Are you on the hunt for a quick, delicious, and convenient meal or snack that practically cooks itself? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! This kitchen superstar turns humble frozen chicken into crispy, golden perfection in minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best frozen chicken strips for air fryer cooking?
We’ve done the legwork for you, diving deep into the world of frozen chicken to bring you a curated list of top contenders. Whether you crave classic crispy breading, juicy grilled options, or something with a sweet and savory kick, our guide will help you find your new freezer favorite. Get ready to elevate your chicken game without the grease or fuss!
1. Tyson Fully Cooked Crispy Chicken Strips, 25 oz (Frozen)
When it comes to classic, reliable frozen chicken strips, Tyson’s Crispy Chicken Strips often top the list. These fully cooked, breaded chicken breast strips are designed for convenience and deliver that satisfying crunch we all love. They’re perfect for dipping, tossing into salads, or simply enjoying on their own, making them a versatile choice for any mealtime dilemma. The air fryer truly brings out their best, ensuring a perfectly golden and crispy exterior every time.
Key Features:
– One 1.56 lb bag of Tyson Frozen Crispy Chicken Breast Strips
– 13g of protein per serving
– Made with 100% all natural chicken
– No added hormones or steroids*
– Fully cooked breaded chicken breast strips with rib meat
– Prepare in an air fryer or oven
– Perfect for salads, dipping or by itself
– Made with white meat chicken
– Keep frozen until ready to prepare
Pros:
– Super convenient and fully cooked
– Achieves excellent crispiness in an air fryer
– Versatile for various meals and snacks
– Good source of protein
– Made with all-natural white meat chicken
Cons:
– Breaded means higher carb/sodium content than unbreaded options
– Some might find the flavor standard, not gourmet
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise these strips for their consistent quality and how incredibly crispy they get in the air fryer. They’re a staple for families looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing option that’s ready in a flash.
2. Just Bare® Chicken Lightly Breaded Breast Strips | Fully…
For those prioritizing cleaner ingredients and a more natural product, Just Bare’s Lightly Breaded Breast Strips are a fantastic pick. These strips stand out because they’re made with chicken raised with no antibiotics ever, and they contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives. The “lightly breaded” aspect means you still get a satisfying crunch without an overly thick coating, allowing the natural flavor of the chicken to shine through. They cook up beautifully in an air fryer, offering a healthier spin on your favorite crispy chicken.
Key Features:
– NO ANTIBIOTICS EVER – all natural chicken
– Chicken used is minimally processed, No artificial ingredients.
– Fully cooked – Lightly Breaded – Made with chicken breast
– No Artificial Ingredients – No Preservatives
– No added hormones or steroids – Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones or steroids in poultry.
Pros:
– Made with chicken raised without antibiotics
– No artificial ingredients or preservatives
– Lightly breaded for a less heavy feel
– Fully cooked for quick preparation
– Great for health-conscious individuals
Cons:
– May be pricier than conventional options
– Lighter breading might not satisfy those who prefer a thick, crunchy coating
User Impressions:
Customers rave about the quality of the chicken and appreciate the cleaner ingredient list. Many note that despite being “lightly” breaded, they still achieve a great crisp in the air fryer and have a superior taste compared to other brands.
3. Tyson Air Fried Perfectly Crispy Chicken Nuggets, 25 Oz….
While the main keyword is “strips,” sometimes you just need a nugget! Tyson’s Air Fried Perfectly Crispy Chicken Nuggets are specifically designed to excel in your air fryer, promising that signature crunch without the need for deep frying. Made with white meat chicken and offering a decent protein punch, these nuggets are an absolute hit with kids and adults alike. They’re ideal for a quick snack, appetizer, or as part of a fun, easy meal. The “air fried” claim in the name tells you they’re engineered for optimal air fryer performance, delivering superior crispiness.
Key Features:
– One 25 oz bag of Tyson Frozen Baked Chicken Breast Nuggets
– Made with white meat chicken
– 15g of protein per serving
– Prepare in an air fryer, oven or microwave
– No added hormones or steroids*
– Made with 100% all natural chicken
– Perfect for parties, watching the game or as part of a meal
– Fully cooked breaded nugget shaped patties with rib meat
Pros:
– Specifically formulated for air fryer crispiness
– High in protein
– Convenient and fully cooked
– Crowd-pleasing nugget shape
– Made with all-natural white meat chicken
Cons:
– Nuggets, not strips (though still a great air fryer chicken option)
– Can be high in sodium due to breading
User Impressions:
Consumers love how easy these are to prepare and how incredibly crispy they turn out in the air fryer, often exceeding expectations for a frozen nugget. They’re a reliable choice for a fuss-free, tasty chicken fix.
4. Tyson Honey BBQ Chicken Strips, 25 oz (Frozen)
If you’re looking to add a flavor twist to your chicken strip routine, Tyson’s Honey BBQ Chicken Strips are an excellent choice. These fully cooked strips come pre-sauced with a delicious sweet and tangy honey BBQ flavor, saving you the mess and extra steps of adding sauce yourself. They’re made with chicken raised with no antibiotics ever, adding peace of mind to your meal. The air fryer helps caramelize the sauce slightly, enhancing the flavor and keeping the chicken juicy inside. These are fantastic on their own, in wraps, or even chopped up for salads.
Key Features:
– One 25 oz. package of Honey BBQ Chicken Strips
– All-natural, minimally processed chicken raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones or steroids
– 11 grams of protein per serving
– 0 grams of trans fat per serving
– Fully cooked and ready-to-eat
– Resealable bag for easy storage
Pros:
– Pre-sauced with a popular flavor
– No antibiotics ever chicken
– Fully cooked and easy to prepare
– Zero trans fat
– Resealable bag for convenience
Cons:
– Flavor might not appeal to everyone
– Can be a bit messy due to the sauce
– Less versatile for different dipping sauces
User Impressions:
Customers appreciate the bold, consistent flavor and the convenience of having pre-sauced chicken. Many highlight how well these perform in the air fryer, getting nicely warm and slightly caramelized without drying out.
5. Tyson Frozen Honey Chicken Bites, 24 Oz Bag
Another bite-sized option from Tyson, these Honey Chicken Bites offer a slightly different texture and flavor profile than their other offerings. Coated with a sweet honey-flavored breading, they provide a delightful mix of savory and sweet in every pop-able piece. Made with all white meat chicken and fully cooked, they’re incredibly convenient and make for a fun snack or part of a kid-friendly meal. The air fryer crisps them up perfectly, making the honey breading even more appealing.
Key Features:
– One 24 oz bag of Tyson Honey Chicken Bites
– Made with all white meat chicken and coated with honey flavored breading
– Made with chicken raised with no added hormones or steroids
– 14 grams of protein per serving
– Fully cooked chicken bites
Pros:
– Unique sweet honey flavor profile
– Convenient bite-size pieces
– Good source of protein
– Fully cooked for quick prep
– Excellent for snacking or appetizers
Cons:
– Sweet flavor may not suit all palates
– Bites rather than traditional strips
– Breaded, so consider carb/sodium intake
User Impressions:
Reviewers often praise the delicious honey flavor and the satisfying texture when air-fried. They’re a big hit with families and those looking for a quick, flavorful chicken option that’s a bit different from the norm.
6. Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips, 22 oz (Frozen)
For those seeking a healthier, unbreaded chicken option that’s still air fryer-friendly, Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips are a game-changer. These fully cooked, lean chicken strips are made with all-natural chicken raised without antibiotics, offering a clean protein source. They’re incredibly versatile, perfect for adding to salads, stir-fries, fajitas, or pasta dishes. While they won’t get “crispy” like breaded options, the air fryer heats them through quickly, keeping them juicy and flavorful, making them arguably the best frozen chicken strips for air fryer if you’re avoiding breading.
Key Features:
– One 22 oz. package of Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Strips
– Made with all-natural, minimally processed chicken raised with no antibiotics ever
– Excellent source of protein – 21 grams per serving
– Juicy, flavorful and 97% fat-free
– Fully cooked and simple to prepare
Pros:
– Unbreaded, healthier option
– High in protein (21g per serving)
– Low in fat (97% fat-free)
– No antibiotics ever chicken
– Extremely versatile for various recipes
Cons:
– Won’t get crispy like breaded strips
– Flavor is plain, requires seasoning or sauce
– Not ideal if you’re specifically craving a “fried” texture
User Impressions:
Customers frequently highlight the convenience and health benefits of these grilled strips. They’re a pantry staple for meal prepping and adding lean protein to quick, healthy meals, with the air fryer being a top choice for speedy reheating.
7. Tyson Any’tizers Popcorn Chicken, Frozen Appetizers, 24 oz
Tyson Any’tizers Popcorn Chicken offers a classic, crowd-pleasing option for quick snacks or appetizers. These bite-sized chicken pieces are fully cooked, breaded, and seasoned to perfection, making them incredibly easy to prepare. While they are “popcorn chicken” rather than traditional strips, their small size makes them incredibly efficient for air frying, ensuring maximum crispiness and an even cook. They’re made with 100% all-natural chicken with no artificial ingredients, offering a reliable, tasty option for any occasion.
Key Features:
– One 24 oz package of Tyson Any’tizers Popcorn Chicken
– Frozen chicken made with 100% all natural, minimally processed chicken with no artificial ingredients
– Fully cooked chicken is breaded and seasoned to perfection
– Prepare these frozen appetizers in an oven or microwave
– Fully cooked and ready to eat with honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce
Pros:
– Classic, popular popcorn chicken
– Excellent for quick appetizers or snacks
– Fully cooked and easy to prepare
– All-natural chicken, no artificial ingredients
– Gets very crispy in an air fryer
Cons:
– Small bite-size pieces, not strips
– Breaded, so not a low-carb option
– Best as an appetizer or snack, less of a main meal component
User Impressions:
Users love the nostalgic appeal and the satisfying crunch of these popcorn chicken pieces when air-fried. They’re celebrated for their simplicity and being a dependable hit, especially for casual gatherings or kids’ meals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Frying Frozen Chicken
Q1: How long do I cook frozen chicken strips in an air fryer?
A1: Generally, most frozen chicken strips or nuggets take about 10-15 minutes in an air fryer. The exact time depends on your air fryer model, the thickness of the strips, and how crispy you like them. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q2: What temperature should I set my air fryer for frozen chicken strips?
A2: A common temperature range for air frying frozen chicken strips is 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). This range provides enough heat to cook them through and get a nice crisp on the outside.
Q3: Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking frozen chicken strips?
A3: While not always strictly necessary, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes can help achieve a more consistent cook and better crispiness, especially for breaded items. It’s often recommended for best results.
Q4: Can I put different types of frozen chicken (like nuggets or popcorn chicken) in an air fryer?
A4: Absolutely! Most frozen chicken products, including nuggets, popcorn chicken, and even grilled chicken pieces, perform exceptionally well in an air fryer. The cooking times might vary slightly based on their size and thickness.
Q5: How do I get my frozen chicken strips extra crispy in the air fryer?
A5: For maximum crispiness, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in a single layer if possible, or in batches. Flipping the strips halfway through the cooking time also helps ensure even browning and crisping. A light spray of cooking oil (like avocado or olive oil) can also boost crispiness for some products.
Q6: Are air-fried frozen chicken strips healthier than deep-fried?
A6: Generally, yes. Air frying uses hot air circulation instead of large amounts of oil, significantly reducing the fat content compared to traditional deep frying. While frozen chicken strips are processed, air frying makes them a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts.
Q7: Can I put sauce on frozen chicken strips before air frying?
A7: It’s generally not recommended to put liquid sauce on before air frying, as it can make the breading soggy and prevent it from crisping up. For best results, air fry the chicken strips until they are crispy and cooked through, then toss them in your favorite sauce afterwards. If they are pre-sauced (like the Tyson Honey BBQ strips), those are designed to be cooked as is.