Are you standing in front of your air fryer with a bag of frozen chicken strips wondering exactly how long to cook them? You’re not alone! This question pops up in kitchens everywhere and I’m here to give you the definitive answer plus some handy tips to make your air-fried chicken strips absolutely perfect every time.
The Quick Answer: Timing for Frozen Chicken Strips
For those who just want the basic timing info (I get it. you’re hungry!)
Standard cooking time: Cook frozen chicken strips in the air fryer for 11 to 12 minutes at 380°F (180°C) for perfect crispiness.
But wait! There’s more to know that can make your chicken strips even better,
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Frozen Chicken Strips
Let’s break down the process into simple steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes (if your model requires preheating)
- Arrange the frozen chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket
- Avoid overcrowding – leave some space between strips for air circulation
- Cook for 11-12 minutes until golden and crispy
- Flip halfway through cooking (around the 5-6 minute mark) for even crispiness
- Check for doneness – strips should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces
Why Air Frying Frozen Chicken Strips Works So Well
The air fryer has completely changed how we cook frozen foods. Here’s why it’s perfect for chicken strips:
- Faster than the oven – no preheating required for most models
- Crispier results than microwave cooking
- Less oil than traditional deep frying
- Even cooking thanks to hot air circulation
- No thawing needed – cook straight from frozen
Different Types of Frozen Chicken Strips
Not all chicken strips are created equal! Here’s what you need to know:
Pre-Cooked vs. Raw
Most frozen chicken strips are pre-cooked, which makes air frying them simple. But some brands sell raw breaded chicken strips. If yours are raw, you’ll need to add a few extra minutes of cooking time (about 14-15 minutes total) and definitely check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Thickness Matters
Thin, small chicken strips may only need 8-10 minutes, while thicker, larger ones might need the full 12 minutes or even a bit more.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there! Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overcrowding the basket – this prevents proper air circulation
- Not flipping halfway through cooking
- Setting temperature too high – this burns the outside before the inside cooks
- Using oil spray on already breaded strips (usually not necessary)
- Not checking for doneness – different brands may require slightly different times
Brand-Specific Cooking Times
Different brands may need slight adjustments. Here’s what works for popular brands:
- Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips: 10-12 minutes at 380°F
- Great Value Chicken Strips: 11-12 minutes at 380°F
- Foster Farms: 10-12 minutes at 380°F
- Schwan’s Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Strips: 8-10 minutes at 380°F (these cook a bit faster!)
Making Your Meal Complete
What goes great with air fried chicken strips? Try these quick sides that can be made while your chicken is cooking:
- Air fryer tater tots (cook at same temp for about 15 minutes)
- Simple side salad
- Carrot sticks and celery
- Air fryer carrot fries
- Roasted potatoes and green beans
Best Dipping Sauces for Chicken Strips
Don’t forget the dips! Here are some favorites:
- Classic ranch dressing
- BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard
- Buffalo sauce
- Thousand island
- Chili oil or hot sauce
- Ketchup (a kid favorite!)
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
- Store cooled leftover strips in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy again
- Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain crispiness
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
After making countless batches of air fryer chicken strips, I’ve learned a few tricks:
- For extra crispy strips, give them a quick spritz with oil spray before cooking (but only if they aren’t heavily breaded already)
- If strips are stuck together when frozen, separate them before cooking
- Let the strips rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to let the breading set
- Try adding a dash of garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite seasoning for extra flavor
- Different air fryer models cook differently – after your first batch, you’ll know if you need to adjust time up or down slightly
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Having problems? Here are solutions:
- Strips not crispy enough? Cook for 1-2 minutes longer or increase temp to 400°F for the last 2 minutes
- Outside burning but inside cold? Lower temp to 360°F and cook longer
- Breading falling off? Make sure to flip gently and consider spraying with a bit of oil first
Health Considerations
For those watching their nutrition:
- Most frozen chicken strips range from 200-300 calories per serving
- Look for air fryer-specific brands which sometimes have less fat
- Balance your meal with veggies for a more nutritious option
- Some brands offer gluten-free options if needed
Final Thoughts
The air fryer truly is the best way to cook frozen chicken strips – it’s quicker than the oven, healthier than deep frying, and gives you that perfect crispy exterior that kids and adults love.
Remember the magic number: 11 to 12 minutes at 380°F is your starting point. From there, you can adjust based on your specific air fryer and the brand of chicken strips you’re using.
Now go enjoy those perfectly crispy chicken strips! They’re waiting for you!
Tips to Make the Best Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
- If you’re cooking larger pieces of frozen chicken tenderloin in air fryer, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Consider using a meat thermometer to make sure the air fryer frozen chicken strips are thoroughly cooked (165 degrees F).
- Allow the air fryer frozen chicken tenders to sit for a minute or two after cooking to lock in the juices.
- Shake the basket a couple of times as you air fry to make the best, most evenly crispy frozen chicken tenderloin in the air fryer.
- I like to use Tyson chicken tenders in the air fryer, but you can make air fried chicken with brands like Perdue, Pilgrims, Foster Farms, or any generic store brand.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Strips
Frozen Chicken Strips in the Air Fryer [Quick & Easy]
FAQ
Can You air Fry frozen chicken strips?
Before you make air fryer frozen chicken strips, have a quick look at these recipe tips: There is no need to thaw the chicken strips first. You also don’t need to spray them with oil. Simply add them to the preheated air fryer from frozen. Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer. Otherwise, the chicken strips might not get as crispy.
How long to cook frozen chicken strips in air fryer?
Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent proper airflow and result in unevenly cooked chicken. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the brand of frozen chicken strips and the size of your air fryer. However, a general guideline is to cook the chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
How do you cook frozen chicken in an air fryer?
Place the frozen chicken strips in the air fryer basket and spread out into a single even layer. No oil spray is needed. Air Fry at 400°F/205°C for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over. Continue to cook at 400°F/205°C for another 2-5 minutes or until cooked through and crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce if desired. No Oil Necessary.
Can you cook chicken in an air fryer?
Your air fryer might also cook hotter or cooler than the one we use. As long as your chicken strips are crispy brown on the outside and heated through in the inside, you’re good to go! Be sure to clean your air fryer after cooking since even dry crumbs from the breading can build up over time in the air fryer!
Can You reheat chicken strips in an air fryer?
To reheat your chicken strips, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their crispy exterior. You can also use the oven if you don’t have access to an air fryer, but be advised that the texture may not be as crispy.
Can you cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer?
Frozen chicken tenders or strips are sold in 2 ways: frozen fully cooked or frozen raw. Fully Cooked breaded frozen chicken tenders are super easy to cook in the air fryer. They can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer and cooked in minutes. You’re basically just re-heating the frozen chicken strips to be crunchy and warm in the air fryer.
How long do frozen chicken strips take in the air fryer?
You should cook chicken strips at the highest temperature your Air Fryer offers. In the case of my Phillips XXL Air Fryer, it goes up to 400°F. For typical frozen chicken strips, you should cook them for 8-10 minutes. Depending on your brand, if you have thin and small chicken strips they will only take 6-8 minutes.
How long do you cook frozen chicken strips?
How long for chicken strips in air fryer at 400 degrees?