Air Fryer Chicken Fingers: The Crispy, Frozen Treat

Chicken fingers are a classic finger food that can be made in an air fryer for a quick, convenient, and healthy snack or meal. They are easy to prepare and only require a few simple ingredients. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make perfectly crispy and delicious chicken fingers that your family will love.

How to Make Frozen Chicken Fingers in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating, you ensure the air inside is hot enough to create a crispy exterior on your chicken tenders while keeping the inside moist and tender.

To preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C, start by turning on your appliance and setting the temperature to the desired level. Allow the air fryer to heat up for a few minutes before adding your chicken. This will ensure that your chicken tenders cook evenly and have that desirable crunchy texture.

Depending on your air fryer model, the preheating time may vary. Some air fryers may take longer to reach the set temperature, so it's a good idea to refer to your appliance's user manual for specific instructions.

Once your air fryer has preheated to 400°F/200°C, you can proceed with the next steps of preparing and cooking your frozen chicken tenders. Remember to follow food safety guidelines and handle the chicken with care to avoid any cross-contamination.

By following the preheating instructions and allowing your air fryer to reach the desired temperature, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy chicken tenders that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature

Using a meat thermometer is a great way to ensure your chicken fingers are cooked safely. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165ºF/74ºC. This is a food safety measure and will ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly.

If you are cooking raw chicken, it is important to check the internal temperature. You can do this by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken finger. Make sure not to touch the bone, as this will give an inaccurate reading. The thermometer should reach 165ºF/74ºC. If it hasn't, return the chicken to the air fryer and cook in 2-minute intervals until the desired temperature is reached.

If you are cooking pre-cooked chicken, you can also check the internal temperature to ensure it has reached 165ºF/74ºC. However, this is not as crucial, as the chicken has already been cooked.

It is worth noting that the cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the brand and product. Therefore, it is always good to check the packaging instructions and use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Additionally, if you are cooking a large batch of chicken fingers, it is a good idea to check the temperature of multiple pieces, as the temperature can vary depending on the placement in the air fryer.

Don't overcrowd the basket

When preparing frozen chicken fingers in an air fryer, it's important to avoid overcrowding the basket. While it may be tempting to stack or squish the chicken fingers to cook more at once, this can lead to disappointing results.

Air fryers rely on proper airflow and circulation to cook food evenly and create that desirable crispy texture. When the basket is overcrowded, the hot air cannot circulate properly, leading to uneven cooking and a higher chance of sogginess.

To ensure your chicken fingers cook evenly and turn out crispy, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate freely and cook the chicken fingers from all sides.

Cooking in batches may seem like a hassle, but it is worth it for the superior results. By cooking smaller batches, you ensure that each chicken finger receives adequate airflow and heat, resulting in a consistent texture and taste.

Additionally, overcrowding can lengthen the cooking time, as the air fryer struggles to maintain the set temperature when overloaded. Cooking in batches helps maintain the desired temperature and reduces the overall cooking time.

In conclusion, when preparing frozen chicken fingers in an air fryer, always remember to give them ample space in the basket. By avoiding overcrowding, you'll achieve that perfect crispiness and even cooking that makes air-fried food so desirable.

Use a cooking oil spray for extra crispiness

If you're after that extra bit of crispiness, using a cooking oil spray on your frozen chicken fingers before air frying is a great option. It's worth noting that some recipes suggest this step is unnecessary, but if you want that golden-brown crust, it's a good idea.

When choosing a cooking oil spray, it's best to avoid sprays like PAM, which can ruin the air fryer's non-stick lining. Instead, opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or avocado oil. These types of oils will give you the best results and help create an even crispiness across your chicken fingers.

Simply preheat your air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC for 5 minutes. Then, spray your frozen chicken fingers with a light coating of cooking oil. Make sure they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket with no overlap. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.

For pre-cooked chicken tenders, air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Thinner chicken strips will take closer to 8 minutes, while thicker ones may need the full 12 minutes.

If you're cooking uncooked frozen tenders, increase the cooking time to 22-28 minutes, again flipping halfway. And if you want them even crispier, give them a light spray of cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer.

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

Now you know the secret to extra crispy chicken fingers! Enjoy that golden crunch and juicy tenderness straight from your air fryer.

Pre-cooked tenders will take 8-12 minutes

Pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders are super easy to cook in an air fryer. You can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer and have them ready to eat in minutes.

First, preheat your air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC for 5 minutes. Then, spread the frozen chicken tenders into a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring there's no overlap.

For pre-cooked tenders, air fry them for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the tenders; thinner chicken strips will take closer to 8 minutes, while thicker/bigger chicken tenders will take 10-12 minutes.

Once they're done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve your air fryer chicken tenders with your favourite dipping sauce and some sides, such as fries or a salad.

Frequently asked questions