There’s just something I find delicious about a crispy fried chicken sandwich. When I don’t feel like going to get fast food, though, I just reach into the freezer instead! This air fryer Aldi red bag chicken is just as good as the drive thru version, and you don’t need to leave home.
Aldi red bag chicken or “RBC” is actually a popularized fan name for their Kirkwood breaded frozen chicken breast filets. Honestly, it’s a lot shorter to refer to it that way, so it’s a trend I can get behind completely.
They’re fully cooked, breaded chicken breasts that are frozen. That means you can look forward to a quick and tasty meal!
A lot of folks compare the red bag chicken to the iconic Chick Fil A chicken sandwich! I don’t think it necessarily tastes the same, but it is a tasty alternative that you can get on Sundays, so there’s that at least.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Since you’re starting with frozen breaded chicken, all of the hard work is done for you! Pop Aldi red bag chicken right into your air fryer, no defrosting needed.
In 15 minutes or less, you’ll have juicy chicken, crispy breading, and dinner is ready. Now that’s convenient!
I like to pop mine on some brioche buns, add pickles and Chick Fil A sauce and serve alongside crispy waffle fries. Of course, you can add your favorite fried chicken sandwich toppings and other sides as well.
Aldi’s Red Bag Chicken Air Fryer Cooking Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F
Place the frozen Aldi red bag chicken into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer (try not to overlap for best results)
Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 400°F, pausing halfway through to flip the chicken, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F
Serve on a sandwich or with your favorite sides
What to Serve With Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Onion rings
Tater tots
Fries
Potato chips
Mashed potatoes
Corn on the cob
Baked beans
Coleslaw
Mac and cheese
Potato salad
Pasta salad
Hush puppies
Squash casserole
Broccoli salad
Fried green tomatoes
There are lots of great side dishes to round out your meal when you’re serving breaded chicken! Whether you enjoy it solo or as a sandwich, these pairings are all perfect choices.
Can I Air Fry Aldi Red Bag Chicken Straight From the Freezer?
Yes, you can absolutely air fry Aldi red bag chicken straight from the freezer, no defrosting required.
Make sure to preheat your air fryer for best results, as that helps to eliminate excess moisture better.
How Do I Prevent the Chicken From Becoming Too Dry in the Air Fryer?
To prevent the chicken from becoming too dry in the air fryer, the most important tip is just to not overcook it. Start with the low end of the time range, and add small increments at a time if needed.
Use a thermometer to verify that the chicken has reached 165°F, and then pull it so it doesn’t go beyond that.
What’s the Recommended Temperature and Time For Cooking Aldi Red Bag Chicken?
The recommended temperature for cooking Aldi red bag chicken in the air fryer ranges from 360°F – 400°F, depending on your air fryer’s available settings.
The cooking time will vary based on the temperature, with 10-15 minutes being average.
Can I Use Marinades or Wet Coatings For the Chicken Before Air Frying?
No, it is not recommended to use marinades or wet coatings for the chicken before air frying. This will result in soggy breading, or it may fall off entirely.
Toss your chicken in sauce once it is fully heated and crispy for best results.
Are There Any Safety Tips When Air Frying Frozen Aldi Red Bag Chicken?
Like most chicken, you should ensure that the Aldi red bag chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Use a food thermometer to accurately measure the temperature. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation.
Is Aldi Red Bag Chicken Fully Cooked?
Yes, Aldi red bag chicken is fully cooked before it is frozen.
However, for food safety, you should still heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.
Recipe Pro Tips
You do not need to add any additional oil to the chicken before cooking, as it’s already frozen into the breading
My recipe for Aldi red bag chicken was tested in a Ninja air fryer and perfect at the 10-minute mark. Other makes and models may vary slightly in terms of cooking time
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover breaded chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not refreeze once you’ve heated it once
To reheat Aldi red bag chicken, air fry for 4-5 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through
Cooking Aldi red bag chicken in the air fryer has to be my favorite preparation method! You’ll get crispy browned breading, juicy chicken, and a quick and convenient meal.
Serve them up on brioche with pickles and sauce to get your Chick Fil A fix, or enjoy them solo, or even atop a salad! There are lots of great ways to enjoy this quick frozen breaded chicken.
The air fryer keeps cooking time low, while delivering an amazing result. It’s perfect for your meals even on the busiest weeknights!
Plus, at home, you can make all sorts of fast food mashups that you couldn’t otherwise. Why not try some Arby’s Curly Fries in the Air Fryer to go with your chicken sandwich? I think it’s genius!
Aldi’s Red Bag Chicken Air Fryer Method
Aldi’s red bag chicken cooks up perfectly in your air fryer for a quick and convenient meal. These breaded frozen chicken breast filets make for a great fast food substitute!
You do not need to add any additional oil to the chicken before cooking, as it’s already frozen into the breading
My recipe for Aldi red bag chicken was tested in a Ninja air fryer and perfect at the 10-minute mark. Other makes and models may vary slightly in terms of cooking time
I can fit 4 cutlets in my 8-qt Ninja air fryer at a time. You can cook as many servings at a time as you like without changing cooking time, so long as they fit in the air fryer basket without overlapping
Store any leftover breaded chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not refreeze once you’ve heated it once
To reheat Aldi red bag chicken, air fry for 4-5 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through
Exact nutritional values will vary based on toppings, sauces, or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fryer Aldi red bag chicken recipes, aldis red bag chicken air fryer, aldis red bag chicken air fryer ninja, quick and delicious air fryer chicken meals, red bag chicken
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
