Air Frying Frozen Chicken Fingers: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking frozen chicken fingers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy chicken fingers with a juicy inside. There is no need to defrost the chicken fingers beforehand, and they can be made from uncooked or pre-cooked frozen chicken strips. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken fingers, as well as the model of the air fryer. As a general guideline, pre-cooked chicken fingers should be cooked for 8-12 minutes, and uncooked chicken fingers should be cooked for 22-28 minutes. It is recommended to flip the chicken fingers halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The ideal temperature to cook frozen chicken fingers is between 360-400°F (180-200°C).

Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC for 5 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step to ensure your chicken fingers turn out crispy and evenly cooked. While some air fryers come with a preheat setting, others require manual preheating. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, set the temperature to 400ºF/200ºC and let it heat up for about 5 minutes.

During this time, you can prepare your chicken fingers. If you're using frozen, pre-cooked chicken fingers, there's no need to thaw them first. You can use either homemade or store-bought options. Breaded chicken fingers tend to give the crispiest results, but unbreaded chicken fingers are also an option.

It's also a good idea to spray the chicken fingers with cooking oil, such as olive oil, for extra crispiness. However, avoid using cooking sprays like PAM, as they can damage the air fryer's non-stick lining.

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's time to arrange the chicken fingers in the basket. Ensure they are in a single layer with no overlap, as this allows the hot air to circulate around each piece, cooking them evenly and making them wonderfully crispy.

Now that your air fryer is preheated to the optimal temperature and your chicken fingers are prepared and arranged, you're ready to begin the cooking process. For pre-cooked tenders, air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Thinner chicken strips will take closer to 8 minutes, while thicker or bigger tenders will need the full 10-12 minutes.

If you're cooking uncooked frozen tenders, increase the cooking time to 22-28 minutes, again flipping halfway through. For the crispiest results, spray both sides with a light coating of cooking oil before air frying.

To ensure your chicken fingers are safely cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165ºF/74ºC.

Let the chicken fingers rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This gives you time to prepare any dipping sauces or side dishes, such as fries, potato salad, or roasted vegetables, to complete your meal.

Now you know the key step of preheating your air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC for 5 minutes, you're well on your way to enjoying perfectly cooked, crispy chicken fingers from the convenience of your air fryer.

Use raw or pre-cooked frozen chicken fingers

You can use either raw or pre-cooked frozen chicken fingers in an air fryer. There is no need to defrost them first. However, the cooking time will differ depending on whether the chicken is raw or pre-cooked.

For pre-cooked frozen tenders, air fry for 8-12 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Thinner chicken strips will take around 8 minutes, while thicker/bigger chicken tenders will take 10-12 minutes.

For raw frozen tenders, air fry for 22-28 minutes, again depending on their size, flipping halfway through. If you want crispier chicken tenders, spray both sides lightly with cooking oil before air frying.

To ensure that your chicken is safely cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165ºF/74ºC.

Don't overlap chicken fingers in the air fryer basket

Secondly, overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to steaming instead of frying, resulting in soggy chicken fingers that are not crispy. If you have a lot of chicken fingers to cook, it's best to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Additionally, leaving space between the chicken fingers allows for better air circulation, which is crucial for the air fryer to function effectively. The air fryer needs room to circulate hot air around the food, and overlapping chicken fingers can restrict this airflow.

Finally, by not overlapping the chicken fingers, you can easily flip or shake the basket halfway through the cooking process, ensuring even browning on both sides. This helps create a consistent golden brown colour and prevents the chicken fingers from getting too dark or burning on one side.

Cooking times vary depending on the size of the chicken fingers

When cooking frozen chicken fingers in an air fryer, the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken fingers. Thicker and bigger chicken fingers will take longer to cook than thin chicken strips.

For example, if you are cooking pre-cooked chicken tenders, the air frying time will range from 8 to 12 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Thin chicken strips will take closer to 8 minutes, while thicker or bigger chicken tenders will take 10 to 12 minutes.

Similarly, the cooking time for uncooked frozen tenders will depend on their size. Uncooked frozen tenders will typically take between 22 and 28 minutes to cook, but thicker and bigger tenders may take longer. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF/74ºC to guarantee that it is safely cooked.

It is worth noting that different air fryer models may have varying cooking times and temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer for the most accurate guidelines. Additionally, the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on your personal preference for the level of doneness and crispiness of the chicken fingers.

In conclusion, when preparing frozen chicken fingers in an air fryer, the cooking time will primarily depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Thicker and bigger pieces will require a longer cooking time, while thinner and smaller pieces will cook faster. Adjustments may also be necessary based on the specific model of your air fryer and your desired level of doneness.

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer

Checking the internal temperature of your chicken fingers with a meat thermometer is a crucial step to ensure they are cooked safely and thoroughly. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Thermometer

Before you begin cooking, it is essential to have a working meat thermometer on hand. Ensure it is calibrated correctly and ready to use. Meat thermometers are essential for food safety, as they help prevent undercooked meat, which can cause foodborne illnesses.

Step 2: Know the Target Temperature

The target temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, are eliminated, making the chicken safe to eat.

Step 3: Insert the Thermometer

Once your chicken fingers are cooked according to the recipe's timing guidelines, remove them from the air fryer and insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of one of the chicken fingers. Ensure the probe does not touch any bones, as this can give an inaccurate reading.

Step 4: Check the Temperature Reading

After a few seconds, the thermometer will give you a temperature reading. If the temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) or above, your chicken fingers are cooked and safe to eat. If the temperature is below this, return the chicken fingers to the air fryer and cook in short intervals, checking the temperature each time, until the desired temperature is reached.

Step 5: Rest and Re-check (Optional)

Allowing the chicken fingers to rest for a few minutes before serving is recommended, as this helps distribute the juices evenly and ensures a more accurate final temperature. After resting, you can insert the thermometer again to double-check that the internal temperature is still at or above 165°F (74°C).

By following these steps and using a meat thermometer, you can ensure that your air-fried chicken fingers are cooked to perfection and safe to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions