Are you craving crispy delicious chicken fries but not sure how long to cook them in your air fryer? You’re not alone! I’ve been experimenting with chicken fries for years, and I’m excited to share the perfect timing secrets to get that golden crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
The Basic Chicken Fry Cooking Time
If you’re wondering “how long should I cook chicken fries in the air fryer?”, here’s your straightforward answer
For most chicken fries, cook at 400°F (200°C) for:
- Frozen chicken fries: 10-12 minutes
- Fresh homemade chicken fries: 12-15 minutes
But wait! There’s more to know for truly perfect results…
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
Several things can affect how long your chicken fries need to cook:
- How frozen they are: Deeply frozen fries need more time
- Size and thickness: Thicker fries require longer cooking
- Quantity: More fries = potentially longer cooking time
- Your specific air fryer: Each model heats differently
- Desired crispiness level: Extra crispy needs more time
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Chicken Fries Guide
Here’s my foolproof method for perfect chicken fries every time
- Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (most recipes recommend 380°F for Tyson brand and 400°F for others)
- Arrange chicken fries in a single layer in the basket – don’t overcrowd!
- Cook for 5 minutes, then shake the basket
- Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy
- Check for doneness – chicken should reach internal temperature of 165°F
- Add extra time if needed (1-2 minutes) for extra crispiness
Pro tip: That middle shake is NOT optional! Shaking the basket halfway through ensures even cooking and prevents burnt or unevenly cooked fries.
Different Brands, Different Times?
While the cooking method stays the same, you might need slight adjustments based on the brand:
- Tyson Any’tizers: 10 minutes at 380°F
- Earth’s Best Organic: 7-8 minutes total (smaller fries cook faster!)
- Kirkwood, Schwans, other brands: Follow the 10-minute guide but check for doneness
Making Them Extra Crispy
Want that extra crunch? Try these tips:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray
- For super crispiness, you can lightly spray the tops of the chicken fries too (don’t overdo it!)
- If fries aren’t crispy enough after the initial cooking time, add 1-2 more minutes
No Need to Thaw!
One of the best things about air fryer chicken fries is that you don’t need to thaw them first! Actually, cooking them from frozen gives the best results. Just take them straight from the freezer to the air fryer basket.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy treats pair perfectly with:
- Ranch dressing
- BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard
- Ketchup
- Garlic aioli
- Avocado lime crema
Reheating Leftover Chicken Fries
Got leftovers? Here’s how to make them crispy again:
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F
- Place leftover chicken fries in a single layer
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy again
Why Air Fryer Chicken Fries Are Superior
I’ve tried making chicken fries in the oven, microwave, and deep fryer, but the air fryer wins every time because:
- Healthier: Uses significantly less oil than traditional frying
- Better texture: Crispy outside, juicy inside
- Time-saving: Cooks faster than conventional ovens
- Less mess: No oil splatters or multiple pans
- Even cooking: Circulating hot air creates perfect results
Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are solutions to common issues:
- Fries not crispy enough? Cook 1-2 minutes longer
- Burning on edges? Lower temperature by 10 degrees
- Uneven cooking? Make sure to shake the basket and avoid overcrowding
- Sticking to basket? Light spray of oil on the basket helps
Final Thoughts
Air fryer chicken fries are one of those easy, crowd-pleasing foods that never disappoint. Whether you’re making a quick snack for the kids or satisfying your own cravings, the air fryer delivers crispy, tasty results in just 10 minutes.
Remember the key timing: 10-12 minutes for frozen fries, shaking halfway through, at 380-400°F. Adjust based on your specific air fryer and desired crispiness level.
I keep a bag of chicken fries in my freezer at all times for those moments when I need a quick and satisfying meal. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have the energy to cook something elaborate but still want something delicious!
Happy air frying!
What Makes This Method So Good
- If you’ve never had chicken fries, allow me to introduce you. They’re literally like chicken nuggets, just in the shape of typical french fries. I don’t know why, but something about chicken nuggets being in a different shape immediately makes them more fun to eat, and tastier, too. People love them so much that there was a big uproar when Burger King discontinued them, so BK brought them back and kept them on the menu. Talk about popularity! You don’t have to hit the drive through to get them, though. Chicken fries are generally available right in the frozen foods section of most grocery stores. You can even find organic versions if that’s your thing.
- Cooking frozen chicken fries in the air fryer is honestly the only way I’ll cook them from now on. The process is super simple and FAST. There’s minimal clean-up. The breading comes out golden and crispy without being fried in heavy oil. The chicken inside is tender and juicy. It’s seriously perfect.
- No need to thaw the food before putting it in the air fryer! This recipe’s designed for cooking frozen chicken fries right out of the freezer. If you’ve already defrosted yours, or if you’re just trying to reheat some chicken fries, you can use the same basic method. You just won’t need to cook them as long!
- For extra crispy chicken fries, lightly spray the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray AND lightly spray the tops of the chicken once they’re in the basket. Don’t overdo it, just a little will do the trick. You don’t want them to end up greasy or soggy.
- The part where you shake the basket to toss the chicken fries? Yeah, that’s not optional. If you skip that step and just cook them for 10 minutes straight, you’ll likely end up with burnt or unevenly-cooked chicken. Shaking the basket is a must!
- How long does it take to cook frozen chicken fries in the air fryer? About 7-10 minutes! It really all comes down to a few key factors. 1) How frozen the chicken fries are. 2) The size and thickness of the chicken fries. 3) How many chicken fries you’re cooking. 4) The age, size, and general behavior of your specific air fryer. Make sure you check the progress several times so you can guarantee the chicken fries aren’t being over (or under) cooked.
Try These Air Fryer Recipes Next
If you loved this recipe as much as we did, don’t forget to leave us a review below. ★ Follow Easy Healthy Recipes on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, too!
For more delicious recipes, visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.
Air Fryer Chicken Fries – How To Cook Frozen Chicken Fries In The Air Fryer
FAQ
How long do chicken fries take in an air fryer?
Homemade chicken fries using fresh raw chicken takes 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. For the best crispy results cooking at 340°F/170°C works best.Aug 30, 2022
How long should you fry chicken in an air fryer?
How long to air fry frozen chicken fries at 400 degrees?
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use parchment paper. Spread the frozen chicken fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook chicken fries for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and crunchy.