Air Fryer Chicken Strips: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken strips are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They're a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken strips, and can be made in large batches and frozen for future use. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken strips and the model of your air fryer, but generally, they should take around 10-15 minutes to cook at 380-400°F.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It is always recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding any food, especially when you are looking to achieve a crispy texture. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you are essentially telling your appliance to get ready for the cooking process by bringing the heating element up to the desired temperature. This step is crucial, especially when making chicken strips, as it helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and efficiently, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

When preheating your air fryer to 400°F, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. Different air fryers may have varying preheat settings and procedures, so consulting the user manual can be helpful. The preheat function is usually indicated by a dedicated button or a setting on the temperature dial. Once activated, the air fryer will heat up to the set temperature, typically within a few minutes.

During the preheating process, the air fryer's heating element will reach the desired temperature of 400°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking chicken strips as it allows them to cook through without drying out. The high heat also helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside. It is important to note that the preheat temperature may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken strips by seasoning them or coating them with your desired breading. This ensures that the chicken is ready to be placed into the air fryer as soon as it finishes preheating, minimizing any heat loss. By preheating to 400°F, you create an optimal cooking environment for your chicken strips, promoting even cooking and a desirable texture.

Once your air fryer reaches the set temperature of 400°F, it will typically beep or give you a visual indication that it is ready. At this point, you can carefully place your prepared chicken strips into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Close the air fryer, set the timer, and let the cooking process begin. Preheating your air fryer to 400°F is a crucial step in achieving delicious and perfectly cooked chicken strips.

Prepare the dredge

To prepare the dredge, grab three shallow plates or bowls. In the first plate, combine dry ingredients such as breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and garlic powder. You can also add in other spices like onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning. Mix these ingredients well. In the second plate, beat a couple of eggs. You can also add in a little oil or vinegar to the eggs. The third plate should contain flour, preferably all-purpose flour.

You can also prepare the dredge by combining the dry ingredients in one bowl and the eggs in another bowl. This method creates a simpler process by reducing the number of bowls used.

The dredging process involves coating the chicken tenders in a dry mixture, then dipping them in the wet mixture, and finally coating them again in the dry mixture. This double-coating technique ensures a crispy and flavourful crust on the chicken tenders.

Some recipes suggest adding cooking spray or olive oil spray to the chicken tenders after they have been coated. This extra step adds to the crispiness of the tenders.

Dredge the chicken tenders

Dredging the chicken tenders is a crucial step in the air fryer chicken strips cooking process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you master the art of dredging:

Firstly, prepare your dredging station by gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools. You will need a large, shallow bowl or plate for the flour mixture, another bowl for the beaten eggs, and a tray or cutting board to place the coated tenders. In the first bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, paprika, parsley flakes, seasoned salt, and ground black pepper. Mix these ingredients well to ensure a uniform coating for your chicken tenders. You can also add other spices and herbs of your choice to this flour mixture, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning, to enhance the flavour.

Now, it's time to start dredging! Take each chicken tender and coat it generously with the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step. This initial flour coating helps the wet ingredients adhere better to the chicken, creating a crispier exterior.

Next, dip the floured chicken tenders into the bowl of beaten eggs. Use a fork to completely coat the tenders with the egg, allowing the flour coating to absorb the moisture. This step is essential for creating a crispy texture and sealing in the juices of the chicken.

After coating with egg, it's time for the final dredge. Dip the tenders back into the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly. You can also opt for breadcrumbs or panko crumbs instead of flour for this final step, which will give your tenders an extra crispy texture.

Once you've completed the dredging process, give the tenders a light mist of cooking spray. This helps promote even cooking and adds a golden, crispy finish to your chicken. Place the tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren't overlapping, and you're ready to start frying!

By following these detailed instructions for dredging your chicken tenders, you'll achieve that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior that makes air fryer chicken strips so delicious.

Air fry the tenders

Now that your chicken tenders are prepared, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 400°F (around 200°C). Check your air fryer's instructions for how to do this.
• Lightly coat the tenders: Lightly mist or spray the tenders with cooking spray or oil. This will help them crisp up.
• Place the tenders in the air fryer basket: Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. You may need to cook them in batches if you have a lot of tenders or a smaller air fryer.
• Cook for 8-12 minutes: Depending on the recipe you're following, cook the tenders for around 8-12 minutes. For recipes that use a flour and egg dredge, you'll likely need to cook for closer to 8 minutes. For recipes without breading, 10-12 minutes is more common.
• Flip the tenders: After the initial cooking time, carefully open the air fryer and flip the tenders over. You may need to lightly mist or spray them again.
• Cook for another 5-8 minutes: Place the air fryer basket back in and cook for another 5-8 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your tenders and the breading used.
• Check the internal temperature: To ensure your tenders are fully cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
• Repeat if necessary: If you have more tenders to cook, repeat the above steps until they're all cooked.
• Let the tenders rest: Once cooked, remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Your air-fried chicken tenders are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a main dish or use them in sandwiches, wraps, or salads. They're a versatile and delicious option for a quick and healthy meal.

Reheat and store

Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to four months. Uncooked tenders can also be frozen. To freeze, place the tenders on a baking sheet and freeze for two hours, then transfer them to an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed bag.

To reheat chicken tenders, place them in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for about three to five minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through.

Alternatively, you can reheat the tenders in an oven preheated to 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes, or on the stovetop over medium heat for about five minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Tips for Reheating and Storing Chicken Tenders:

• For best quality, consume refrigerated tenders within two to three days.
• When freezing, separate the tenders with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
• To ensure even cooking, place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray.
• Always preheat the air fryer before adding the tenders.
• To prevent overcooking, check the internal temperature of the tenders with a meat thermometer. They are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Frequently asked questions