Try making Frozen Chicken Strips in the Air Fryer, and you will want to air fry them every time! Air frying frozen chicken strips takes under 15 minutes and calls for only four simple steps. Enjoy crispy, golden-brown chicken strips for a quick air fryer dinner, lunch, or snack!
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Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Strips
Chicken tender lovers, get ready to bookmark this recipe! Cooking frozen chicken strips in an air fryer is a game-changer. Not only can you cook them straight out of the freezer for convenience, but the air fryer crisps them up to crunchy golden-brown perfection on the outside, with a tender, juicy inside.
The circulating hot air in the air fryer results in crispy chicken strips every time, mimicking deep-frying without all the excess oil and mess. The air fryer simplifies every step of the process, and all with a 10 minute cook time and minimal cleanup!
Learn more about How Air Fryers Work and How to Clean your Air Fryer.
Follow our step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen chicken strips in the air fryer below, complete with expert tips and frequently asked questions. Plus, our favorite dipping sauce suggestions! Let's get air frying!
Ingredients
- Frozen Chicken Strips: Purchase frozen breaded chicken strips from your local grocery store or supermarket in the freezer section. Look for reputable brands with no added preservatives or excessive seasoning. They may also be labeled as frozen chicken tenderloins.
- Oil: Opt for a high-quality avocado oil with a mild flavor or choose another high smoke point oil if you prefer, such as olive oil. We prefer avocado oil in a spray bottle as it adds a light, neutral flavor and helps in achieving a crispy texture on the outside of the air fryer chicken tenders. NOTE: Avoid using pressurized cooking sprays with additives, as it could damage the non-stick coating in your air fryer. Learn more: Air Frying Oils
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How to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Strips
Step 1 - Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.
Step 2 - Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure no chicken strips overlap. Air fry in batches if necessary.
Step 3 - Air fry: Air fry the chicken strips for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cook time, flip the chicken strips to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 3 - Serve: Plate your delicious chicken strips with a dipping sauce of your choice, and enjoy! See below for our serving suggestions!
Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
The following instructions are for toaster oven style air fryers, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the chicken strips in a single layer on the air fryer tray. Make sure no chicken strips overlap. Air fry in batches if necessary.
- Air fry: Air fry the chicken strips for 12-14 minutes. Halfway through the cook time, flip the chicken strips using tongs to ensure they cook evenly.
- Serve: When heated through and crispy, remove from the air fryer to a serving plate and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- For even crispier chicken strips, spray lightly with oil before air frying.
- Important Note: If using oil, use a spray bottle filled with your desired oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Avoid using pressurized cooking sprays with additives as it could damage the non-stick coating in your air fryer.
- Cook from frozen – Do not thaw first.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as it can lead to uneven cooking.
- To maintain crispiness, serve the chicken strips immediately after cooking.
- Recipe time and temperature is based on a preheated air fryer. If you're cooking in batches, subsequent batches may cook more quickly.
- All air fryer models vary. Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer oven.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers of your air fryer frozen chicken tenders, follow these steps to keep them fresh:
- Allow the chicken strips to cool to room temperature.
- Place the leftovers in an airtight container.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to restore their crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your air-fried chicken strips with dipping sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. Any dipping sauce you enjoy with chicken nuggets, you will love with chicken strips.
- Serve with fresh vegetables on the side, such as Air Fryer Green Beans or Air Fryer Broccoli.
- Chicken strips are always delicious with french fries, such as Air Fryer Arby's Fries, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, or Air Fryer Checkers Famous Fries for a tasty air fryer dinner!
- For a healthier side dish, pair these chicken strips with a simple garden salad.
FAQ
Yes, you can. However, it is much easier to cook frozen chicken tenders as they are convenient and cook faster. For fresh chicken strips, follow a similar process with a slightly longer cooking time and always ensure they are cooked through for food safety by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
It's best to avoid stacking food in the air fryer as it may lead to uneven cooking. Cook them in a single layer for the crispiest results.
To reheat, place the leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to restore their crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, which may make them soggy and rubbery.
Yes, you can use a different air fryer model. We are using the Costco Gourmia air fryer as well as the toaster oven style Breville Smart Oven Air. If you are using a different brand, such as Cosori, keep in mind cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly. It's essential to keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking. Refer to your air fryer's manual for guidance on specific cooking times and temperatures.
Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
- Air Fryer Cornish Hen
- Popcorn Chicken in Air Fryer
- ALDI Red Bag Chicken in Air Fryer
- Try all of our Air Fryer Chicken Recipes!
Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!
Frozen Chicken Strips in Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- Frozen Chicken Strips any brand - we're using Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Place frozen chicken strips into the air fryer basket in a single layer.Frozen Chicken Strips
- Air fry 10-12 minutes, turning over halfway through the cook time using tongs.
- When heated through and crispy, remove from the air fryer to a serving plate and enjoy!
Notes
-
- Important Note: Use a spray bottle filled with your desired oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Avoid using pressurized cooking sprays with additives, as it could damage the non-stick coating in your air fryer.
-
- Cook from frozen – Do not thaw first.
-
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as it can lead to uneven cooking.
-
- To maintain crispiness, serve the chicken strips immediately after cooking.
-
- Recipe time and temperature is based on a preheated air fryer. If you're cooking in batches, subsequent batches may cook more quickly.
-
- All air fryer models vary. Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer oven.
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