Air-Fryer Chicken Strips: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Chicken strips are a great, healthier alternative to frying, and can be made in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the chicken strips.

How to make chicken tenders from scratch

Ingredients

You will need:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced boneless, skinless
• 1 tablespoon of Frank's Red Hot Sauce (optional)
• 1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup of regular breadcrumbs or Italian
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of shortening or oil for frying (omit if baking)
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon of hot sauce
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon of course ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup of seasoned panko
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Method

• Cut the chicken breasts into four tenders each. Place the chicken in a ziplock bag and set aside.
• Prepare the marinade by combining buttermilk, hot sauce, milk, lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk well.
• Pour the marinade into the ziplock bag with the chicken and gently shake until the chicken is coated.
• Place the bag in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour.
• In a shallow bowl, combine flour and spices (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and baking powder).
• In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
• Dip each piece of chicken from the ziplock bag into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and back into the flour mixture. Ensure the chicken is well coated.
• Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet or tray.
• Spray both sides of the chicken generously with oil.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overcrowd.
• Air fry for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Serve with lemon wedges.

Tips:

• For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
• To get more tender chicken strips, cut the chicken against the grain.
• Adding cornstarch to the marinade helps lock in the juices, making the chicken juicier.
• For crispy chicken tenders, spray them with olive oil before air frying or baking.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy chicken tenders!

How to store leftover chicken fingers

Leftover chicken fingers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.

When it comes to reheating, you can use an air fryer if you have one. Place the frozen or refrigerated chicken fingers in the air fryer and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes if frozen, and for 5-7 minutes if refrigerated. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-10 minutes.

• For best results, use an airtight container that is specifically designed for storing food. This will help keep the chicken fingers fresh and prevent them from drying out.
• If you plan on freezing the chicken fingers, it is recommended to wrap them tightly and place them in a vacuum-sealed bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
• When reheating, it is important not to overcook the chicken fingers, as this can make them dry and less appetizing.
• You can also reheat chicken fingers in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat for a few minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are heated through.
• To add some extra crispness, you can reheat the chicken fingers in the oven or air fryer and lightly brush them with oil before heating.

How to reheat chicken tenders

If you're looking to reheat chicken tenders, the air fryer is the best way to go about it. It's quick, easy, and will make your chicken tenders crispy again without drying them out.

First, preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place your chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded so that air can circulate. If you like, spray the tops of the tenders with extra virgin olive oil to make them crispier.

Reheat the chicken tenders for 3-5 minutes, or until they're warmed thoroughly. You can check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to ensure they've reached above 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

And that's it! You can serve your chicken tenders with your favourite dips or sauces. Enjoy!

What to serve with chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to add some variety and flavour to your meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken tenders:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add some colour and nutrients to your plate. They can be enjoyed in several ways, such as air-fried, roasted, or steamed. Some options include broccoli, carrots, parsnips, peas, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, beets, onion, and mushrooms.

Salads

Salads are a refreshing option that can be packed with flavour and texture. Try a simple green salad or something more substantial like a kale Caesar salad or a Greek quinoa salad.

Starches

Starchy sides provide energy and fibre, and can include pasta, bread, rice, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, corn, beans, and cereals. For example, you could serve chicken tenders with French fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots.

Fruits

Fruits provide a natural sweetness and are generally easy to prepare. They can be served fresh or cooked, and pair well with chicken tenders. Some options include grapes, apples, pears, or mango.

Snack Foods

For a fun and casual meal, pair chicken tenders with some snack foods like veggie sticks, pea crisps, pepperoni, sweet potato muffins, or string cheese.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken tenders can be served with a variety of dips and sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, honey yogurt, BBQ sauce, or lemon wedges.

Other Sides

Other side dish options include garlic bread, corn on the cob, or baked cheese.

How long to cook chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are a great, quick meal to make in an air fryer, and there are a few different ways to make them. The cooking time will vary depending on the method you choose, but on average, chicken tenders will take between 10 and 16 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Breaded Chicken Tenders

If you're making breaded chicken tenders, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, you'll want to cook the tenders for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, for a total of 10 to 12 minutes. This will give you golden, crispy tenders on the outside, and juicy, tender chicken on the inside.

Unbreaded Chicken Tenders

For unbreaded chicken tenders, you'll still want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F, but you'll cook the tenders for a total of 9 to 11 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method still gives you juicy, tender chicken, but without the crispy breading.

Breading Options

There are a few different breading options you can choose from when making chicken tenders in an air fryer. One option is to use a mixture of seasoned flour and eggs. Dip the chicken tenders in the egg, then coat them in the seasoned flour. Another option is to use a mixture of breadcrumbs and panko. Dip the chicken tenders in a beaten egg, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. You can also try a combination of both methods for an extra crispy coating.

Cooking Tips

To ensure your chicken tenders come out perfectly, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the tenders in batches if needed. Second, use cooking spray to coat the basket and the tops of the tenders to help them brown and crisp up. Finally, always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's fully cooked. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently asked questions