Air Fryer Hack: Schwan's Chicken Strips

Chicken strips are a classic finger food, perfect for a quick snack or a weeknight meal. They can be made in an air fryer from frozen, with no need to thaw, and are ready in under 15 minutes. Schwan's Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Strips are a popular choice for air fryer chicken strips, as they come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The cooking time and temperature for chicken strips in an air fryer depend on the brand and size of the air fryer, as well as the thickness of the chicken strips.

Schwan's chicken strips cooking time and temperature

You can definitely cook Schwans chicken strips in an air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will depend on whether the chicken strips are frozen raw or frozen pre-cooked.

If you are using frozen pre-cooked chicken strips, you can cook them in the air fryer in under 10 minutes. You don't need to preheat the air fryer or use cooking spray. Simply place the frozen chicken strips in the air fryer basket and cook until crispy. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of the chicken strips. For example, larger chicken strips may take up to 12 minutes to cook. It's a good idea to check on the chicken strips after 10 minutes and then cook for an additional few minutes if needed.

If you are using frozen raw chicken strips, you will need to add an extra minute or two to ensure they are cooked through. The total cooking time will be around 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken strips and your air fryer. Again, there is no need to preheat the air fryer or use cooking spray.

It's important to note that all air fryers cook a little differently, so you may need to adjust the timing after cooking your first batch of Schwans chicken strips. It's also important to ensure that the chicken strips are cooked thoroughly, especially if they are raw. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken strips reaches 165 degrees F.

Chicken strip arrangement in the air fryer

When arranging chicken strips in your air fryer, it's important to ensure they are in a single, even layer. This allows the hot air to circulate around each strip effectively, cooking them evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the strips in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket or tray. While the strips can touch, they should not be fully stacked, as this will impact the crispiness and increase the cooking time.

For best results, it is recommended to cook chicken strips at the highest temperature setting your air fryer offers. This could be anywhere from 380 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, chicken strips should cook in around 10 to 12 minutes. However, it's important to note that all air fryers cook slightly differently, so you may need to adjust the timing after your first batch.

If you are using raw breaded chicken strips, you may need to add an extra minute or two to ensure the chicken is cooked through. A meat thermometer can be useful to check that the chicken has reached the required internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also a good idea to shake the basket a few times during cooking to help achieve an even crispiness.

Once the chicken strips are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a minute or two. This helps to lock in the juices before serving. You can then serve the chicken strips with your favourite dipping sauce or as a salad topper.

Chicken strip brands and breading styles

Yes, you can cook Schwan's chicken strips in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the highest temperature it offers—for example, the Phillips XXL Air Fryer goes up to 400°F. Place the frozen chicken strips in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You do not need to spray the basket or the chicken with cooking spray. Cook the chicken strips for 8-10 minutes, or 6-8 minutes if they are thin and small.

Chicken strips are a convenient and tasty meal, perfect for a quick dinner or a fun snack. Many brands offer their own unique takes on chicken strips, with variations in breading styles, flavour, and texture. Here are some popular chicken strip brands and their distinct characteristics:

• Foster Farms Crispy Strips: Known for their extra crispy breading, these strips are perfect for those who enjoy a crunchy texture. The nooks and crannies in the breading make them ideal for dipping sauces, and they hold up well without becoming soggy. Flavour-wise, they offer a good balance of salt and pepper, and the chicken is tender.
• Great Value Chicken Strips: Offering excellent value, this 25-ounce bag of chicken strips delivers on flavour, quality, and crunch for a very reasonable price of under $5.
• President's Choice: This brand offers a range of frozen chicken options, including their Pub Recipe Chicken Strips. While the breading on these strips may be too puffy and crunchy for some, they are still a popular choice for those who enjoy a crispier coating.
• No Name: This brand provides a good balance between chicken and breading, ensuring a moist and light texture. While the flavour could be enhanced, these strips are easy to eat and offer excellent value for money, making them perfect for feeding a large group.
• Perdue Gluten-Free Chicken Strips: These gluten-free strips have gained a reputation for their consistently good chicken and crispy gluten-free breading. The absence of chewy pieces sets them apart and makes them a popular choice for those seeking a gluten-free option.
• Kroger Frozen Chicken Strips: These strips tend to have a heavier batter, with the breading comprising a significant portion of the product. For those who prefer a lighter breading, other brands may be preferable.
• Tyson: Tyson chicken strips are known for having a more consistent and fairly light breading, typically around 30% batter.
• Bell and Evans: This brand has been praised for the quality of their chicken strips, especially when cooked in an air fryer.
• Aldi: Aldi offers a parmesan-breaded chicken strip that can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy and juicy texture.

Chicken strip side dishes

Yes, you can cook Schwan's chicken strips in an air fryer. For the best results, cook them at the highest temperature your air fryer offers. For example, if using a Phillips XXL Air Fryer, which goes up to 400°F, cook the frozen chicken strips for 8-10 minutes. Smaller, thinner chicken strips will only take 6-8 minutes.

Now, onto the side dishes! Here are some ideas to accompany your air-fried chicken strips:

Salads

A salad is a refreshing side dish to serve with chicken strips. You could make a cucumber salad with red onion, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes, or a pasta salad with vinaigrette dressing, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, chopped parsley, and rotini pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great way to add a healthy and colorful side to your meal. Try broccoli, carrots, and celery, glazed with a mixture of butter, sugar, and lemon juice. You could also serve air fryer roasted vegetables, such as carrots, with your chicken strips for a wholesome dinner.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken strips are often served as finger food, so consider having some dips on the side. Ketchup is a classic, but you could also try honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, or sesame dressing. For a more indulgent option, make a creamy pesto by blending basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese.

Fries and Wedges

French fries are a classic side dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For a healthier alternative, try baking sweet potato fries in the oven. If you're looking for a fresh change from regular fries, try oven-baked potato wedges with parmesan cheese, olive oil, and dill.

Cornbread

Cornbread is a delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken strips. For an extra treat, serve it with baked beans and a fried egg on top!

Reheating Schwan's chicken strips

Reheating Schwans chicken strips in an air fryer is a quick and efficient way to get delicious, crispy chicken strips. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfect results:

Preparation:

Firstly, ensure that any leftover chicken strips are stored in an airtight container or resealable bag and refrigerated within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.

Preheating:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (180-182°C). Preheating is essential as it creates a hot air environment that locks in moisture and promotes crispiness, ensuring your chicken strips don't dry out.

Oil or Moisture:

Lightly coat the chicken strips with oil or moisture to further seal in moisture and enhance crispiness. This step is optional but recommended for the best results.

Spacing:

Place the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking. They can touch but should not be fully stacked.

Reheating:

Cook the chicken strips for 5-7 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. For refrigerated strips, 5-6 minutes should be sufficient, while frozen strips may require a little longer.

Flipping or Shaking:

After the initial cooking time, shake the basket or flip the strips using tongs to ensure even heating on all sides.

Continue Cooking:

Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Check for Doneness:

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken strips reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Serving:

Your Schwans chicken strips are now ready to be served with your favorite dipping sauce or as a salad topper! Enjoy the juicy, delicious, and crispy chicken strips straight from your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions