Air Fryer Chicken Strips: Timing For Perfection

Chicken breast strips are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to fried chicken and can be made in large batches, making them perfect for meal prep. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken and the size of your air fryer, but on average, they take around 10 minutes to cook at 380-400°F, flipping them halfway through.

Chicken breast strips: seasoning and prep

Chicken breast strips are a great, healthy and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are also versatile and can be seasoned and prepared in a variety of ways. Here is a guide to help you get started:

Choosing Your Chicken

You can use either chicken breast or chicken tenders for this recipe. Chicken tenders are already cut into strips, saving you some prep time. However, chicken breasts are usually cheaper per pound, so they are a more budget-friendly option. If you go with chicken breasts, cut them into uniform strips about 1 inch thick. Each chicken breast should give you 4-6 strips, depending on its size and thickness.

Seasoning and Prep

There are endless possibilities for seasoning your chicken breast strips. Here are some popular options:

• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, and black pepper
• Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper
• Ranch seasoning powder
• Chili powder and cumin
• Lemon juice, garlic powder, or chilli powder

Once you have chosen your seasonings, prepare a marinade by mixing the seasonings with oil and vinegar. The oil and vinegar help to tenderize the chicken and enhance its flavour. Place the chicken strips into the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Do not marinate for more than 12 hours, as this can over-tenderize the meat and give it a mushy texture.

Cooking

When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F. Place the chicken strips into the air fryer basket in a single layer, trying to keep them evenly spaced and not touching. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side. Cook for 9-12 minutes at this temperature, flipping the strips halfway through. The chicken is done when the edges and sides are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Air fryer settings and timings

The first step to cooking chicken breast strips in an air fryer is to preheat the appliance. The ideal temperature is around 400°F (200°C), but this can vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer. Some recipes suggest heating to 375°F (190°C) or 380°F, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your particular air fryer.

Next, prepare the chicken. If you are using chicken breasts, cut them into uniform strips about 1 inch thick. You can also buy chicken tenderloins, or chicken that is already cut into strips. Each chicken breast should yield 4-6 strips.

Now, it's time to season the chicken. There are many ways to do this, but a simple option is to mix together flour, paprika, parsley, seasoned salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Beat an egg in a separate bowl. Dredge each chicken strip in the seasoned flour, dip it in the egg, then back in the flour.

Place the chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray.

Cook the chicken strips for around 10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The chicken is done when it is crispy and golden on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

You can serve the chicken breast strips with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or marinara sauce. Enjoy!

Chicken tenderloin alternatives

Chicken tenderloins are a popular choice for a quick and easy meal, but if you're looking for alternatives, there are several options to consider. Here are some chicken tenderloin alternatives that you can cook in an air fryer or prepare using other methods:

Turkey Tenders

Turkey tenders are an excellent substitute for chicken tenderloins due to their similar taste, texture, and nutritional profile. They are lean, packed with protein, and cook just as quickly as chicken. You can prepare them in various ways, such as grilling, baking, or pan-frying.

Tofu "Chicken" Strips

For a plant-based option, tofu "chicken" strips are a fantastic choice. Tofu has a mild flavor that easily absorbs the taste of other ingredients. To achieve a tender and juicy texture, simply press the tofu to remove excess moisture, slice it into strips, and marinate it with your favorite spices and sauces. You can then pan-fry or bake the tofu until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Tempeh Tenders

Tempeh, made from fermented soybeans, is another plant-based alternative. It has a nutty flavor and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking. To make tempeh tenders, slice the tempeh into thin strips, marinate them, and cook using your preferred method. Tempeh tenders are a delicious and protein-rich option that even meat lovers can enjoy.

Fish Sticks

While not an obvious choice, fish sticks can be a scrumptious and nutritious alternative when made with high-quality white fish like cod or haddock. They are easy to prepare and cook quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Simply bread the fish with your choice of coating (breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed cornflakes) and bake or pan-fry until golden and crispy.

Cauliflower "Wings"

If you're looking to add more vegetables to your diet, cauliflower "wings" are a tasty option. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets, dip them in a seasoned batter, coat them in breadcrumbs, and then bake or air-fry until crispy. Toss them in your favorite wing sauce for a delicious and guilt-free treat.

Chicken Breasts

If you're looking for a similar option to chicken tenderloins, consider using chicken breasts. You can easily cut a boneless, skinless chicken breast lengthwise into pieces about 1/2 inch thick to create chicken tender-sized pieces of white meat. Chicken breasts are versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes.

So, there you have it! Plenty of alternatives to chicken tenderloins to keep your meals exciting and varied. Each of these options offers its own unique flavor, texture, and nutritional profile, so feel free to experiment and find the ones that suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Now, onto the cooking time for chicken breast strips in an air fryer. The cooking time can vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, but on average, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes on each side, or a total of 10 to 20 minutes, to cook chicken breast strips in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F (190-200°C) and cook the chicken strips in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Flip the strips halfway through the cooking process, and they are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Chicken marinade

Chicken breast strips can be cooked in an air fryer in 16 to 20 minutes at 360°F. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken strips and the air fryer model. It is recommended to flip the strips halfway through the cooking process.

A marinade is a great way to add flavour and moisture to chicken breast strips before air frying. Here is a simple recipe for a marinade that can be used:

• In a large bowl, add the cut chicken strips.
• Pour in olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil with a high smoke point.
• Add vinegar, lemon juice, or another acidic ingredient to tenderize the meat.
• Include spices and seasonings of your choice, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Stir everything together with tongs until the chicken is coated.
• Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Do not exceed 12 hours of marination, as this can over-tenderize the meat and give it a mushy texture.

Dipping sauces and sides

Dipping Sauces

Chicken strips are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas:

• Honey-mustard sauce
• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Blue cheese
• Ketchup
• Chick-Fil-A Sauce

Sides

Air fryer chicken strips can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus
• Salad, such as a cucumber salad, Italian salad, or Olive Garden salad
• Orzo with zucchini and tomatoes
• Mediterranean quinoa salad
• Potato wedges or tater tots
• Pesto

Storage and Reheating

Leftover chicken strips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the chicken strips in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions