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How to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Strips

Knowing how to air fry frozen chicken tenders makes a big difference. It literally separates those who love their air fryers, and those who wonder why they ever bought one in the first place. So don’t despair, because knowing a few handy tricks makes all the difference.

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Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

Frozen foods are a life saver in my house. From veggies to meatballs, I can through a meal together quickly.

Even cooking frozen chicken strips just take minutes in an air fryer. Because frozen breaded chicken strips are slim or even bite sized, they don’t take long to cook. Maybe 15 minutes to cook total.

In fact, I recommend starting with the chicken strips frozen, whether the chicken is pre-cooked, or even uncooked.

The time in the fryer is enough to thoroughly cook the chicken, meaning at least 175 degrees, and it creates a crunchier exterior with the breading.

You can also start with room temp or just removed from the fridge tenders too. In which case they take a few minutes less to cook, but they risk being soggier.

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chicken strips on wood board with ketchup

Reheating Pre Cooked Chicken Tenders

Reheating chicken tenders is simple. If you pull the strips from the refrigerator then they will heat up in about five to ten minutes as long as the air fryer is preheated.

Arranging Chicken Strips in the Air Fryer Basket

So much depends on how you place the frozen chicken strips in the air fryer. Make sure there is plenty of space. Don’t overcrowd the fryer basket. Small batches cook quickly and come out perfectly.

Putting too many in the basket results in soggy and unevenly cooked tenders.

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Air Frying vs Deep Frying Chicken Strips

Going to go out on a limb here. I know the fried chicken purists will hate hearing this. But, yes, you can make equally delicious fried chicken, especially strips, in an air fryer. Air fried chicken is not the enemy but your friend.

You don’t need the hot oil splattering everywhere. You don’t need to worry about cleaning up the used cooking oil. And, let’s face it, going with an air fryer is just plain healthier.

Let’s get back to the cleaning up part…

An air fryer is so much easier to clean up after cooking than cooking up after deep fat frying any day of the week… (Plus your house won’t smell like fried food for the next week!)

chicken tenders on a plate with ranch

Quick and Easy Dipping Sauces

Tips for No Leftovers

  • Make sure to do small batches and don’t overcrowd the basket. The hot air needs to swirl around the entire piece!
  • Starting with frozen tenders works best.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 360 to 400F first. Make sure it is nice and hot to start because some cooling happens as you add each batch. If you don’t preheat you might need to extend the cooking time.
  • Make sure to watch the tenders in the air fryer because they go from perfectly golden brown to badly burnt reasonably fast at the high cooking temp.

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More Air Fryer Recipes

air fryer chicken tenders

How to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Strips

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes

Tips and Tricks on how to air fry frozen chicken strips so they are tender and crispy!

Ingredients

  • 1 (25 ounce) bag frozen chicken strips
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 360F.
  2. Arrange 3 ounces chicken strips in the air fryer basket leaving room between each one.
  3. Air fry for 6 minutes.
  4. Flip and air fry for another 4-6 minutes.
  5. Remove and cook the next batch.
  6. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Make sure to do small batches and don't overcrowd the basket. The hot air needs to swirl around the entire piece!
  • Starting with frozen tenders works best.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 360 to 400F first. Make sure it is nice and hot to start because some cooling happens as you add each batch. If you don't preheat you might need to extend the cooking time.
  • Make sure to watch the tenders in the air fryer because they go from perfectly golden brown to badly burnt reasonably fast at the high cooking temp.
  • Recommended Products

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy here.

    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 8 Serving Size: 3 ounces
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 14Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 37mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g

    This nutrition information was generated via a third party, Nutritionix, and we can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.

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