Air-Fryer Chicken Fingers: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken fingers are a classic comfort food, but they can be greasy and unhealthy. However, with an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, juicy chicken tenders without the excess oil. Air fryers use little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. Not only are air-fried chicken fingers delicious, but they're also quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute snacks. So, can you make chicken fingers in an air fryer? Absolutely!

Chicken tender preparation

Chicken tenders are a great, easy meal to make in an air fryer. They're healthier than fried chicken, and you can still get that crispy texture with just a small amount of oil. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing chicken tenders in an air fryer.

Ingredients

You will need the following:

• Chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• Olive oil (or vegetable/corn oil)
• Spices: Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. You can also add cayenne pepper to taste.
• Eggs
• Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to ensure the chicken is completely coated.

Step 2: Mix Spices

In a separate, small bowl, mix your chosen spices together. You can adjust the measurements to your taste, but a typical blend might include:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the chicken tenders, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Bread the Chicken (Optional)

If you want an extra crispy texture, you can bread the chicken. Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix flour with half the amount of your spice mix. In the second bowl, beat one or two eggs. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with the remaining spice mix.

Now, take each piece of chicken and coat it first in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken tenders on a cutting board or baking tray.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Spray or drizzle with olive oil if desired.

Set the temperature to between 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 minutes. Then, flip the chicken tenders and cook for an additional 3-8 minutes, until they are crisp, golden, and cooked through.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your chicken tenders with your choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or tzatziki. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Always preheat your air fryer for the crispiest results.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if needed.
• Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of the chicken should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• For gluten-free tenders, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• You can freeze any leftovers for up to 3-4 months.

Air fryer settings

To make chicken fingers in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to a high temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 400°F (200°C).

The cooking time will depend on the number of chicken fingers you are cooking and the size of your air fryer. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the chicken fingers in shifts. A single layer of chicken fingers is recommended to ensure even cooking.

For a batch of chicken fingers, the total cooking time will be around 15-20 minutes. It is recommended to flip the chicken fingers halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispness.

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Prepare your chicken fingers by coating them with the desired breading and spices.
• Place the chicken fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Lightly spray the chicken fingers with cooking spray.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes.
• Flip the chicken fingers and spray with cooking spray again.
• Continue air frying for another 7-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken fingers with a meat thermometer. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken fingers from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

By following these air fryer settings and instructions, you can make delicious and crispy chicken fingers that are perfect for a quick snack or an easy dinner.

Cooking the chicken fingers

To cook chicken fingers in an air fryer, start by preparing the chicken. If you are using chicken breasts, cut them into strips. Pat the chicken fingers dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Next, prepare your breading station. In one bowl, beat an egg, and in another, mix together breadcrumbs, flour, and seasonings. You can add a variety of seasonings to the breading, such as paprika, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and basil. You can also use a combination of Italian seasoning or gluten-free flour if you prefer.

Once you have prepared the chicken and the breading, it's time to start breading the chicken fingers. Dip each chicken finger first in the egg, and then in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly and shake off any excess breading. Place the breaded chicken fingers on a cutting board or baking tray. Spray both sides of the chicken fingers with olive oil or cooking spray.

Now, you are ready to start cooking! Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F (200°C). Place the chicken fingers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken fingers in batches. Set the timer for 10 minutes, and then flip the chicken fingers over and cook for an additional 3-8 minutes, until they are crispy and golden. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through.

Once the chicken fingers are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or tzatziki. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Chicken fingers cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of dips and side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

Dips

• Lemon wedges
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Marinara sauce
• Tzatziki
• Ketchup

Side Dishes

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Tater tots
• Onion rings
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Salad
• Potato wedges
• Corn salad
• Skillet potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Roasted carrots
• Coleslaw
• Couscous salad
• Mac and cheese
• Orzo
• Zucchini and tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Quinoa salad

Storing and reheating chicken fingers

Chicken fingers are a great snack or meal, but it's important to store and reheat them properly to ensure they stay crispy and tasty. Here are some tips for storing and reheating chicken fingers:

Storing chicken fingers:

• It is recommended to store leftover chicken fingers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator. Proper storage helps maintain the quality and minimise the risk of bacterial contamination.
• Leftover chicken should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store leftover chicken in the refrigerator and consume it within three to four days.

Reheating chicken fingers in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
• Place the chicken fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each strip for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Reheat the chicken fingers for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the strips halfway through for even heating.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken fingers. They are ready to serve when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• If you are reheating frozen chicken fingers, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes.

Reheating chicken fingers in an oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the chicken fingers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil to prevent sticking.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken fingers are heated through and crispy. Flip the chicken fingers halfway through for even heating.

Reheating chicken fingers on the stovetop:

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter.
• Place the chicken fingers in a single layer in the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until heated through and crispy.

Reheating chicken fingers in the microwave:

• Place the chicken fingers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid.
• Microwave for about 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Note that microwaving chicken fingers may result in a soggy texture.

Frequently asked questions