Air Fryer Chicken Strips: The Ultimate Frozen Food Hack

Cooking frozen chicken strips in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a tasty meal. The air fryer's small size and efficient air circulation make it faster than an oven and give your food a crispier texture. It is also healthier than deep frying, as air fryers cook food using hot air instead of submerging it in oil.

To cook frozen chicken strips in an air fryer, first set the temperature to between 360°F and 400°F. Place the frozen chicken strips in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. Depending on the thickness of the chicken strips and the brand of air fryer, cook for 8 to 12 minutes, or until crispy. There is no need to preheat the air fryer or spray the basket or chicken with oil.

Preheat the air fryer or not?

Preheating an air fryer is the same process as preheating an oven. You set the air fryer's temperature to the desired cooking temperature, leave the basket in so that it can get hot, and press start or preheat. The appliance will then warm up to that temperature for a few minutes before you place the food in the air fryer.

Preheating an air fryer is not always necessary, and it depends on the type of food being cooked. For example, if you are cooking something very delicate, like shrimp, or if the food will be cooking for a long period, such as a baked potato, you don't need to preheat the air fryer.

However, preheating can be beneficial for foods that need a good sear or a crispy and crunchy texture. This includes frozen foods such as chicken tenders, fries, or tater tots. Preheating the air fryer will help achieve a higher temperature at the beginning of the cooking process, reducing the overall cooking time.

Some people prefer to preheat their air fryer when cooking meat, as it seems to accelerate the browning process and adds to the crispness. Others argue that preheating is a waste of time and energy, especially for frozen pre-cooked chicken strips, which can be cooked in under 10 minutes without preheating.

It is worth noting that some air fryers, like the Cosori, have an automatic preheat function, while others, like the Foodie Dual Zone, specify that no preheating is needed. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference and the specific model of the air fryer.

How long to cook for?

The cooking time for frozen chicken strips in an air fryer depends on the type of chicken strips you are using, the size of the strips, and the model of your air fryer.

If you are using an air fryer with a lower maximum temperature, such as 380 °F (180 °C), it is recommended to cook the chicken strips for 11 to 12 minutes. If your air fryer has a higher maximum temperature, such as 400 °F (200 °C), you can cook the chicken strips for a shorter duration of 8 to 10 minutes.

The size of the chicken strips also affects the cooking time. Thin and small chicken strips will take less time to cook, typically around 6 to 8 minutes. Larger and thicker chicken strips will require a longer cooking time, ranging from 10 to 12 minutes.

It is important to note that different air fryer models may vary in terms of cooking efficiency. Some air fryers may cook food more quickly or slowly than others. Therefore, it is recommended to keep an eye on your chicken strips during the cooking process and adjust the timing accordingly.

Additionally, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes before adding the chicken strips, while others suggest that preheating is unnecessary.

It is worth mentioning that some sources recommend flipping the chicken strips halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides. However, this step may depend on the specific model of your air fryer and its ability to circulate air effectively.

Should you flip the chicken strips?

Whether or not you should flip frozen chicken strips while cooking them in an air fryer depends on the model of your air fryer and how evenly it is able to circulate hot air. Some air fryers may require you to flip the chicken strips halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides. Others, like the Phillips XXL Air Fryer, are designed to circulate air effectively, eliminating the need to flip your chicken strips.

If you are unsure whether your air fryer can cook food evenly without flipping, it is recommended to check on your chicken strips halfway through the cooking process and flip them if necessary. This will ensure that your chicken strips are cooked evenly and don't end up with a soggy side.

It is also important to note that the cooking time and temperature for frozen chicken strips may vary depending on the brand, size, and thickness of the strips, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Always refer to the package instructions and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

What temperature to cook at?

The temperature you cook your frozen chicken strips at will depend on whether they are raw or pre-cooked, and the model of your air fryer.

If you are cooking raw chicken strips, it is important to ensure that they are cooked to a safe minimum temperature. In the United States, the recommended safe minimum internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.

For pre-cooked chicken strips, you can cook them at a high temperature for a short amount of time. The exact temperature and time will depend on the model of your air fryer and the size and thickness of your chicken strips.

Some air fryers, such as the Phillips XXL Air Fryer, go up to 400°F. For this model, it is recommended to cook frozen chicken strips at the highest temperature for 8-10 minutes. If you are cooking a large quantity of chicken strips, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time and turn the chicken halfway through.

Other air fryer models may have lower maximum temperatures. For example, one source recommends preheating your air fryer to 380°F (180°C) and cooking the chicken strips for 11-12 minutes.

If your air fryer has a lower maximum temperature, you can use a general rule of thumb to convert an oven recipe to an air fryer recipe. 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. If the cooking time is 15 minutes in the oven, expect to cook your food for about 12 minutes in the air fryer. However, it is recommended to start checking on the chicken at the halfway point, as some air fryers run very hot.

If you are cooking raw chicken strips, it is recommended to cook them at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. One source recommends cooking uncooked frozen tenders at 350°F/180°C for 12-16 minutes if raw, or 8-12 minutes if pre-cooked. Another source recommends cooking raw chicken strips in an air fryer that reaches 400°F for 22-28 minutes, depending on their size, flipping them halfway through.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken strips and the model of your air fryer. It is recommended to check the chicken occasionally and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed.

What to serve with chicken strips?

Chicken strips are a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides to enhance your meal. Here are some ideas to elevate your chicken strips and create a delicious and nutritious feast:

Starchy Sides

Starches are an excellent source of energy and can be easily incorporated as side dishes. Consider pairing your chicken strips with:

• Potato wedges: A tasty alternative to regular French fries, potato wedges are easy to prepare and can be baked in the oven with a variety of seasonings.
• Hush puppies: A classic Southern side dish, hush puppies are made with cornmeal and are perfect for dipping in sauces.
• Roasted red potatoes: Toss red potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese, then bake until crispy.
• Mac and cheese: A crowd-pleaser, especially among kids. Try adding different types of cheese for a fuller flavor.
• Sweet potato fries: A healthier alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory taste sensation.
• Baked zucchini chips: A nutritious and crispy option, perfect for dipping in various sauces.

Vegetable Sides

Vegetables provide essential nutrients and can be a delicious addition to your chicken strips:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Drizzle Brussels sprouts with a sweet balsamic glaze and roast for a flavorful side dish.
• Sautéed green beans: A quick and easy option, ready in less than 30 minutes, that adds a pop of color to your plate.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing and light option, perfect for serving cold or at room temperature alongside your chicken strips.
• Corn: A versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a salad or fritters.
• Asparagus: Drizzle with olive oil and bake for a crunchy, healthy side that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Dips and Sauces

No chicken strip meal is complete without a delicious dip or sauce:

• Honey mustard sauce: A classic combination that only takes five ingredients and five minutes to prepare.
• Barbecue sauce: Sweet and tangy, it pairs perfectly with the crispy coating of the chicken strips.
• Pesto: Add a unique flavor to your meal by pairing your chicken strips with a creamy pesto dip or bruschetta.
• Ranch dressing: A cool and creamy dressing that complements the crispiness of the chicken strips.

Other Creative Sides

Think outside the box with these unique sides:

• Fried pickles: Add a crunchy and acidic element to your meal. Dip them in ranch or sesame dressing for an explosion of flavors.
• Cornbread: A Southern favorite, slightly sweet and filling, that pairs perfectly with chicken strips.
• Glazed vegetables: Try glazing vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and celery with a mixture of butter, sugar, and lemon juice for a sweet and savory contrast.
• Waffles or pancakes: For a comforting and indulgent meal, pair your chicken strips with waffles or pancakes and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.

Frequently asked questions