Air-Fryer Tyson Chicken Strips: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, look no further than air-fried Tyson chicken strips. In this article, we'll walk you through the simple process of cooking these chicken strips in your air fryer, achieving the perfect level of crispiness while keeping the insides tender and juicy. We'll also offer some tips and tricks to ensure your chicken strips turn out delicious every time.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for Tyson chicken strips in an air fryer will depend on the type of chicken strips you are using and your desired level of crispiness.

If you are using frozen raw chicken strips, you should cook them for 10 minutes at 180°C/360°F. You can then cook them for an additional 2-5 minutes at the same temperature or increase the temperature to 200°C/400°F for the final 2 minutes if you want them to be crispier.

If you are using frozen fully cooked chicken strips, you do not need to add the additional cooking time. Simply cook them for 10 minutes at 180°C/360°F for a standard level of crispiness.

However, if you want your chicken strips to be extra crispy, you can spritz them with extra virgin olive oil or cooking spray and cook them for 12 minutes at 400°F/205°C. If you are using an oven-style air fryer, you may need to flip the strips over halfway through.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so you may need to adjust the timing after cooking your first batch of chicken strips.

How to make the chicken strips extra crispy

How to Make Tyson Chicken Strips Extra Crispy in an Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 Bag of Frozen Tyson Chicken Strips
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray
• Optional: Your favourite sauces for serving

Method:

• Remove the frozen chicken strips from the packaging.
• Place as many chicken strips in the air fryer as will fit without overcrowding.
• Cook for 10 minutes at 180°C/360°F.
• For crispier chicken strips, cook for a further 2 minutes at 200°C/400°F and spray with extra virgin olive oil.

Tips for Extra Crispiness:

• Spray the chicken strips with olive oil spray before cooking.
• Cook for a couple of minutes at the highest setting (usually 200°C/400°F).
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Pat the chicken dry after brining and before air frying.
• Use enough oil spray to cover all parts of the breading.

How to serve the chicken strips

Once your chicken strips are cooked, it's time to serve them! Here are some tips and suggestions for serving Tyson chicken strips cooked in an air fryer:

• Dipping sauces: Chicken strips are often served with dipping sauces. You can offer a variety of sauces such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, or even a cheese dip. Get creative and offer a selection for your guests to choose from.
• Side dishes: While chicken strips are often considered a main course, you can also serve them as an appetiser or side dish. If you're serving them as a main, consider pairing them with classic sides like frozen fries, or healthier options like salad, green beans, slaw, or broccoli.
• Presentation: When plating your chicken strips, consider arranging them neatly on a serving dish. You can also garnish the dish with fresh herbs or sliced lemons to add a pop of colour and freshness.
• Temperature: Serve the chicken strips while they are still hot and crispy. If you need to keep them warm for a bit before serving, you can place them in an oven set to a low temperature or in a warming drawer.
• Portion size: Depending on the occasion and your guest's appetites, you may want to consider serving sizes. For a main course, plan for 3-5 strips per person. If serving as an appetiser or side, 1-2 strips per person should be sufficient.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftover chicken strips, let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed as a cold snack or reheated in the air fryer for a crispy treat the next day.

Why use an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying. They are also great for cooking frozen foods, reheating leftovers, and cooking small batches of food. Here are some reasons why you may want to use an air fryer to make Tyson chicken strips or other dishes:

Convenience and Speed

Air fryers heat up much faster than traditional ovens, and they can cook food more quickly. This makes them ideal for cooking frozen foods like chicken strips, fries, tots, hash browns, and chicken tenders, which can be perfectly cooked in about 10-15 minutes. They are also great for reheating leftovers, such as pizza, breaded chicken, and BBQ chicken, giving them a crispy texture without drying them out.

Health Benefits

Air fryers require little to no oil, as they use hot air and a fan to circulate heat around the food. This makes them a lower-fat and lower-calorie alternative to deep frying. For example, air-fried chicken strips have fewer calories compared to deep-fried ones. Air fryers are also ideal for hot-weather cooking as they generate less heat than traditional ovens.

Versatility and Ease of Use

Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that can be used for more than just crisping up foods. They can be used for roasting vegetables, cooking meats, and even baking cookies, cakes, and pies. Some air fryers come with accessories like pizza pans, grilling trays, and cake barrels, while others are multicookers that combine an air fryer, toaster oven, and pressure cooker in one. Air fryers are also relatively easy to use and require less cleanup than deep frying.

Space-Saving

Air fryers are countertop appliances that take up less space than a traditional oven. They are perfect for smaller households or for those who have limited kitchen space. However, it's important to note that air fryers can only cook small batches of food at a time.

How to avoid drying out the chicken strips

To avoid drying out the chicken strips when using an air fryer, you can follow these tips:

• Preheat the air fryer: Creating a hot air environment helps lock in moisture.
• Add moisture or oil: Lightly coat the chicken strips with oil before cooking to seal in moisture.
• Monitor the cooking time: Keep a close eye on the strips to prevent overcooking.
• Cover with foil: If the strips are browning too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminium foil to prevent over-browning.
• Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Flatten the chicken: Use a meat tenderiser to flatten the chicken breasts before cooking. This will reduce the cooking time and help to ensure the chicken doesn't dry out.
• Cut into strips: Cut the chicken breasts into strips before cooking. This will reduce the cooking time and help prevent the chicken from drying out.
• Marinade: Marinating the chicken in a water-salt mix for 15-30 minutes before cooking will help the chicken retain moisture.

Frequently asked questions