Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you tired of soggy, sad chicken strips? Do you crave that perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior combined with juicy, tender chicken inside, all without the mess and guilt of deep-frying? If you nodded yes, then your air fryer is about to become your new best friend, especially when it comes to whipping up the best chicken strips for air fryer cooking.
Air fryers have truly revolutionized how we cook, offering a healthier, quicker, and incredibly convenient way to enjoy our favorite comfort foods. And when it comes to chicken strips, they’re an absolute game-changer. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a fast weeknight meal, a student needing a quick snack, or just someone who loves delicious chicken, finding the right pre-made or DIY option can make all the difference.
But with so many choices out there, how do you pick the best chicken strips for air fryer success? Don’t sweat it! We’ve rounded up seven fantastic options, from ready-to-heat frozen delights to premium raw chicken and even a specialized coating mix, to help you achieve crispy perfection every time. Let’s dive in!
Our Top Picks for the Best Chicken Strips for Air Fryer
Just Bare® Chicken Lightly Breaded Spicy Breast Strips
If you’re looking to add a little zing to your meal, Just Bare’s Lightly Breaded Spicy Breast Strips are an absolute must-try. These aren’t just any chicken strips; they’re made with high-quality chicken raised with no antibiotics ever, ensuring a clean and delicious bite. What really sets them apart is that perfect balance of a light, crispy breading and a kick of spice that awakens your taste buds without overpowering the natural chicken flavor. They come fully cooked, making your air fryer job even easier – just heat and eat!
- Key Features:
- Chicken raised with no antibiotics ever
- Fully cooked and lightly breaded
- Made with chicken breast
- No artificial ingredients or preservatives
- No added hormones or steroids (as per federal regulations)
- Pros:
- Delicious spicy flavor
- Achieves excellent crispiness in the air fryer
- Made with high-quality, clean ingredients
- Extremely convenient and quick to prepare
- Cons:
- Spicy flavor might not appeal to everyone
- Can be a bit pricier than generic options
- User Impressions: Customers rave about the satisfying crunch and just-right level of heat. Many highlight the peace of mind knowing they’re eating high-quality chicken with no unwanted additives, making them a go-to for quick, flavorful meals.
- See it on Amazon here
Tyson Air Fried Perfectly Crispy Chicken Nuggets
Okay, so technically these are nuggets, not strips, but when a product specifically says “Air Fried Perfectly Crispy” and is designed with air fryers in mind, we had to include them! Tyson has really hit a home run with these, creating nuggets that achieve an unparalleled crispiness right out of your air fryer. Made with 100% all-natural white meat chicken and packing 15g of protein per serving, they’re a fantastic choice for kids and adults alike who crave that satisfying crunch.
- Key Features:
- Specifically designed for air fryer crispiness
- Made with 100% all-natural white meat chicken
- 15g of protein per serving
- No added hormones or steroids
- Fully cooked and ready to heat in air fryer, oven, or microwave
- Pros:
- Guaranteed crispiness tailored for air fryers
- High in protein, great for a quick meal or snack
- Family-friendly and a crowd-pleaser
- Easy and versatile preparation
- Cons:
- Nuggets, not strips, which might not be what some users are looking for
- Still a breaded, processed product
- User Impressions: These nuggets are a massive hit for their consistent crisp texture and delicious taste. Parents, in particular, love them for being a quick, easy, and popular option for their kids, saving them from fried food guilt.
- See it on Amazon here
Bell & Evans, Chicken Whole Fryer Bagged Air Chilled Step 2
Now, for those who truly want to control every aspect of their air-fried chicken, from cut to seasoning, Bell & Evans offers an exceptional choice. While not pre-cut strips, this is a whole air-chilled fryer chicken, perfect for slicing into your own custom best chicken strips for air fryer recipes. Bell & Evans chickens are renowned for their humane raising practices and superior quality, being Animal Welfare Certified Step 2 and raised without antibiotics or animal by-products in their feed. If you’re looking for the ultimate fresh, high-quality base for homemade air fryer chicken strips, this is your champion.
- Key Features:
- Air-chilled for superior taste and texture
- Animal Welfare Certified Step 2 by Global Animal Partnership
- Raised with no antibiotics or added growth hormones
- No animal by-products in feed
- Raised in the USA
- Pros:
- Exceptional quality and flavor of chicken
- Allows for complete customization of your chicken strips (cut, seasoning, breading)
- Ethically sourced and raised
- Perfect for meal prepping homemade air fryer creations
- Cons:
- Requires significant preparation time (cutting, seasoning, optional breading)
- Not a ready-to-eat product
- A whole chicken might be more than needed for just strips
- User Impressions: Dedicated cooks and health-conscious consumers highly praise Bell & Evans for its unparalleled taste and quality. While it requires more effort, users agree the results for homemade chicken dishes (including strips) are well worth it, providing a true gourmet experience.
- See it on Amazon here
Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips
For those seeking a leaner, grilled option that still delivers on convenience and protein, Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips are a fantastic choice. These are fully cooked and ready to go, making them incredibly simple to prepare in your air fryer for a quick, healthy meal. With 21 grams of protein per serving and being 97% fat-free, they’re perfect for salads, wraps, stir-fries, or just as a stand-alone protein. While they won’t get “crispy” like breaded strips, the air fryer heats them beautifully, giving them a perfectly tender and juicy texture.
- 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:
- Extremely healthy and high in protein
- Super convenient for quick meals
- Versatile for various recipes
- Made with chicken raised without antibiotics
- Cons:
- Not breaded, so won’t achieve a crispy texture
- Flavor is mild, requires seasoning for more punch
- User Impressions: Customers love these for their convenience and health benefits. They’re a staple for meal prep and busy weeknights, praised for their lean profile and ability to be added to almost any dish.
- See it on Amazon here
Applegate, Natural Grilled Chicken Breast Strips
Applegate really shines when it comes to clean, natural ingredients, and their Grilled Chicken Breast Strips are no exception. These 8oz packs are a go-to for anyone prioritizing healthy, ethically sourced food. With no antibiotics, no added hormones, no chemical nitrites/nitrates, and no artificial or GMO ingredients, you know exactly what you’re getting. Plus, they’re Whole30 approved, Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Dairy-Free, and Casein-Free, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. Toss them in the air fryer for a few minutes, and you’ve got a warm, flavorful protein ready to elevate your meal.
- Key Features:
- No Antibiotics or added hormones
- No chemical nitrites or nitrates
- No artificial or GMO Ingredients
- Humanely raised chicken
- Whole30 approved, Gluten Free, Sugar Free, Dairy Free, Casein Free
- Pros:
- Incredibly clean ingredient profile
- Accommodates various dietary restrictions
- Ethically and humanely sourced
- Quick and easy to heat in the air fryer
- Cons:
- Small package size (8oz) might not be enough for a family
- Premium price point
- Grilled, so not for crispy chicken enthusiasts
- User Impressions: Applegate fans are loyal for a reason! Users consistently praise the clean taste and the peace of mind that comes with their rigorous ingredient standards. They’re particularly popular with those on specific diets who value convenience without compromise.
- See it on Amazon here
Whole Foods Market, Organic Grilled Chicken Breast Strips
For the organic and ethically-minded shopper, Whole Foods Market’s Organic Grilled Chicken Breast Strips are a fantastic option. These strips are made with chicken that is USDA Certified Organic, fed an organic vegetarian diet, raised without added hormones, and with no antibiotics, ever. They also boast an Animal Welfare Certified Global Animal Partnership (GAP) Rating 3 for Outdoor Access, meaning the chickens have significantly more space and outdoor access. They’re fully cooked and gluten-free, making them a superb choice for a quick, healthy, and conscientiously sourced protein.
- Key Features:
- USDA Certified Organic and QAI Certified Organic
- Chicken is fed an organic vegetarian diet, raised without added hormones/antibiotics
- Animal Welfare Certified, Global Animal Partnership (GAP) Rating 3 – Outdoor Access
- Fully cooked and certified Gluten-Free
- Pros:
- Highest standards for organic and animal welfare
- Clean and healthy protein source
- Convenient for quick meal additions
- Great taste and texture for grilled chicken
- Cons:
- Higher price point due to organic and welfare certifications
- Grilled, so no crispy breading
- User Impressions: Customers frequently commend these strips for their superior organic quality, excellent taste, and the reassurance of ethical sourcing. They’re often highlighted as a reliable, healthy option for quick meals or adding to salads.
- See it on Amazon here
Louisiana Fish Fry, Air Fryer Chicken Coating Mix
Last but not least, if you’re keen to craft your own homemade, perfectly crispy chicken strips from scratch using fresh chicken, this is your secret weapon! Louisiana Fish Fry’s Air Fryer Chicken Coating Mix is specially formulated to deliver maximum crunch and full flavor with less oil, making it ideal for the air fryer. This isn’t chicken itself, but rather the magic dust that turns your fresh chicken into the best chicken strips for air fryer perfection. It’s versatile too – use it for chicken parmesan, sandwiches, or even onion rings, bringing authentic Cajun flavor right to your kitchen.
- Key Features:
- Specially pre-mixed coating for air fryers
- Ensures even coating, maximum crunch, and full flavor
- Designed to cook with less oil than regular frying
- Versatile for various chicken parts and other foods
- Authentic Louisiana flavor from a 60-year-old family recipe
- Pros:
- Achieves superior crispiness specifically in an air fryer
- Allows for customization with fresh chicken (control over cut, quality)
- Delivers a delicious, authentic Cajun flavor
- Easy to use for both air fryer pros and newcomers
- Cons:
- Requires raw chicken strips and additional prep time
- Not a ready-to-eat product
- Only useful if you’re making your own breaded chicken
- User Impressions: This coating mix is a favorite among those who love to cook from scratch but want the air fryer convenience. Users consistently rave about the amazing flavor and the genuinely crispy texture it helps achieve, transforming homemade chicken into a restaurant-quality experience.
- See it on Amazon here
Conclusion: Your Air Fryer Journey to Crispy Chicken Strips Awaits!
There you have it – a diverse lineup of the best chicken strips for air fryer cooking, whether you prefer the ultimate convenience of pre-cooked options or love the hands-on approach of making them from scratch. The air fryer truly is a culinary marvel, capable of delivering delicious, healthier results with minimal effort.
So, go ahead and pick your champion! Whether it’s a zesty pre-breaded strip, a super-healthy grilled option, or a fantastic coating mix for your DIY creations, you’re now equipped to enjoy crispy, tender chicken strips whenever the craving hits. Happy air frying!
FAQs about Air Fryer Chicken Strips
Q1: How do I cook frozen chicken strips in an air fryer?
A1: It’s super simple! Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the frozen chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary by air fryer model and thickness of strips.
Q2: What is the ideal temperature for cooking chicken strips in an air fryer?
A2: Most frozen chicken strips cook best at temperatures between 375°F (190°C) and 400°F (200°C). This range helps achieve a crispy exterior without drying out the inside.
Q3: How long do chicken strips take to cook in an air fryer?
A3: For most frozen, pre-cooked breaded chicken strips, it typically takes 10-15 minutes. For raw chicken strips that you bread yourself, it might take a bit longer, around 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness. Always ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q4: Can I put raw chicken strips in an air fryer?
A4: Absolutely! If you’re using raw chicken breast strips (like those you might cut yourself from a Bell & Evans chicken or use with the Louisiana Fish Fry coating mix), you can cook them in the air fryer. Bread them or season them as desired, lightly mist with oil (if needed for crispiness), and cook at around 375-400°F (190-200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until fully cooked through.
Q5: Are air fryer chicken strips healthy?
A5: Air frying is generally a healthier alternative to deep-frying because it uses significantly less oil. Pre-cooked grilled chicken strips are often very healthy, lean options. Even breaded strips are healthier when air-fried compared to traditional frying. Look for options with clean ingredients, no artificial additives, and good protein content for the healthiest choices.
Q6: How do I get my chicken strips extra crispy in the air fryer?
A6: For maximum crispiness:
– Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
– Preheat your air fryer.
– Flip the strips halfway through cooking.
– For breaded strips, a very light spray of cooking oil (like avocado or olive oil spray) can enhance crispiness.
– Ensure your strips are fully frozen if cooking from frozen, as thawing can sometimes lead to sogginess.
Q7: What are the main benefits of cooking chicken strips in an air fryer?
A7: The benefits are plentiful! You get a wonderfully crispy texture akin to deep-frying but with much less oil, making it healthier. It’s incredibly convenient, typically faster than a conventional oven, and creates less mess. Plus, the quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy schedules.