Ella Walter
Chicken goujons, also known as chicken fingers or chicken strips, are a tasty, kid-friendly meal that can be made in an air fryer with minimal fuss. This healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken is easy to make and can be prepared in large batches to be stored in the freezer for later. The chicken strips are coated in a crunchy, golden exterior and can be served with a variety of dips, in a wrap, salad or sandwich. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook chicken goujons in an air fryer, including pre-preparation, cooking time and serving suggestions.
How to cook chicken goujons in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 200°C (400°F) |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 200°C (400°F) |
| Cooking time | 7-12 minutes |
| Cooking method | Spray with oil, turn halfway through |
| Chicken type | Chicken breast mini fillets, chicken breast, skinless boneless thighs |
| Chicken preparation | Dredge in flour, dip in beaten egg, dip in breadcrumbs |
| Breadcrumbs | Cornflakes blitzed to the size of panko breadcrumbs, mixed with panko, garlic salt, and sweet paprika |
| Oil | Olive oil or cooking spray |
| Serving suggestions | Dips, wraps, salad, sandwich, fries |
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What You'll Learn
Pre-cooking preparation
To prepare chicken goujons in an air fryer, you will need chicken breast mini fillets, or skinless, boneless thighs cut into strips. You will also need eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and spices. Some recipes suggest using crushed cornflakes instead of, or in addition to, breadcrumbs. You will also need a cooking spray, preferably olive oil, and an instant-read thermometer.
Before you start, preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Line a large tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat and mist it with cooking spray. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs and spices. If you are using cornflakes, blitz them in a mini chopper until they are the size of the breadcrumbs, then combine them with the other dry ingredients in the third bowl.
Next, dredge the chicken strips in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them in the beaten egg and finally, the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared tray, leaving some space between them. Repeat this process until all your chicken strips are coated, and remember that you might need to cook them in batches.
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Air fryer settings
Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This temperature setting is consistent across different air fryer models and ensures your chicken cooks evenly and efficiently. While it's preheating, you can prepare your chicken strips by dredging them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
Once preheated, mist or spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This step is essential to prevent sticking and ensure your goujons come out crispy. Arrange a single layer of chicken strips in the basket, and avoid overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches.
Now, it's time to air fry your chicken goujons. Set the timer for 7 to 12 minutes, depending on your preference and the size of your chicken strips. For smaller batches, 7 minutes should be sufficient, but for larger batches or thicker strips, aim for 10 to 12 minutes. Don't forget to turn the goujons halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
If you're cooking in batches, repeat the process until all your chicken goujons are cooked. It's important to note that cooking times may vary slightly between different air fryer models, so use your best judgment to determine when your chicken is done. The goujons should be golden brown and cooked through when they're ready.
Finally, serve your chicken goujons with your favourite dipping sauce, salad, or fries. You can also make a big batch and freeze them for later. To cook frozen goujons, simply pop them in the air fryer at 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for chicken goujons in an air fryer depends on the recipe you are following and the type of air fryer you are using. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer for 5 minutes at 200°C (400°F). However, some recipes suggest setting the air fryer to 200°C straight away and then cooking the chicken goujons for 10-12 minutes, turning them over after 5 minutes. Other recipes suggest cooking the chicken goujons for 7-8 minutes, turning them halfway through.
If you are cooking chicken goujons in an air fryer, it is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer. Some air fryers have smaller frying compartments, so you may need to cook your chicken goujons in multiple batches. Additionally, some air fryers do not go up to 200°C/400°F, in which case you should use the highest temperature possible.
It is also worth noting that the cooking time may depend on whether you are cooking frozen or fresh chicken goujons. Frozen chicken goujons will take longer to cook than fresh ones. As a general rule, it is always best to use your own judgement and check that your chicken goujons are cooked through before serving. You can do this by slicing into one of the goujons to check that the meat is no longer pink and that it has reached an internal temperature of 75°C/167°F.
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Cooking in batches
When cooking chicken goujons in an air fryer, it is important to note that you will likely need to cook them in batches. This is because most air fryers have smaller frying compartments, so you will need to cook your chicken in multiple batches if you are making a large quantity. For example, if you are using a 3.2-litre/5.5-pint basket air fryer, you will need to work in two batches.
Additionally, air fryers with a paddle that turns the food as it cooks are not suitable for cooking chicken goujons. This is because the paddle can prevent the chicken from forming an even, crispy coating. Therefore, if your air fryer has a paddle, you will need to cook the chicken goujons in batches without using the paddle.
To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to arrange the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spraying the basket with oil beforehand can help to achieve a golden, crispy coating. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to fit 4-5 strips in a single layer, requiring you to cook in batches.
It is also important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer. As a general guideline, chicken goujons typically take around 7-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but larger batches may require a slightly longer cooking time. Be sure to use your own judgement and check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.
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Serving suggestions
Chicken goujons cooked in an air fryer are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken, with fewer calories but all the taste.
Chicken goujons are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for serving suggestions:
- Serve with your favourite dips, such as a special sauce or a spicy dip.
- Enjoy in a wrap, a sandwich, or a roll for a handheld meal.
- Accompany with a fresh and crisp salad—a great option for a lighter meal.
- For a more indulgent option, serve with fries or butternut squash fries.
- Make a big batch and freeze them for a quick and easy meal later on.
- For a heartier meal, serve with a side of vegetables, such as roasted veggies or steamed greens.
- Try different coatings, such as potato chips/crisps, for a unique flavour and texture.
- Add some extra flavour to your breadcrumbs by mixing in grated Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning.
- For a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken for tofu—you can still coat and cook it in the air fryer for a crispy finish.
- Chicken goujons also go well with a variety of sauces, such as a creamy garlic sauce or a tangy barbecue sauce.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy chicken goujons from the air fryer, so get creative and experiment with different flavours and sides!
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Mist the basket with cooking spray and place 4-5 strips in it. Then, cook for 7-10 minutes, turning halfway through and spraying with oil. Repeat until all the goujons are cooked.
First, dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the chicken in a beaten egg and finally, in a breadcrumb mixture. You can make this mixture by blitzing cornflakes and combining them with panko, garlic salt, and sweet paprika.
Chicken goujons go well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as creamy honey mustard dip, ketchup, or salad.
Chicken goujons, also known as chicken fingers or chicken strips, are crispy golden tender strips of chicken. They are made with chicken tenders (chicken tenderloin), the small strip of meat attached to the chicken breast.
