Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Need a quick snack or something simple for dinner? These crispy, golden chicken fries from the freezer come together in just 10 minutes using your air fryer — no prep needed, just pop them in and grab your favorite dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Fries

Whenever I need something fast that the whole family will devour, frozen chicken fries are a lifesaver. I always keep a bag in the freezer, especially for those days when cooking from scratch just isn’t happening.

Sure, you can heat them up in the microwave or oven, but trust me — the air fryer is where they shine. You get that crispy texture without any extra oil, and they’re done in no time. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school or just want a fast dinner that doesn’t feel like a compromise, these chicken fries have your back.

What You’ll Learn in This Post

• How to make frozen chicken fries in the air fryer
• The best sauces and sides to serve with them
• Tips to get them extra crispy
• How to adjust for different brands
• How to reheat leftovers without making them soggy

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just one thing:

• Frozen chicken fries (any brand will do)

No oil, no prep, no fuss.

How to Make Chicken Fries in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
Step 2: Lay the frozen chicken fries in a single layer inside the basket. Don’t overcrowd them — you want the air to circulate freely.
Step 3: Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to make sure they brown evenly.
Step 4: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

That’s it. Crispy, golden chicken fries in just 10 minutes.

What to Serve With Chicken Fries

Make it a meal or a snack platter — here are a few of my go-to sides and pairings:

• French fries or crinkle-cut fries (air fryer versions work great!)
• Mac and cheese with a touch of cream cheese
• Garlic cheese bread
• Broccoli salad for something fresh
• A side of fruit for balance
• Or just serve them solo with a trio of dipping sauces

Which Brands Work Well?

Tyson Any’tizers are my usual pick, but you can use any frozen chicken fries: Kirkwood, Earth’s Best, Schwan’s — they all work just fine.

Just keep an eye on the thickness. Thinner fries might need a minute less, thicker ones might need a minute more. You’re aiming for that crispy coating and fully heated center.

How Long Should You Cook Chicken Fries?

In my 5.8-quart air fryer, 10 minutes at 380°F usually does the trick. But every air fryer is a little different, so if yours runs hotter or colder, just adjust the time slightly.

If they’re not crispy enough after 10 minutes, give them another 1–2 minutes — just check often so they don’t overcook.

Best Dipping Sauces for Chicken Fries

This is where you can have some real fun. A few of my favorites:

• Classic ketchup
• Creamy ranch
• Garlic aioli
• BBQ sauce (even a simple two-ingredient one does the job)
• Honey mustard
• Buffalo sauce
• Avocado lime crema
• Sweet chili sauce or honey sriracha for a kick

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Fries

• Don’t stack them. Always cook in a single layer with space between each piece.
• Shake halfway. This ensures even browning on all sides.
• No extra oil needed. They come pre-coated and already have oil in the breading, so no spray required.

How to Reheat Chicken Fries in the Air Fryer

Leftovers? No problem. Here’s how to bring back the crunch:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
2. Place leftover chicken fries in a single layer.
3. Heat for about 3 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, let them cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer as described above — don’t microwave them unless you want soggy fries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a large batch at once?
Yes, but do it in batches. Overcrowding the basket will steam them instead of crisping.

Do I need to thaw them first?
Nope. Cook them straight from frozen for best results.

Can I use homemade chicken fries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before eating. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness.

Whether you’re pulling together a speedy lunch or need something snackable on game night, these air fryer chicken fries are a guaranteed hit — no deep fryer, no cleanup, no stress. Just crispy, comforting bites ready in a flash.

Try other recipes:

• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken
• Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders