Air Fryer Chicken Fries: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken fries are a quick and easy snack to make in an air fryer. You can use any brand of frozen chicken fries and cook them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to between 380-400°F (199-200°C) and cook for 3-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You can spritz the basket with oil before cooking, but this is not necessary as the chicken fries already contain oil. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your chicken fries will cook evenly and efficiently. To preheat your air fryer, set the temperature to between 380°F and 400°F. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer model and personal preference. For example, some recipes recommend preheating to 380°F, while others suggest 400°F.

Once you've set the temperature, let the air fryer run for a few minutes to heat up. This usually takes around 5 minutes, but it can vary depending on the model. It's important to note that you don't need to add any oil to the air fryer during the preheating process, as the chicken fries already contain oil to prevent sticking.

If you're using a high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil, spritz a small amount into the bottom of the air fryer basket before preheating. This will help prevent any smoke from occurring at high temperatures. However, be careful not to add too much oil, as it can make your chicken fries greasy.

After preheating, you can proceed to the next step of placing your chicken fries in the air fryer and cooking them to crispy perfection!

Place chicken fries in a single layer

When cooking chicken fries in an air fryer, it's important to place them in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and prevents the fries from sticking together.

To start, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 380-400°F (190-200°C), but you can adjust this slightly depending on your preference and the brand of chicken fries you're using.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange the chicken fries. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. This step is crucial because if the chicken fries are stacked or crowded, they may not cook evenly. You want each fry to have direct contact with the hot air circulating in the air fryer.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken fries in batches to ensure they're in a single layer. This might be necessary if you have a smaller air fryer or a large quantity of chicken fries.

By placing the chicken fries in a single layer, you'll achieve crispy, golden chicken fries that are cooked through evenly. This technique ensures that the hot air circulates around each fry, resulting in a delicious, consistent texture and colour.

Cook for 3-10 minutes

Cooking chicken fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty snack or side dish. Once you have preheated your air fryer and laid out your chicken fries, it's time to cook them. Depending on the brand of your chicken fries, the thickness of the fries, and the temperature of your air fryer, the cooking time will vary.

For example, if you are using the Tyson Any’tizers brand, it is recommended to cook your chicken fries for 10 minutes at 380°F (193°C), shaking the basket halfway through. This will ensure that the breading is crispy and golden, and that the chicken is heated all the way through.

If you are using a different brand, such as Kirkwood, Schwans, or Earth’s Best, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For instance, cooking chicken fries at 390°F (199°C) for 8 minutes, or at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes, are also options.

Regardless of the specific cooking time and temperature, it is important to keep an eye on your chicken fries to ensure they don't overcook or burn. Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process can help to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Shake the basket halfway through

When cooking chicken fries in an air fryer, it's important to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the fries from sticking to the basket.

To do this, simply open the air fryer and gently shake the basket back and forth or up and down a few times. Be careful not to burn yourself on the hot air or the basket.

Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents hot spots from forming. It also allows any steam that has built up to escape, ensuring that the fries remain crispy and golden.

By shaking the basket, you can also check on the progress of your chicken fries and ensure they are cooking evenly. If you notice any areas that seem to be cooking faster than others, you can adjust the fries accordingly before placing the basket back into the air fryer to finish cooking.

Serve with your favourite dipping sauce

Chicken fries are a delicious snack, and even better when they're cooked in an air fryer! Once you've cooked your chicken fries, you can serve them with your favourite dipping sauce.

There are so many sauces to choose from, and it really depends on your personal preference. You could go for a classic tomato ketchup, or maybe you prefer something with a bit more spice, like a sriracha mayo or a chipotle ketchup. If you're feeling fancy, you could even make your own dipping sauce by mixing together some mayonnaise, garlic, and herbs.

If you're looking for something a little healthier, you could dip your chicken fries in a yogurt-based sauce. A simple tzatziki sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic is a great option. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you could try a sauce made with yogurt, mint, and a touch of honey.

Whatever sauce you choose, make sure you have plenty of napkins on hand, as things might get a little messy!

Frequently asked questions