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

Chicken fingers are a great, tasty treat, and an air fryer is a perfect way to cook them. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken tenders and the model and power of the air fryer, but generally, they should take around 10-12 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer, which will take around 12 minutes at 360°F.

How to make chicken fingers in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders (or chicken tenderloins)
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray)
• Breadcrumbs (panko and/or regular)
• Eggs
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, cumin, mustard powder, etc.)

Optional Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Lemon wedges

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board or baking tray
• Meat thermometer

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Before you begin, defrost your chicken tenderloins if necessary. Then, season the chicken with salt and pepper. If you want, you can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken (Optional)

If you want to add a crispy breading to your chicken fingers, prepare a breading station with two bowls. In the first bowl, whisk one or two eggs. In the second bowl, combine breadcrumbs and/or flour with your choice of seasonings. You can also add a little oil or cooking spray to this mixture.

Now, it's time to bread the chicken. First, dip each tender into the egg mixture, and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each tender is fully coated, and place them on a cutting board or baking tray when you're done.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray, and place the chicken tenders inside in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook the tenders in batches.

Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with oil or cooking spray, and then air fry for about 5-8 minutes. Flip the tenders over, spray the other side, and continue cooking for another 4-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden and crispy on the outside. The total cooking time will be around 10-12 minutes or 10-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the size of the tenders.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the chicken fingers from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them with lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce. Enjoy!

How long to cook chicken fingers in an air fryer

Chicken fingers are a great, tasty treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. The length of time you'll need to cook chicken fingers in an air fryer depends on a few factors, such as the temperature setting and whether the chicken is frozen or not.

Cooking Fresh Chicken Fingers

When cooking fresh chicken fingers in an air fryer, you should preheat the air fryer to around 380-400°F (200°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken fingers, but on average, they will take around 10-12 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly, so using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is recommended.

Some recipes suggest cooking the chicken fingers for around 7 minutes on one side, then flipping them over and cooking for a further 3-5 minutes. This will give you a total cooking time of 10-12 minutes, depending on how long you cook them for on the second side.

Cooking Frozen Chicken Fingers

If you're cooking frozen chicken fingers, the cooking time will be a little longer. Preheat your air fryer to around 360°F and cook the chicken fingers for about 12 minutes. Again, it's important to ensure they are cooked thoroughly, so use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tips for Crispy Chicken Fingers

To get crispy chicken fingers, it's important to ensure that the chicken is dry before cooking. You can also try brining the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to help retain moisture and prevent dryness. Using a light coating of oil or cooking spray can also help to crisp up the chicken fingers.

How to make chicken fingers crispy in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders or chicken tenderloins (1-1.5 lbs)
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil)
• Breadcrumbs (seasoned, Panko, or gluten-free)
• Eggs
• Flour (all-purpose or potato starch)
• Spices (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, basil)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

• Brine the chicken tenders (optional, but recommended): Mix water, kosher salt, and sugar in a large bowl until dissolved. Submerge the chicken tenders in the brine and let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
• Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, mix together your desired spices. You can use a pre-made blend or create your own. A common combination includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
• Make the wet batter: In a separate large bowl, mix together the eggs, flour, and 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mix. The consistency should be slightly looser than pancake batter. If it's too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
• Season the breadcrumbs: Add the remaining seasoning mix to a tray or plate of breadcrumbs. Use your hands to mix the spices evenly into the breadcrumbs.
• Dredge the chicken tenders: Remove the chicken from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Dip each tender into the wet batter, letting the excess drip off, then coat them in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Use your hands to press the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken, ensuring all sides are covered.
• Spray the chicken tenders with oil: Generously spray both sides of the chicken tenders with oil. This will help them crisp up and turn golden in the air fryer.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380-400°F (around 200°C).
• Cook the chicken tenders: Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Cook for 7-10 minutes, then carefully flip them over. Cook for an additional 3-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
• Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips for crispy chicken fingers:

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken tenders. This helps ensure a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken.
• Pat the chicken dry after brining and use enough oil to coat all parts of the breading before air frying to prevent soggy chicken tenders.
• Firmly press the breadcrumbs into the chicken and shake off any excess. There should be no bald or damp spots on the chicken tenders after breading.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the model and power of your air fryer, so adjust as needed. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

How to reheat chicken fingers in an air fryer

If you have leftover chicken fingers, you can easily reheat them in an air fryer. This method will ensure they are warmed thoroughly and retain their crispy texture. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (176°C). It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and to help the chicken fingers regain their crispy exterior.

Step 2: Place the Chicken Fingers in the Air Fryer

Arrange the chicken fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded and have enough space for the hot air to circulate. If you have a large batch, you may need to reheat them in batches.

Step 3: Reheat the Chicken Fingers

Place the chicken fingers in the preheated air fryer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook. The exact time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so adjust as needed.

Step 4: Check the Temperature

To ensure the chicken fingers are properly reheated, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If they have not reached this temperature, continue cooking in one-minute intervals until they do.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken fingers have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them as is or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Reheating chicken fingers in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy your leftovers. By following these simple steps, you can have crispy and tasty chicken fingers ready in just a few minutes!

What to serve with chicken fingers

Chicken fingers, chicken strips, or chicken tenders are a family favourite and a classic meal. They are usually served with French fries, but there are many other side dishes that complement them. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken fingers:

Salads

Salads are a great way to add some colour and nutrients to your plate. Some salad options that go well with chicken fingers include:

• Greek quinoa salad with feta
• Broccoli salad with bacon, red onion, craisins, and sunflower seeds
• Cucumber, grape tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese
• Cold pasta salad with southern-style vegetables and hard-boiled eggs
• Kale Caesar salad

Starches

Starches such as pasta, bread, rice, and potatoes provide energy and can be a great side dish for chicken fingers. Some specific options include:

• Mac and cheese
• Sweet potato mac and cheese
• Baked sweet potato wedges
• Potato salad
• Mashed potatoes
• Curly fries
• Potato wedges
• Rice (try a copycat recipe of Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice)
• Garlic bread or breadsticks

Vegetables

Vegetables can be enjoyed in many ways as a side dish, such as roasted, air-fried, or steamed. Some specific vegetable side dishes that go well with chicken fingers include:

• Roasted vegetables (e.g. broccoli, carrots, parsnips, peas, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, beets, onion, and mushrooms)
• Air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts with horseradish aioli
• Sauteed green beans with red peppers and almonds
• Baked zucchini chips
• Zoodles (spiralized zucchini) with garlic, tomatoes, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes
• Air fryer butternut squash fries

Fruits

Fruits can also be a great side dish, especially for picky eaters or children. Some fruit options that go well with chicken fingers include:

• Creamy Greek yogurt fruit salad
• Fresh fruit salad with a honey lime dressing
• Apples (the sweetness of apples complements the savouriness of chicken)

Dips and Sauces

Dips and sauces can also be served as a side dish with chicken fingers. Some options include:

• Ranch
• Honey yogurt
• BBQ sauce
• Chick-Fil-A Sauce
• Buffalo Sauce
• Honey mustard

Frequently asked questions