Air-Frying Chicken Strips: How Long Does It Take?

Chicken strips are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, from salads and wraps to fries and sweet potato wedges. They are also a great option for those who want to avoid deep-frying, as air-frying requires only a small amount of oil to achieve a crispy texture. The cooking time for chicken strips in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the strips and the model of the air fryer, but on average, they take around 10-15 minutes to cook at temperatures between 380-400°F (190-200°C).

Chicken strips in an air fryer: cooking time and temperature

Chicken strips in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy meal option. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size of the chicken strips and the model of the air fryer. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed for cooking chicken strips in an air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). This can be done by following the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model.

When preparing the chicken strips, it is usually recommended to coat them with a light layer of oil or cooking spray. This helps to ensure that the chicken strips cook evenly and do not stick to the air fryer basket.

The cooking time for chicken strips in an air fryer will vary depending on the size of the strips and the model of the air fryer. On average, chicken strips will take around 10-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer. It is important to flip the chicken strips halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

To ensure that the chicken strips are fully cooked, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken strips are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Some recipes suggest marinating the chicken strips before cooking, which can add extra flavour and juiciness to the meat. A simple marinade can be made by combining oil, vinegar, and Italian seasoning, or other herbs and spices of your choice. The chicken strips should be marinated in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours.

When serving chicken strips from the air fryer, they can be paired with a variety of sides and dipping sauces. Popular side dishes include French fries, tater tots, sweet potato fries, onion rings, salads, or roasted vegetables. For dipping sauces, options such as ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce are often recommended.

Overall, cooking chicken strips in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. By following the general guidelines for cooking time and temperature, and making adjustments as needed for your specific air fryer model, you can ensure that your chicken strips turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

How to make chicken tenders from scratch

Ingredients

You will need:

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• White vinegar
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Eggs
• Flour
• Breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray
• Lemon wedges, to serve

Method

• Prepare the chicken by slicing the chicken breasts into strips.
• In a large bowl, add the cut chicken strips, oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir until the chicken is coated.
• Cover the bowl and place in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Prepare your breading station by beating eggs in one shallow bowl and combining flour and breadcrumbs in another.
• Dip each chicken tender first in the egg, then in the flour and breadcrumbs.
• Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray.
• Air fry at 380°F for 9-11 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders are done when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips

• You can add different spices to the breadcrumbs like chili powder, jerk spice, Cajun mix, or Italian seasoning.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
• To get super crispy chicken tenders, you can fry them in oil. Heat about 2 cups of oil to 365°F in a frying pan and fry the chicken tenders for 2-4 minutes on each side.
• For extra juicy chicken, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk before breading and cooking.

How to reheat chicken tenders

Reheating chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to restore their delicious crunch while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect reheated chicken tenders:

Preparation:

First, ensure your chicken tenders are stored correctly. Leftover chicken should be cooled to room temperature and placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best to consume refrigerated chicken within three to four days.

Air Fryer Settings:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F. The higher temperature of 375°F is ideal if you want to ensure a crispy exterior.

Arrange the Chicken Tenders:

Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as proper air circulation is essential for even cooking and crispiness. Leave a little space between each tender.

Reheating Time:

For refrigerated chicken tenders, the reheating time in the air fryer is typically around 3-5 minutes. For frozen chicken tenders, increase the time to 8-10 minutes.

Flipping:

Halfway through the reheating time, open the air fryer and carefully flip the chicken tenders. This step ensures even heating and crispiness on both sides.

Checking Doneness:

Check the internal temperature of the chicken tenders with an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If the tenders have not reached this temperature, you can add another minute or two to the reheating time.

Serving:

Once the chicken tenders are heated through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!

Tips for Perfect Results:

• If your chicken tenders are frozen, it is best to defrost them before reheating.
• For maximum crispiness, you can brush or spray the chicken tenders with a small amount of oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• Always ensure your chicken tenders are thoroughly heated before consuming. Avoid undercooking or overheating, as this can affect the texture and taste.
• Do not reheat chicken tenders multiple times, as they will dry out and become tough.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious and crispy chicken tenders as if they were freshly made!

What to serve with chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to add some variety and flavour to your plate. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken tenders:

Vegetables

Vegetables make a great side dish for chicken tenders, adding both flavour and nutrition. You can dress them up, make them heartier and more filling, or keep them light. Some options include broccoli, carrots, parsnips, peas, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, beets, onion, and mushrooms. These veggies can be enjoyed plain, air-fried, or roasted.

Salads

Salads are another healthy option to serve with chicken tenders. A simple kale Caesar salad or a more complex mustard greens and kale salad can provide a nutritious and flavourful complement to the tenders.

Starches

Starchy foods like pasta, bread, rice, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, corn, beans, and cereals can be an easy and filling side dish for chicken tenders. Pasta, in particular, is a super simple option that is usually well-loved by kids. You can keep it plain with some butter or cheese, or mix in other nutrient-dense additions like beans, legumes, or vegetables.

Fruits

Fruits are a great way to add some natural sweetness to your meal. They are generally easy to prepare and can be taken on the go if needed. A creamy Greek yogurt fruit salad is one way to incorporate fruit into your meal.

Snacky Sides

If you're serving chicken tenders to picky eaters, consider pairing them with some familiar snack foods. This could include veggie sticks, grapes, pepperoni, sweet potato apple muffins, string cheese, or ants on a log. This approach may encourage children to try new foods alongside the familiar favourite of chicken tenders.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken tenders go well with a variety of dips and sauces. You can try ketchup, ranch, honey yogurt, BBQ sauce, or a sweet-spicy sauce.

How to store leftover chicken tenders

Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container or a large resealable bag in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you don't plan on eating the leftovers within this time frame, it is recommended to freeze them.

To freeze cooked chicken tenders, wrap them tightly and place them in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag. Alternatively, you can wrap the individual servings in plastic wrap before placing them in a container to easily thaw the portions you need. Frozen cooked chicken will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 4 months.

When it comes to reheating chicken tenders, you can use your air fryer to maintain crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the tenders for 5-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are hot.

Frequently asked questions