Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Strips: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen chicken strips, saving time and electricity compared to using an oven. There is no need to thaw the chicken strips before placing them in the air fryer, and they can be cooked straight from frozen. The entire process takes around 12 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for a weeknight meal. The temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of the air fryer, but generally, it is recommended to cook frozen chicken strips at around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Air-fried chicken strips are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken strips, reducing exposure to unhealthy oils. They can be served with a variety of sides, such as frozen fries, salad, green beans, slaw, or broccoli, and paired with dipping sauces like BBQ, honey mustard, or ranch.

Air fryer temperature and time

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken strips in an air fryer. It is a healthier option than deep-frying and takes less time than baking in the oven.

Set the air fryer temperature between 360°F and 390°F (180°C and 199°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the product and brand, but it should take between 10 and 15 minutes. Chicken strips should be cooked until they are crispy and golden brown.

For example, one source recommends cooking frozen chicken strips at 380°F (180°C) for 11 to 12 minutes. Another source recommends cooking chicken tenders at 360°F (180°C) for 15 minutes, then turning them over and cooking for another 8 minutes, for a total of 23 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary, so it is a good idea to monitor the chicken and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed. Some sources recommend shaking the basket or turning the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

A general rule of thumb when converting a conventional oven recipe to an air fryer recipe is to reduce the temperature by 25°F and the cooking time by about 20%. For example, if a bag of chicken tenders calls for a cooking temperature of 375°F in the oven, set your air fryer for 350°F and cook for about 12 minutes.

Chicken strip preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for cooking frozen chicken strips is between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (180 to 206 degrees Celsius). Some air fryers may not require preheating, so refer to your specific model's instructions.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Strips

Take your desired amount of frozen chicken strips and place them in the air fryer basket or on the tray. Ensure that the strips are in a single layer and not overlapping or touching each other. This allows for even cooking and crispiness. You can brush the basket or tray with olive oil or avocado oil, or use a cooking spray, though this is not necessary.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Strips

Close the air fryer and cook the chicken strips for the recommended time based on your air fryer's instructions. The cooking time will vary depending on the model and the number of chicken strips, but on average, it takes around 6 to 12 minutes. For even cooking, consider flipping the strips halfway through the cooking process.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

To ensure the chicken strips are fully cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). You can use an instant-read thermometer for this. Additionally, the chicken should no longer be pink in the center, and the juices should run clear.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken strips are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down slightly. You can serve them as is or with your favorite dipping sauces, such as BBQ, honey mustard, or ranch. Enjoy them as a quick and tasty meal, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun family feast.

Preparing frozen chicken strips in an air fryer is a convenient and time-saving method that delivers delicious results. Enjoy your crispy and golden chicken strips with your chosen sides and sauces!

Oil and seasoning

When it comes to oil and seasoning, there are a few things to consider when preparing frozen chicken strips in an air fryer. Firstly, decide on the type of oil you want to use. Options like avocado oil or olive oil are suitable for brushing on the air fryer tray or basket before adding the frozen chicken strips. This helps to ensure even cooking and can add a subtle flavour to the dish.

Once you've selected your oil, it's time to season the chicken strips. A basic seasoning combination is salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. You can lightly spray or brush the oil onto the chicken strips and then sprinkle on the desired amount of salt and pepper. This simple seasoning adds flavour to the chicken without overpowering it, allowing the natural taste of the meat to shine through.

If you want to get creative with your seasonings, there are numerous options to explore. For example, you could try a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary. Alternatively, go for a spicier blend with cayenne pepper, chilli powder, or ground cumin. Just remember to apply the seasoning evenly over the chicken strips for consistent flavour in every bite.

In addition to salt and pepper, lemon juice or lemon pepper can be a great way to add a tangy twist to your chicken strips. You could also experiment with different types of pepper, such as colourful peppercorns or coarsely ground pepper for added texture. Just be mindful not to over-season, as this can overwhelm the natural flavour of the chicken.

Lastly, remember that the cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the amount of chicken you're cooking. As a general rule, cook the chicken strips in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Enjoy experimenting with different oils and seasonings to find your favourite combinations!

Cooking process

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken strips in an air fryer. The entire process takes about 12 minutes, which is less time than it would take to wait for a table at a restaurant.

First, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer does not require preheating, skip this step.

Next, spritz the basket of your air fryer with your preferred cooking oil. This step is optional, as oil is not required to cook frozen chicken strips in an air fryer.

Then, place your frozen chicken strips in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and do not overlap or overcrowd. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken strips in batches.

Now, cook the chicken strips for 6 to 12 minutes, until they are warm and crispy. Flip the chicken strips halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time will depend on the brand and size of your air fryer, as well as the thickness and brand of the chicken strips.

Finally, remove the chicken strips from the air fryer and let them cool. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or use them in recipes such as wraps, salads, or any of your favorite dishes.

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and heat for 1-3 minutes until warmed through. Do not overcook, as this will make the chicken strips dry and tough.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve frozen chicken strips cooked in an air fryer. They can be served as a classic finger food with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or Comeback Sauce. They can also be sliced and used as a salad topper, or served with frozen sweet potato fries or French fries.

You can also use air-fried frozen chicken strips in recipes such as wraps, taquitos, or chicken bacon ranch. They can be added to salads, or served with frozen crinkle-cut fries, green beans, baby carrots, or breakfast potatoes.

Frequently asked questions