How Long to Cook Chicken Strips in Air Fryer: Perfect Timing for Fresh & Frozen Strips

Craving crispy, golden chicken strips without the hassle of deep-frying? Your air fryer is about to become your best friend. This kitchen gadget delivers perfectly cooked chicken strips with minimal oil, giving you all the crunch and flavor you love without the guilt.

Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or prepping a snack for game day, timing is everything when it comes to air frying. Get it just right, and you’ll enjoy juicy, tender chicken with a satisfying crispy coating. Too long, and you risk drying them out. Let’s dive into how to nail that perfect cook time for your chicken strips.

How Long To Cook Chicken Strips In Air Fryer

Cooking chicken strips in an air fryer requires precise timing to achieve the perfect balance of a crunchy exterior and tender interior. Follow this guide to cook flavorful chicken strips with ease.

1. Cook Time For Fresh Chicken Strips

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the seasoned or breaded fresh chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, flipping the strips halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.

1. Cook Time For Frozen Chicken Strips

No need to thaw—set your air fryer temperature to 400°F. Arrange frozen chicken strips in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for golden, crispy edges, and confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

1. Factors That May Affect Cook Time

• Thickness: Thicker strips may require an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Breaded vs. Naked: Breaded strips may cook faster due to the coating.
• Air Fryer Model: Some air fryers may cook hotter or faster—adjust the time accordingly.

For best results, avoid stacking or overloading. This ensures even air circulation and consistent cooking throughout your chicken strips.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders (trimmed of excess fat)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust as desired)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil spray or any non-stick cooking spray

Ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to streamline the cooking process. Use fresh chicken tenders for a juicier texture or defrost thoroughly if opting for frozen tenders.

Tools And Equipment

To cook perfectly crispy and juicy chicken strips in your air fryer, having the right tools is essential. Below are the key items you’ll need to ensure a seamless cooking process.

Air Fryer

An air fryer is the most important tool for this recipe. Choose a model with a basket large enough to fit your chicken strips in a single layer for even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for the best results. If your air fryer has a non-stick basket, that’s a bonus to prevent sticking while making cleanup easier.

Kitchen Tongs

You’ll need a pair of sturdy kitchen tongs to flip the chicken strips halfway through cooking. Flipping ensures both sides cook evenly and develop a crispy, golden exterior. Select tongs with heat-resistant tips to avoid damaging your air fryer basket.

Cooking Spray

Lightly coat your air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the chicken strips. This prevents the strips from sticking and promotes a crispier texture. Opt for a neutral oil spray like canola, avocado, or olive oil for the best flavor and browning. Avoid aerosol-based sprays that can damage your air fryer’s non-stick surface.

Directions

Follow these steps to make perfectly crispy chicken strips in your air fryer. Ensure all ingredients and equipment are prepared before beginning.

Prep

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat dry 1 lb of chicken tenders with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
2. Set up your coating station:

• Place 1 cup of flour in a shallow bowl.
• Whisk 2 large eggs in another shallow bowl.
• Mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon paprika in a third bowl.

1. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the flour, followed by the egg, and then press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
2. Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.

Cook

1. Arrange chicken in the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a neutral oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken strips in a single layer, leaving space between each strip for proper airflow. Do not overcrowd or stack them.
2. Start cooking: Air fry fresh chicken strips at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. If using frozen chicken strips, extend the cooking time to 12-15 minutes.
3. Flip halfway: Using sturdy kitchen tongs, flip each strip halfway through the cooking process (around the 5-7 minute mark) to ensure even crispiness on both sides.

1. Internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F.
2. Visual cues: The coating should be golden brown and crispy, with no pink remaining inside the chicken.
3. Adjust if needed: If the chicken isn’t fully cooked, continue air frying in 1-2 minute increments while monitoring closely.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing air fryer chicken strips ahead of time can save you effort while ensuring a quick, delicious meal when needed. Follow these steps to make the process seamless:

1. Preparing the Chicken Strips In Advance

After coating the chicken strips in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture, arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure there is enough space between the strips to prevent sticking. Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

1. Freezing for Longer Storage

For extended storage, place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet and freeze uncovered for 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Label the bag with the freezing date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

1. Cooking From Refrigerated or Frozen

• If refrigerated, cook the chicken strips directly in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• For frozen strips, add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. Start with 14 minutes and check for doneness at an internal temperature of 165°F. Ensure you flip the strips halfway through to achieve even browning.

1. Avoid Pre-Baking Before Storage

Refrain from fully cooking the chicken strips before refrigerating or freezing, as reheating already cooked strips in the air fryer can result in an overcooked, dry texture. Preparing the chicken uncooked ensures a tender and juicy outcome when cooked to serve.

Making air fryer chicken strips ahead of time is a practical way to enjoy this crunchy, golden dish without last-minute hassle.

Serving Suggestions

Once your chicken strips are perfectly crispy and golden from the air fryer, it’s time to elevate your meal with complementary sides and dipping options. Consider these serving ideas to make your dish truly satisfying:

Dipping Sauces

• Classic Choices: Serve with ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for timeless flavors.
• Bold Options: Try BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.
• Homemade Favorites: Whip up some garlic aioli or a creamy avocado dip for a personal touch.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Fries: Pair your chicken strips with air-fried French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combination.
• Refreshing Salad: Opt for a side of coleslaw, Caesar salad, or a cucumber-tomato salad for a fresh balance.
• Hearty Favorites: Include mac and cheese, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes to create a hearty meal.

Meal Ideas

• Chicken Strip Tacos: Wrap your strips in warm tortillas, add shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
• Chicken Strip Bowls: Layer the strips over rice or quinoa, and top with sautéed veggies and a sprinkle of cheese.
• Chicken Sandwiches: Use toasted buns, add your chicken strips, and include lettuce, pickles, and sauce for a quick and delicious sandwich.

• Serve alongside carrot sticks, apple slices, or cheese cubes for a wholesome, kid-approved platter.
• Cut chicken strips into bite-sized pieces and offer with a variety of fun dipping sauces for an interactive meal.

With these ideas, you can customize your air fryer chicken strips to suit any occasion.

Conclusion

Cooking chicken strips in an air fryer is a simple, healthier way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. By following the recommended steps and adjusting for factors like thickness and air fryer model, you can achieve perfectly golden strips every time. Whether you’re making them fresh or from frozen, the process is quick, efficient, and versatile.

With the right tools, ingredients, and a little preparation, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to pair with your favorite sides or dipping sauces. Experiment with flavors and serving ideas to make each meal unique and satisfying.