If you’re wondering how to cook frozen chicken strips in the air fryer so they turn out crispy outside and juicy inside — you’re in the right place.

This guide walks you through time, temperature, and crispiness tips for:

• Fully Cooked Gluten Free Breaded Breast Strips

• Fully Cooked Gluten Free Breaded Breast Chunks

• Fully Cooked Gluten Free Chicken Strip Fritters & Nuggets

All made with high-quality chicken breast and fully cooked for quick, convenient meals.

✅ Quick Answer: Frozen Chicken Strips in the Air Fryer

For best results, cook frozen chicken strips in the air fryer at 400°F for 14–17 minutes and heat to 165°F internal.

Follow these 5 simple steps for perfectly crispy frozen breaded chicken in the air fryer.

For a deeper dive into proper doneness, visit our full Chicken Internal Temperature Chart by Cut.

📊 Air Fryer Time & Temperature Chart (From Frozen)

Cooking times are based on Springer Mountain Farms air fryer recommendations for fully cooked products.

The air fryer times and temperatures above apply to all of our Springer Mountain Farms fully cooked, gluten free breaded chicken options — including strips, chunks, fritters, and nuggets — so you can cook straight from frozen with confidence.
SMF Fully Cooked Products – Get A+ in the Air Fryer

These Springer Mountain Farms fully cooked, gluten free breaded chicken strips, chunks, fritters, and nuggets can be cooked straight from frozen in the air fryer.Now that you’ve got the right products and timing dialed in, let’s make sure your frozen chicken strips come out crispy every time — not soggy, pale, or unevenly cooked.

🔥 Crispiness Tips for Frozen Breaded Chicken in the Air Fryer

Want that extra golden crunch? These tips are backed by our air fryer cooking resources.

1️⃣ Don’t Thaw First

Cooking directly from frozen helps maintain breading integrity and texture. Thawing can release moisture that softens the coating.

Our full step-by-step air fryer method explains why frozen works best:
👉 How to Cook Perfect Chicken in an Air Fryer

2️⃣ Avoid Overcrowding

Air fryers rely on circulating hot air. Stacking strips prevents crisping.

We break down this common mistake (and more) in:
👉 Air Fryer Chicken Tips, Times & Mistakes to Avoid

3️⃣ Flip or Shake Halfway

Turning strips midway ensures even browning on all sides — especially for frozen chicken fingers in the air fryer.

This technique is part of our recommended air fryer workflow:
👉 How to Cook Perfect Chicken in an Air Fryer – Step-by-Step Guide

4️⃣ Preheat (If Your Model Requires It)

Some air fryers benefit from a short preheat for maximum crispiness.

Learn when and why preheating matters in:
👉 Air Fryer Chicken Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

5️⃣ Let Them Rest 1–2 Minutes

Resting allows steam to escape so the crust firms up instead of softening.

For more air fryer best practices, see:
👉 SMF Fully Cooked Products – Air Fryer Guide

❓ 8 FAQs: Frozen Chicken Strips in the Air Fryer

1. How long do frozen chicken strips cook in the air fryer?

Most fully cooked frozen chicken strips cook at 400°F for about 17 minutes, flipping halfway. Smaller chunks or nuggets may cook in 14 minutes.

(Due to variations in equipment, cooking time and/or temperature may require adjustment - consult the manufacturer's recommendations.)

For broader timing guidance by cut and thickness, visit:
👉 Air Fryer Chicken Tips & Times

2. What temperature should I cook frozen chicken fingers in the air fryer?

400°F gives the best balance of crisp exterior and hot interior.

Need more temperature guidance? See our full:
👉 Chicken Internal Temperature Chart

3. Can I cook frozen breaded chicken straight from the freezer ?

Yes. Springer Mountain Farms Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken products are designed for direct-from-frozen cooking.

Learn more here:
👉 SMF Fully Cooked Products – Air Fryer Instructions

4. Why aren’t my frozen chicken strips crispy?

Common causes include not preheating air fryer, overcrowding the basket, skipping the flip or shake, or not cooking long enough.

We outline all common air fryer errors in:
👉 Air Fryer Chicken Mistakes to Avoid

5. Do I need oil when air frying frozen breaded chicken?

Not typically. Fully cooked breaded strips already contain coating designed to crisp without deep frying.

(Misting the frozen pieces with oil is not necessary but could increase crispiness. Avoid using aerosols as they may damage the air fryer basket coating.)

See more air fryer best practices here:
👉 How to Cook Perfect Chicken in an Air Fryer

6. How do I know when frozen chicken strips are done?

They should be heated through and reach 165°F internal temperature.

For safe cooking temps by cut, reference:
👉 Chicken Internal Temperature Chart

7. Can I cook chunks and nuggets the same way?

Yes — cooking times are similar but may be slightly shorter due to size.

8. Are Springer Mountain Farms frozen chicken strips, chunks & nuggets gluten free?

Yes — our fully cooked breaded strips, chunks, and nuggets are gluten free.

🏁 Final Takeaway

Cooking frozen chicken strips in the air fryer is one of the fastest ways to get crispy, convenient, gluten-free chicken on the table.

Stick with:

• 400°F

• 14-17 minutes

• Flip halfway

• Avoid overcrowding

• Heat to 165°F

For more air fryer inspiration, tips, and product guides, explore our full The Flock blog section.