Air Fryer Chicken Fingers: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Chicken fingers are a tasty treat, but can you cook them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken fingers, resulting in a crispy and golden finish. The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, but typically it takes around 10-12 minutes for chicken fingers to cook through. You can also bread the chicken fingers before air frying for an extra crispy texture. This involves coating the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer. Air fryers are a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as they require less oil to achieve the same crispy texture. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook chicken fingers, an air fryer is definitely an option worth considering!

Chicken tender preparation

To start, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Some sources suggest that preheating is not necessary, but it is generally recommended, especially if you want a crispy exterior. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the chicken tenders by patting them dry with paper towels and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the chicken and toss to ensure the tenders are completely coated.

Next, it's time to season the chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, rosemary, thyme, cumin, and mustard powder. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl and sprinkle them evenly over the oiled chicken tenders. You can also try a cornflake crumb coating for a spicy kick. For a more traditional breaded texture, dip the chicken tenders in a bowl of beaten egg, then coat them in breadcrumbs or a mixture of breadcrumbs and panko. Press the coating onto the chicken firmly to ensure it doesn't fall off during cooking.

Once the chicken tenders are prepared, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other if possible. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the tenders in batches. Lightly mist the tenders with cooking spray or olive oil spray.

Now, it's time to air fry! The cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the model and power of your air fryer, but a good baseline is to cook the tenders at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes. The tenders are done when they are golden and crispy on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with a meat thermometer.

You can serve these chicken tenders with lemon wedges, your favorite dipping sauces, or chop them up to top a salad or fill a wrap. They can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, and they can be used to cook a wide range of dishes. When it comes to cooking chicken fingers in an air fryer, there are several settings and factors to consider for optimal results.

Firstly, preheating your air fryer is crucial. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 200°C), and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken fingers start cooking immediately, helping to achieve a crispy exterior.

The cooking temperature and time depend on several factors, including the thickness of the chicken fingers, the power of the air fryer, and the desired level of crispiness. For thinner chicken fingers, the cooking time will be shorter, around 5 to 7 minutes, while thicker cuts can take up to 15 minutes for a 1-inch piece. Higher wattage air fryers cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

It is recommended to cook chicken fingers at a temperature of 400°F (200°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. However, it is important to refer to the cooking instructions on the packaging of your frozen chicken fingers, as different brands may have specific guidelines. Additionally, always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken fingers, which should reach 165°F (74°C to 75°C) to ensure safe consumption.

To achieve the perfect crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by placing the chicken fingers in a single layer, allowing space for proper air circulation. If you have a large batch, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. You can also lightly spray the chicken fingers with cooking oil or brush them with oil before cooking to enhance crispiness without adding too much extra fat.

Lastly, after removing the chicken fingers from the air fryer, let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the internal temperature to even out, making the chicken fingers more juicy and tender. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ketchup, and enjoy!

Cooking time

The cooking time for chicken fingers in an air fryer depends on the brand and size of your air fryer, as well as the power and model. It is also important to consider the thickness of the chicken fingers, as thicker ones may take longer to cook.

As a baseline, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken fingers for 8 minutes. After this initial air fry, you can adjust the cooking time for the second air fry to get the desired crispiness. For the second round of air frying, set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit again and fry for another 4 to 6 minutes. The total cooking time for chicken fingers in an air fryer is typically between 12 and 14 minutes.

However, it is important to keep an eye on the chicken fingers to ensure they do not overcook and become dry. The chicken fingers are done when they are golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside. An instant-read thermometer can also be used to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the centre of the chicken.

If you are cooking in batches, the cooking time may vary slightly, and it is important to ensure that the air fryer is preheated before adding the chicken for each batch. Additionally, if you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken fingers in multiple batches to ensure they cook evenly.

Serving suggestions

Chicken fingers cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic options include ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing. Honey mustard adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess, while BBQ sauce offers a smoky flavor that complements the crispiness of the chicken fingers. Ranch dressing is a popular choice, especially when you want something creamier.

For a more adventurous twist, you can serve your chicken fingers with spicy sriracha mayo, buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli. You can even create your own unique sauce by combining various ingredients, such as yogurt with herbs or dressing with hot sauce for an extra kick.

Chicken fingers can also be served as part of a meal with side dishes. Some healthier side options include a fresh salad, sweet potato fries, or steamed vegetables. If you want to stick to the classic, you can serve them with regular French fries.

Chicken fingers are versatile and can be added to a salad, wrap, or sandwich. They can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course, and even as a tasty treat for a quick and easy meal.

Storage and reheating

Storing and reheating chicken fingers cooked in an air fryer requires some care to ensure they retain their signature crispiness.

Storage

If you are storing cooked chicken fingers, it is best to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for 2-3 days using this method.

Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked chicken fingers in a single layer until they are frozen solid. Then, place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

The best way to reheat chicken fingers is in an air fryer. This method helps to retain the crispy texture on the outside while keeping the meat moist on the inside.

• Preheat the air fryer to 360°F-375°F (182°C-190°C).
• Place the chicken fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Optionally, spray or brush the chicken fingers with oil for extra crispiness.
• Reheat for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken fingers and the desired level of crispiness.
• Flip the chicken fingers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken fingers with a meat thermometer. They are ready to eat when they reach 165°F (74°C).

It is important to note that reheated chicken fingers may not have the exact same texture and taste as freshly cooked ones. However, with the air fryer method, you can get pretty close!

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid reheating chicken more than once, as multiple reheatings can increase the risk of contamination.

Frequently asked questions