Air Fryer Chicken Goujons: Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken goujons, also known as chicken fingers or chicken strips, are a beloved classic. While frying is the traditional cooking method, air fryers offer a healthier alternative. Air-fried chicken goujons are crispy, crunchy, and tender, with fewer calories. The cooking time for chicken goujons in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the size of the air fryer, but on average, they take around 7 to 15 minutes to cook.

How long does chicken goujons take in an air fryer?

How to make chicken goujons in an air fryer

Chicken goujons, also known as chicken fingers or chicken strips, are a beloved classic. Making them in an air fryer is a healthier option, as it requires less oil and fewer calories. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious and crispy chicken goujons in an air fryer.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. paprika, parsley, onion powder)

Step 1: Prepare the Dredge

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Prepare three shallow plates or bowls. In the first plate, mix the breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and any other seasonings you wish to add. In the second plate, beat the eggs. The third plate should contain the flour.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken Strips

Take each strip of chicken and coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the chicken strip into the beaten egg, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they adhere to the chicken.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Goujons

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the chicken goujons into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to help the breadcrumbs stick and get a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Goujons

Cook the chicken goujons for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Your chicken goujons are now ready to be served! Enjoy them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce, marinara sauce, or tzatziki. They go well with a variety of sides, such as potatoes, salads, or roasted vegetables.

The best temperature to cook chicken goujons in an air fryer

Chicken goujons, also known as chicken fingers or chicken strips, are a tasty treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier option than deep-frying. The best temperature to cook chicken goujons in an air fryer is between 390-400°F (200°C).

How to Prepare the Chicken Goujons

Firstly, cut the chicken into strips or buy chicken tenders. You can also use chicken breasts, cut into long strips.

The Dredge

Next, prepare the dredge. For this, you will need three shallow plates or bowls. In the first, mix together the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices like chilli powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. In the second plate, beat the eggs. The third plate should contain the flour.

Dredging the Chicken

Now, it's time to dredge the chicken. First, coat each tender in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each tender is well-coated.

Cooking the Chicken Goujons

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (200°C). Once preheated, place the chicken tenders into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other. Spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray or oil, and cook for 7-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165-175°F (74-75°C).

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crispy, golden chicken goujons with your favourite dipping sauce and a side of fries, salad, or vegetables. Enjoy!

How to check if chicken goujons are cooked

Chicken goujons, also known as chicken fingers or chicken strips, are made with chicken tenders (chicken tenderloin), the small strip of meat attached to the chicken breast.

Chicken goujons are cooked in an air fryer for around 7-8 minutes at 200°C (400°F). However, this may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer.

• Using a kitchen thermometer is the best way to check if your chicken goujons are cooked. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the chicken piece. The internal temperature of the chicken should read 75°C /165°F. If it hasn't reached that temperature, put the chicken back in the air fryer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, then check again.
• Cut through a small piece of chicken to see if the meat is cooked. If it's still pink, it needs more time.
• If you don't have a thermometer, check with a fork and knife to see if the chicken is no longer pink inside.

How to store and reheat chicken goujons

Chicken goujons can be stored in the fridge or freezer and reheated in the oven, air fryer, or toaster.

Storing Chicken Goujons

Leftover chicken goujons should be stored in the fridge or freezer. If you plan to eat the goujons the next day, cover them and place them in the fridge. If you don't plan on eating them for a while, it's best to freeze them.

Reheating Chicken Goujons

When reheating chicken goujons, it's important to ensure they are heated thoroughly to avoid food poisoning. Here are some recommended methods for reheating:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the goujons on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. Check if they are heated through after 10 minutes.
• Air fryer: Reheat the goujons at 400°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes.
• Toaster: If the goujons are thin enough, pop them in the toaster.
• Stovetop: Heat the goujons in hot oil for a brief period.

How to make chicken goujons without an air fryer

Chicken goujons, also known as chicken fingers or chicken strips, are a delicious, crispy, crunchy, and tender treat. They are a favourite among kids and adults alike and can be made at home without the need for an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to make chicken goujons in your oven.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders (chicken tenderloin) or skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
• Eggs, beaten
• All-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
• Olive oil
• Cooking spray
• Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavour:

• Cornflakes, crushed and blitzed (use a mini chopper to get them to the size of the breadcrumbs)
• Garlic salt
• Paprika or Cajun seasoning
• Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning

Utensils:

• Baking tray
• Parchment paper or a silicone mat
• Three bowls
• Fork
• Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat and mist it with cooking spray.

Prepare your ingredients by separating them into three bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour and season with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, add the beaten eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the olive oil and any additional ingredients you may be using, such as cornflakes, garlic salt, and paprika.

Take a strip of chicken and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the chicken strip into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, place the chicken in the bowl with the breadcrumbs and flip it a couple of times until it is coated evenly.

Place the coated chicken strip on the prepared baking tray. Repeat this process until you have used all your chicken strips, spacing them out on the tray to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook the goujons in batches.

Bake the chicken goujons in the oven for 15-17 minutes or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. To check if they are done, you can slice into one of the thicker pieces or use an instant-read thermometer, which should read 75°C/167°F when inserted into the centre of the chicken.

Once they are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the oven and serve with your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Tips:

• You can make a big batch of chicken goujons and freeze them for later. Place the prepared goujons on a tray and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and use within 6 weeks. When ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
• If you prefer a thicker coating on your chicken goujons, you can double-coat them by repeating the process of dipping them in the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs a second time before baking.

Frequently asked questions