Air Fryer Chicken Fingers: Timing For Perfect Results

Chicken fingers are a great, tasty, and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders as they require much less oil. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken tenders and the model of the air fryer, but on average, they take 10-12 minutes to cook in a preheated air fryer at 400°F.

How to make chicken fingers in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or corn oil)
• Spices (paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, etc.)
• Eggs
• Flour
• Breadcrumbs (panko and/or regular)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Method

• Prepare the chicken tenders: If you're using chicken breasts, cut them into strips. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.
• Add oil and spices: Drizzle or spray oil over the chicken tenders and toss to coat. Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl, then sprinkle them evenly over the chicken. You can also add the spices directly to the oil and toss to coat the chicken.
• Bread the chicken (optional): If you want a breaded coating, prepare your breading station by beating eggs in one shallow bowl and combining breadcrumbs and/or flour in another bowl. Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a cutting board or baking tray. Spray or drizzle oil over the breaded chicken.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (200°C).
• Cook the chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 7-12 minutes, then carefully flip them over. Cook for an additional 3-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
• Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips:

• To keep the chicken moist, you can brine it by submerging it in a solution of water, salt, and sugar for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350-375°F for 3-5 minutes.

How long to cook chicken fingers in an air fryer

Chicken fingers are a great, tasty, and easy meal to make in an air fryer. The length of time it takes to cook chicken fingers in an air fryer depends on a few factors, such as the size of the chicken fingers, the temperature of the air fryer, and whether the chicken is frozen or not.

Cooking Fresh Chicken Fingers

If you are cooking fresh chicken fingers, most recipes recommend cooking them for around 10 to 12 minutes at 380–400°F (190–200°C). This should be enough to cook the chicken through and achieve a golden, crispy exterior. However, it is always best to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Some recipes suggest cooking the chicken fingers for a shorter time, such as 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or 7 minutes, and then flipping them and cooking for a further 3 to 5 minutes. This may be because these recipes are using a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C).

Cooking Frozen Chicken Fingers

If you are cooking frozen chicken fingers, you will need to allow for a little more cooking time. One source suggests cooking frozen chicken fingers for 12 minutes at 360°F (180°C). Another source suggests allowing 2 to 4 minutes of extra cooking time when cooking from frozen.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Fingers in an Air Fryer

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken.
• Place the chicken fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray to allow them to cook evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
• Prevent soggy chicken fingers by patting the chicken dry after brining and using enough oil spray to cover the breading.
• Don't be gentle when breading the chicken fingers. Use your hands to press the breadcrumbs in firmly, then shake off any excess.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the model and power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the chicken fingers the first time you cook them.

How to make chicken fingers crispy in an air fryer

Chicken fingers are a great, easy meal to make in an air fryer. They're healthier than fried chicken, but still come out crispy and golden. Here's a step-by-step guide to making chicken fingers in an air fryer.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Spices: smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt and black pepper
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs (or any other type of breadcrumbs)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Optional Ingredients

• Parsley flakes
• Seasoned salt
• Avocado spray oil
• Onion salt
• Cayenne
• Thyme

Method

• Cut the chicken breasts into strips.
• Prepare three bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour and half the seasoning. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining spices.
• Take each chicken strip and coat it first in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs.
• Place the chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
• Spray the chicken with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Cook the chicken fingers for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, turn the chicken fingers over and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until they are crispy and golden.
• Remove the chicken fingers from the air fryer and serve with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips

• You can bread the chicken up to an hour before cooking and keep it in the fridge.
• You can also freeze the breaded chicken for up to 3 months and cook it from frozen in the air fryer.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken fingers in the oven at 425°F (220°C) until crispy and golden, or fry them in vegetable oil.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the chicken fingers to make sure they don't overcook.
• Make sure all the flour is coated with oil or cooking spray to ensure a crispy crust.

Enjoy your crispy, golden, and juicy chicken fingers!

How to reheat chicken fingers in an air fryer

To reheat chicken fingers in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 350°F. Place the chicken fingers inside the air fryer in a single layer, leaving some space around each one to allow for even heating. Reheat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through and the exterior is crispy again.

It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer when reheating chicken fingers, as this can cause uneven heating and affect the crispiness of the chicken. If you have a large amount of chicken fingers to reheat, you may need to do so in batches.

Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on the chicken fingers to ensure they do not overcook or become dry.

Furthermore, if you are reheating breaded chicken fingers, it is recommended to spray them with a light coating of oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to ensure that the breading stays crispy and does not dry out.

By following these simple steps, you can easily reheat chicken fingers in an air fryer, resulting in warm and crispy chicken that is ready to be enjoyed!

What to serve with chicken fingers

Chicken fingers are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your chicken fingers and turn them into a delicious meal:

Starchy Sides

Starchy foods such as pasta, bread, rice, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, corn, beans, and cereals can be an excellent complement to chicken fingers. Here are some specific options:

• French fries or sweet potato fries—a classic pairing that can be made even crispier with an air fryer.
• Potato wedges—a homemade alternative to French fries with a crispy outside and soft inside.
• Macaroni and cheese—a beloved, comforting dish that pairs well with chicken fingers.
• Buttermilk biscuits—warm, fluffy, and tasty, these biscuits can be made in just 30 minutes.

Vegetable Sides

Vegetables are a nutritious and flavorful addition to any meal. Here are some ideas to serve with chicken fingers:

• Roasted vegetables—a quick and easy option to make in an air fryer, enhancing the natural flavors of the veggies with a touch of seasoning.
• Green beans—sautéed with butter, garlic, and sea salt for a scrumptious side dish.
• Spinach casserole—a cheesy, creamy, and slightly spicy dish that takes 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake.
• Zucchini chips—a delicious, crunchy, and baked way to enjoy your veggies.

Salads

Salads can provide a fresh and light contrast to chicken fingers. Here are some options:

• Greek salad—a combination of cucumbers, grape tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta cheese, olive oil, and seasonings.
• Broccoli salad—a mix of broccoli, bacon, red onion, craisins, and sunflower seeds with a creamy dressing.
• Red cabbage coleslaw—a zesty and colorful side dish that takes only 10 minutes to make.
• Fruit salad—a mix of mouthwatering fresh fruits with a honey lime dressing.

Dips and Sauces

Dips and sauces can add extra flavor and moisture to chicken fingers. Here are some options:

• Ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.
• Honey mustard sauce—a sweet and tangy sauce perfect for dipping.
• Chick-fil-A Sauce or Buffalo Sauce—great for dipping and adding some extra flavor.

Other Sides

• Air fryer sweet potatoes.
• Creamy pesto pasta salad.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad.
• Baked beans—a classic BBQ side dish that can be made at home with a mouthwatering recipe.
• Chicken and waffles—a seemingly odd but outrageously delicious combination.

Frequently asked questions