Air Fryer Chicken Fries: How Long To Fry?

Chicken fries are a kid-friendly snack and a great alternative to chicken nuggets. They can be made in an air fryer in just 10 minutes. The air fryer is a high-powered, countertop convection oven that cooks food by blowing hot air down and around it. It is a healthier alternative to deep frying or pan-frying, and it also saves time and is easier to clean.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken fries will cook evenly and efficiently. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for cooking chicken fries:

Firstly, it is important to note that not all air fryers are created equal. Some air fryers have a built-in preheat functionality, while others may not. If your air fryer does have this feature, simply turn it on and wait for it to reach the desired temperature before proceeding to the next step.

If your air fryer does not have a built-in preheat function, don't worry. You can easily preheat it manually. Start by setting your air fryer to the desired temperature, which is typically between 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking chicken fries. You can refer to your specific air fryer's instructions for the optimal temperature. Once you've set the temperature, let the air fryer run for a few minutes, usually around 3 to 5 minutes, to ensure it heats up sufficiently.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken fries. It is recommended to keep the chicken fries frozen until you are ready to cook them. This ensures that they cook evenly and maintain their shape. You can simply take them out of the freezer and place them directly into the air fryer when it's preheated and ready to go.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to ensure that the air fryer basket is in place. This is where you will place your chicken fries for cooking. Some air fryers may have different settings for preheating, so be sure to refer to your air fryer's instructions manual for specific guidelines.

Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature and you've prepared your chicken fries, you are almost ready to start cooking. It is recommended to lightly coat the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or a light layer of oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. However, this step is optional, as some air fryers may not require it.

Now, you are ready to place your chicken fries into the preheated air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the quantity of chicken fries, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. It is important to place them in a single layer, ensuring that there is a little space between each piece, so that they cook evenly and get crispy.

In summary, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your chicken fries cook properly. By following the above steps, you can easily preheat your air fryer, whether it has a built-in function or not, and be on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy chicken fries in no time!

Don't thaw the chicken fries

If you're using frozen chicken fries, it's best not to thaw them before putting them in the air fryer. This is because they can get mushy and lose their crispiness. Keeping them frozen until you're ready to cook will ensure they turn out perfectly crispy and delicious.

When preparing the chicken fries for the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer in the fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping or stacked, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly and getting crispy. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer.

Set your air fryer to 380-400°F and cook the chicken fries for about 8-10 minutes. Remember to shake the basket or turn the chicken fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

If you're serving these to children, let them cool for about 10 minutes after cooking, as they will be very hot. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, or honey sriracha sauce.

Single layer in the basket

Cooking chicken fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. For best results, it is recommended that you place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, without stacking them, so that they crisp evenly. This will allow the hot air to circulate around the fries and properly crisp up the breading.

Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F. If your air fryer doesn't have a built-in preheat functionality, place the empty basket inside and heat it up for around 5 minutes.

Now, lay the chicken fries in a single layer in the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Make sure there is a little space between each fry.

Cook the fries for around 9-10 minutes at 380-400 degrees F. It's a good idea to shake the basket or turn the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. If you are using a thicker brand of chicken fries, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Once the chicken fries are golden and crispy, they are ready to serve! Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce.

If you have any leftover chicken fries, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350-380 degrees F and lay the leftover fries in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Shake the basket halfway through

Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process is an important step in ensuring your chicken fries cook evenly and turn out crispy and golden. By giving the basket a good shake, you help to rotate the fries and ensure that they all get their turn at the bottom of the basket, where the hottest air is. This is especially important if your air fryer doesn't have a built-in function to rotate the basket automatically.

Shaking the basket also helps to prevent the chicken fries from sticking. While the fries do contain some oil already, which will help to prevent sticking, giving them a shake will ensure they don't stay in one place for too long and become glued to the basket.

When you shake the basket, you can also take the opportunity to gently toss the fries. This will help them cook evenly and ensure that every fry reaches its maximum crispiness. Just be sure to handle them gently so as not to break up the fries or dislodge any breading.

Finally, shaking the basket will give you a chance to check on the progress of your chicken fries. You can assess whether they need a little longer to reach the desired level of crispiness, or if they are already cooked to perfection and ready to be devoured. Remember, every air fryer is different, so it's important to keep an eye on your food to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Reheat in the air fryer

If you have leftover chicken fries, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350–380°F. Lay the leftover chicken fries in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes, until heated through and crispy.

You can also reheat chicken breasts in the air fryer. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer and rewarm them gently at 350°F.

Frequently asked questions