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

Chicken fingers are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the brand and size of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the chicken fingers, but it typically takes between 10 and 14 minutes to cook chicken fingers in an air fryer.

Cooking time depends on the brand and size of your air fryer

Some sources suggest cooking chicken fingers for 5 to 6 minutes on each side at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while another suggests cooking them at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes on each side. A final source suggests cooking them at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the chicken fingers. It's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's cooked through - the internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit when the chicken is done.

Cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken fingers

Chicken fingers should be cooked in an air fryer preheated to 380-400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken fingers, but on average, they will take around 10-12 minutes to cook. For example, one source suggests cooking chicken fingers for 6 minutes on each side at 390°F, while another recommends 5-6 minutes on each side at 400°F.

It is important to ensure that the chicken fingers are cooked through before serving. To check if they are done, cut into the thickest piece of chicken and make sure that no pink remains. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken fingers are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to check if the chicken is cooked

Cooking chicken fingers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. It should take between 10 and 14 minutes to cook chicken fingers in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the chicken and the brand and size of your air fryer.

To check if the chicken is cooked, you should cut into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure there is no pink meat left inside. You can also check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer – it should be 165 degrees F when it's done.

If you're cooking chicken fingers in batches, you'll need to cook them for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they're golden and crispy on the outside. Remember to preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees F before adding the chicken.

How to prepare the chicken before cooking

To prepare chicken fingers for cooking in an air fryer, start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Then, place the chicken in a large mixing bowl. You can now season the chicken as you like. For example, you could add garlic powder and onion powder to give the chicken fingers more flavour.

Next, dip the chicken pieces in flour, then in an egg mix, and finally, coat them with breadcrumbs. You can now lightly spray both sides of the chicken with olive oil or another cooking oil spray.

Make sure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature before you begin cooking. The temperature will depend on your air fryer and your personal preference, but it should be between 380 and 400 degrees F.

You are now ready to begin cooking your chicken fingers in the air fryer.

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 for what to serve with chicken fingers cooked in an air fryer:

Starchy Sides

Starchy foods like pasta, bread, rice, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, corn, beans, and cereals can be a great side dish to serve with chicken fingers. These foods are filling and provide energy, fibre, and B-vitamins. Pasta, in particular, is a kid-friendly option that can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as plain, cheesy, or baked.

Vegetables

Vegetables can be served as a side dish with chicken fingers, either plain, air-fried, or roasted. This is a great way to add colour and nutrients to your meal. Some vegetable side dish ideas include blistered shishito peppers, zucchini fries, and Thai cucumber salad with peanuts.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken fingers can be served with a variety of dips and sauces, such as an Asian dipping sauce or lemon wedges. For a more indulgent option, you can try lemon tarragon aioli, which pairs well with zucchini fries.

Salads

A refreshing salad can be a great side dish for chicken fingers, especially during the warmer months. Try a Thai cucumber salad with peanuts, which offers a crunchy, sweet, and tangy flavour profile.

Fruit

Fruit can be a nutritious and sweet side dish to serve with chicken fingers. It can be served on its own or paired with vegetables, as in a fruit and veggie toddler mac and cheese.

Frequently asked questions