Frozen chicken strips in the air fryer make a fast, crispy lunch or snack without thawing or deep-frying. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C), arrange the frozen strips in a single layer, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through so the breading browns evenly, then serve with an easy homemade dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen breaded chicken strips
- Cooking spray, optional
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of garlic powder, optional
Most frozen chicken strips already contain oil in the breading, so extra oil usually is not necessary. A very light coating of cooking spray can help if the strips look dry.
How To Make It
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the frozen chicken strips in the basket in a single layer, leaving a little room between them for hot air to circulate. Do not thaw them first.
Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the strips after 5 to 6 minutes. They should be hot throughout with crisp, golden breading. Thicker strips may need another 2 to 3 minutes.
While the chicken cooks, stir together the mayonnaise, honey, mustard, lemon juice, and optional garlic powder. Taste and adjust with a little more honey or mustard as desired.
Serve the chicken strips immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.
Tips
- Check the package: Cooking times vary by brand and thickness. Follow the package directions if they differ, especially if the strips contain raw rather than fully cooked chicken.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary. Stacking or overlapping the strips can leave the breading soft.
- Confirm doneness: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cook straight from frozen: Thawing can make breaded chicken strips soggy and may change the cooking time.
- Try other sauces: Ranch, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or ketchup are all easy alternatives.
- Reheat leftovers: Air fry refrigerated strips at 375°F (191°C) for 3 to 5 minutes, or until hot and crisp again.
Add fries, sliced vegetables, or a simple salad for an easy meal that is ready in minutes.
