Air-Fryer Chicken Strips: A Healthy, Quick Treat

Chicken strips are a popular food item, but frying them can be messy and time-consuming. Air fryers offer a convenient and healthier alternative to frying chicken strips, yielding crispy and juicy results. This introduction will explore the benefits of using an air fryer to cook chicken strips, including reduced oil usage, ease of preparation, and customizable flavours. We will also provide an overview of the cooking process, highlighting the importance of factors such as temperature settings, cooking time, and the use of breading or marinades to enhance the taste and texture of the chicken strips.

How long to cook chicken strips in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken strips that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The length of time it takes to cook chicken strips in an air fryer can vary depending on the model and power of the air fryer, the thickness of the chicken strips, and the desired level of crispiness. However, on average, it takes around 10 to 12 minutes to cook chicken strips in an air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken strips

Start by patting the chicken strips dry with paper towels. If you are using chicken breasts, cut them into thin strips to create chicken tenders. You can also use chicken tenderloins, which are already cut into strips.

Step 2: Season the chicken strips

Place the chicken strips in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat the chicken strips completely in oil. In a small bowl, mix together your desired seasonings. Some popular seasonings for chicken strips include smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the chicken strips and toss to coat.

Step 3: Bread the chicken strips (optional)

If you want to add a crispy breading to your chicken strips, set up a breading station with a shallow bowl of beaten eggs and a shallow bowl of breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken strip in the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumbs. Place the breaded chicken strips on a cutting board or baking tray.

Step 4: Air fry the chicken strips

Preheat your air fryer to between 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Air fry the chicken strips for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken strips are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chicken reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Serve and store

Serve the chicken strips immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Chicken strips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 to 4 months. Reheat any leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

How to get chicken strips crispy in an air fryer?

Chicken strips are a great option for a weeknight dinner, and an air fryer is a fantastic way to cook them. The air fryer gives the tenders a super crispy exterior, with a juicy and tender interior, and it's healthier than deep-frying.

Ingredients:

• Chicken tenders or chicken tenderloins
• Oil (neutral spray oil like avocado, canola, or olive oil)
• Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• Eggs
• Flour
• Salt and pepper
• Spices/seasoning of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Method:

• Brine the chicken (optional): For extra juicy tenders, brine the chicken strips by submerging them in a water, salt, and sugar solution for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
• Prepare the seasoning: Mix together your chosen spices and seasoning in a small bowl.
• Make the wet batter: In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs, flour, and some of the seasoning mix. The consistency should be slightly looser than pancake batter, so add water if needed.
• Season the breadcrumbs: Add the remaining seasoning mix to a tray of breadcrumbs and mix well.
• Dredge the chicken: Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with a paper towel. Dip the tenders in the egg mixture, then into the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken firmly and shake off any excess.
• Spray with oil: Spray the tenders with a light coating of oil to help the breadcrumbs get extra crispy.
• Air fry: Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with another layer of oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. Flip the tenders, then air fry for another 4-6 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
• Serve: Chicken strips are great with a dipping sauce, like honey mustard, or with sides such as roasted vegetables or mac and cheese.

Tips for crispy chicken strips:

• Ensure you pat the chicken dry after brining and use enough oil spray to cover the tenders before air frying.
• Don't be gentle when adding the breadcrumbs—press them firmly into the chicken so that the breading doesn't fall off during cooking.
• Adjust the seasonings to your preference—the above recipe is just a guide.

Happy cooking!

What to serve with chicken strips?

Chicken strips cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some ideas:

Side Dishes

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Tater tots
• Onion rings
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Roasted broccoli
• Baked mac and cheese
• Roasted green beans with bacon
• Korean broccoli salad
• Hawaiian macaroni salad
• Pasta salad
• Mashed potatoes
• Applesauce
• Air fryer brussels sprouts
• Air fryer baked potato

Sauces

• Ranch
• BBQ sauce
• Honey sriracha sauce
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Honey mustard
• Sweet chili sauce
• Asian dipping sauce
• Raising Cane's Sauce

Can you use chicken breasts instead of chicken strips?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken strips in an air fryer. In fact, some people prefer to use chicken breasts as they are more likely to be readily available in the freezer. Chicken breasts are also easier to cut yourself than chicken tenderloin cuts, which are more traditional for chicken tenders.

To use chicken breasts in the air fryer, you will first need to slice the chicken breast into uniform strips about 1 inch thick. Each chicken breast should make 4-6 strips, depending on its size and thickness. Then, you can follow the same steps as you would for chicken strips, such as marinating the chicken or breading and cooking it in the air fryer.

It is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted if using chicken breasts instead of chicken strips. Chicken breasts are typically thicker than chicken strips, so they may take longer to cook through. Be sure to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked safely.

Using chicken breasts in the air fryer is a great way to make juicy and tender chicken that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, wraps, grain bowls, or served with sides like tater tots or fries.

How to store chicken strips?

Storing chicken strips properly is important to keep them tasting great and prevent foodborne illnesses. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to store chicken strips:

Refrigerating Chicken Strips:

Leftover chicken strips should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to four days. Chicken strips are delicious reheated in an oven or toaster oven, or you can enjoy them cold as well.

Freezing Chicken Strips:

If you want to store chicken strips for a more extended period, freezing is a great option. Allow the cooked chicken strips to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Seal the container or bag securely and freeze the chicken strips for three to four months. When you're ready to eat them, defrost the chicken strips by transferring them to the refrigerator overnight.

To crisp up the breading after freezing, it's best to reheat the chicken strips in the oven rather than the microwave. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the strips until they are heated through.

Reheating and Serving Chicken Strips:

Chicken strips can be easily reheated in an air fryer or oven. Place the cold chicken strips in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 7-10 minutes.

Chicken strips are versatile and can be served in various ways. You can serve them as an appetizer with your favourite dipping sauce, such as barbecue, ranch, or aioli. They also work great as a filling for sandwich wraps or as a protein boost on healthy salad suppers.

Frequently asked questions