Air Fryer Chicken Strips: Cooking Time Perfection

Chicken strips in an air fryer are a quick and easy meal to make. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken tenders and the type of air fryer being used. At 380 degrees Fahrenheit, chicken strips will take 10-12 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes on each side, or 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes on each side. It is important to note that air fryers vary by model and power, so cooking times may need to be adjusted accordingly.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture for your chicken strips, there are several steps you can follow. Firstly, it is important to ensure your chicken is dry before coating it. This will help the coating stick to the chicken and create a crispy texture. You can do this by patting the chicken dry with a paper towel.

Next, create a breading or coating for your chicken. This can be done by using a combination of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. You can also add spices and seasonings to your flour or breadcrumbs to add extra flavour. For example, a mix of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper can be used to season the flour or breadcrumbs.

Once your chicken is coated, it is important to spray it with a light layer of oil. This will help the chicken strips get crispy in the air fryer. You can use a neutral oil spray such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil. Make sure to coat all sides of the chicken strips with the oil spray.

Now, it's time to cook the chicken strips in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken strips in batches. Cook the chicken strips for around 7-8 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes until the coating is golden and crispy.

Finally, let the chicken strips cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the coating stay crispy and not become soggy.

By following these steps, you should be able to achieve the perfect crispy texture for your chicken strips when cooking them in an air fryer.

How to season chicken strips for the air fryer

Chicken strips are a great, easy meal to make in your air fryer, and there are a few ways to season them.

Basic Seasoning

The most basic way to season chicken strips is to sprinkle them with salt and pepper before you cook them. You can also add some garlic powder and onion powder to give them a bit more flavour.

Breading

If you want to bread your chicken strips, you'll need to season the flour that you're using. Combine flour with paprika, parsley, seasoned salt, and pepper in a large bowl. You can also add in some garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavour. Beat an egg in a separate bowl, and then dip each chicken strip first in the egg and then in the seasoned flour. Repeat this process, so that each strip has a double coating of egg and flour.

Brining

Brining your chicken strips before cooking them will make them extra juicy and allow you to cook them for longer without drying them out. To brine your chicken, mix together water, salt, and sugar in a large bowl until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Submerge the chicken strips in the water and let them brine for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you have the time. After brining, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and then bread or cook as usual.

Spices

If you want to add some extra spices to your chicken strips, you can mix together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. You can use this mixture to season your flour if you're breading your chicken, or you can sprinkle it directly on the chicken strips before cooking.

How to prevent chicken strips from drying out

Chicken strips are a great, easy meal to make in an air fryer, but it can be disappointing when they come out dry and overcooked. Here are some tips to prevent that from happening and ensure your chicken strips stay juicy and tender.

Brine the Chicken

Brining is a process of submerging meat in a seasoned water solution, allowing it to absorb and retain moisture. It also helps to tenderize the meat. To brine chicken strips, mix water, salt, and sugar in a large bowl, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Then, submerge the chicken strips in the solution and let them brine for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for the best results.

Use Oil

Although air fryers can cook meat without oil, adding a little bit of oil can help prevent the chicken from drying out. Spray or brush the chicken strips with a neutral oil like avocado, canola, or olive oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will help keep them moist and juicy.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step that is often overlooked. It ensures that your food starts cooking as soon as it's placed inside. Preheat your air fryer for at least 10 minutes before adding the chicken strips.

Check the Temperature

Different models of air fryers can vary in their actual temperature, even if the indicated temperature on the appliance is the same. To prevent overcooking, it's recommended to manually check the temperature of your air fryer with a thermometer at least once every six months and make adjustments if needed.

Adjust the Cooking Time

Cooking chicken strips for too long at high temperatures is a common reason they dry out. Refer to a cooking chart for the recommended temperatures and times for chicken strips in an air fryer. If your air fryer runs hot, you may need to reduce the cooking time to prevent drying out.

Use a Food Thermometer

A food thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken strips are cooked to the perfect temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken strip, avoiding any bones. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How to reheat chicken strips in an air fryer

If you have leftover chicken strips, you can easily reheat them in an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your chicken strips are heated through and retain their delicious crispiness.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is uncrowded and spacious enough to accommodate the chicken strips without overlapping. If needed, cook the chicken strips in batches to allow for proper air circulation. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Strips

Place the chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your chicken strips are frozen, it is recommended to thaw them before reheating. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken strips with cooking spray or a neutral oil spray, such as avocado oil, to help maintain their crispiness.

Step 3: Reheat the Chicken Strips

Close the air fryer and reheat the chicken strips for 3-5 minutes at 350°F (180°C). Then, carefully open the air fryer and flip the chicken strips over. Lightly spray the other side with cooking spray or oil, and continue heating for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Check Doneness and Serve

To ensure your chicken strips are safely reheated, check that their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) by using a meat thermometer. Once they have reached this temperature, remove the chicken strips from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Your chicken strips are now ready to enjoy! You can serve them with your favourite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, sweet and sour sauce, or buffalo sauce.

How to cook frozen chicken strips in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen chicken strips
• Oil spray (optional)
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Paper towels

Method

• If your frozen chicken strips are raw, ensure the breading is pre-cooked.
• Place the frozen chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping or touching.
• If desired, lightly spray the chicken strips with oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Set the air fryer temperature to between 360–400°F (180–200°C).
• Cook for 10–15 minutes, then flip the chicken strips over.
• Continue cooking for another 4–8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of the chicken should read at least 165°F (74°C).
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• There is no need to preheat the air fryer or flip the chicken strips halfway through.
• If you have any leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
• Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the brand of chicken strips.

Frequently asked questions