Few things are as frustrating as trying to cook chicken fries in an air fryer and not knowing how long to do it.
You might be tempted to wing it, but cooking chicken fries in an air fryer is not the same as cooking them in a deep fryer.
If you want them to be crispy and delicious, follow a specific recipe or have some guidelines.
In this article, we will provide those guidelines so you can make perfect chicken fries every time.
Let’s get into it!
What Are Chicken Fries?
Chicken fries are a type of chicken-based snack cut into a shape similar to french fries. But french fries are made from potatoes.
Depending on the consumer’s preferences, these chicken fries can be seasoned with different spices and seasonings.
They are typically made from chicken breast, chicken tenderloin, or other cuts of chicken meat, and they tend to be fried in hot oil to lend them a crispy texture.
Chicken fries can be found in the frozen food aisle of most grocery stores.
See how to use an air fryer for french fries.
How Long Do You Cook Chicken Fries In An Air Fryer?
The beauty of cooking chicken fries in an air fryer is that it doesn’t take very long.
First, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place your chicken fries in the basket of the air fryer.
Ensure that the chicken fries are not touching each other, so they cook evenly. Set the timer for 10-12 minutes and let the air fryer do its job.
This cook time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken fries and the temperature setting on your air fryer.
Once the timer goes off, remove the basket from the air fryer and check if your chicken fries are cooked.
They should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
If they need more time, put them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at a time until they’re cooked to your liking.
What Temperature To Cook Chicken Fries?
When cooking chicken fries in an air fryer, it is important to use the correct temperature so that they are cooked through but not burnt.
We recommend cooking chicken fries at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a frozen product, you will likely need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
As a general rule of thumb, we recommend cooking chicken fries at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why 350 Degrees?
Because this temperature ensures that the chicken fries are cooked without being overcooked or dried.
At this temperature, the chicken fries will be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
Additionally, if you prefer your chicken fries to be extra crispy, you can cook them at a higher temperature for a shorter period.
Do I Need To Flip My Chicken Fries During Cooking?
No, you don’t need to flip your chicken fries during cooking. The air fryer will evenly cook your chicken fries without the need to flip them halfway through.
However, if you want to ensure that both sides of your chicken fries are evenly cooked and crispy, you can flip them once during cooking.
Do You Need Oil In An Air Fryer?
The short answer is not necessary. You don’t need to put oil in an air fryer for it to work.
While this does not necessarily need to be the case, many find that adding a small amount of oil helps achieve the crisp, golden-brown chicken fries they crave.
This is because the heat generated by the air fryer effectively seals in juices and results in chicken that is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Some oils, such as olive oil or avocado oil, are high in healthy fats that can help boost nutrient intake.
So while you may not strictly need oil in your air fryer, many people find it beneficial for enhancing texture and adding extra nutrients.
Whether you are using oil or not is ultimately up to you and will depend on your taste preferences.
But overall, it is safe to say that oil is not necessary for an air fryer to do its job effectively.
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Cooking Tips For The Perfect Chicken Fries (Every Time!)
Here are a few tips to help you cook perfect chicken fries every time:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the chicken fries. This will help them cook evenly.
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your chicken fries according to the package instructions.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken fries in the basket and cook for 10 minutes. You may want to add some oil to make it crispy (optional).
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure that all sides of the chicken fries are exposed to heat.
- Use tongs or a fork to remove the chicken fries from the air fryer so that you don’t accidentally pierce them and release all the juices.
- Serve immediately for best results. Don’t forget to prepare your favorite sauce for dipping!
Conclusion
Chicken fries are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal. And one of the best things about cooking them in an air fryer is that it doesn’t take very long.
In just 10-12 minutes, you can have crispy, juicy chicken fries that are perfect for dipping or eating alone.