.

5. Check and flip occasionally – Peek at 6 minutes and flip if needed for even cooking.

6. Adjust time as needed – Add 2-3 minutes if more crispiness is desired.

7. Remove and enjoy! – Use tongs to remove cooked crispy chicken strips.

Tips for the Best Results

Implementing these handy tips will help you achieve the perfect crispy air fried chicken strips:

• Use cooking spray – Lightly coat strips with oil spray for added crispness.

• Don’t overcrowd – Allow space between strips for air circulation.

• Flip halfway through – Ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.

• Add seasonings – Toss with spices before air frying for extra flavor.

• Let rest before eating – Allow to rest 1-2 minutes out of the air fryer for optimal texture.

Choosing the Best Frozen Chicken Strips

When selecting frozen chicken strips, keep these factors in mind:

• Whole tenderloins – Strips made from whole tenderloins retain moisture better.

• Lightly breaded – Heavy dense breading may steam versus crisp.

• Raw or cooked – Both work but raw needs a couple extra minutes.

• Reputable brands – Look for recognizable trusted brands for quality.

Highly rated favorites include Tyson Southern Breast Tenderloins, Foster Farms, Perdue, and Trader Joe’s Chicken Breast Strips.

Safety Tips

To safely enjoy your crispy air fried chicken strips, follow these precautions:

• Cook raw chicken strips to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Use a food thermometer to verify doneness, especially with thick strips.

• Allow the air fryer basket to cool before handling to avoid burns.

• Discard any strips that were not fully cooked through. When in doubt, throw it out.

• Consume cooked strips within 3-4 days and freeze extras for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken strips make for an easy anytime meal, but consider these tasty ways to serve them:

• On top of a fresh salad for added protein.

• Wrapped in a tortilla with veggies and cheese for a quesadilla.

• On sub rolls as chicken subs with favorite toppings.

• Chopped up in pasta dishes, soups, or casseroles.

• As an appetizer for game day with dipping sauces.

• Alongside crispy fries or tater tots for kids’ meals.

Delicious Dipping Sauces

What really brings frozen chicken strips to life is pairing them with flavorful dipping sauces. Options like:

• Barbecue sauce – Sweet and tangy.

• Ranch – Cool and creamy.

• Honey mustard – Sweet with a bite.

• Buffalo sauce – Spicy and bold.

• Blue cheese – Rich and pungent.

• Ketchup – Classic and addicting.

So next time you are looking for a fast weeknight dinner, reach for those frozen chicken strips and your air fryer. In just 10-15 minutes, you’ll have hot, juicy, gloriously crispy chicken ready to dip and enjoy!