Air Fryer Chicken Fingers: The Perfect Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken fingers are a beloved dish for both children and adults, and they can be made in an air fryer for a healthier, less greasy version. The key to getting that crispy texture without deep-frying is to use an air fryer, which circulates hot air around the chicken, cooking it evenly and giving it a crunchy texture.

To make chicken fingers in an air fryer, you'll need chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips. The chicken is typically seasoned with salt and pepper and sometimes other spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. It's then dipped in a flour or egg mixture and coated with breadcrumbs or panko for that signature crispy texture. The chicken fingers are then placed in the air fryer basket, sprayed with a little oil, and cooked for around 10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Chicken fingers made in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep-fried versions, and they're perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun snack.

Seasoning and breading the chicken

Seasoning the Chicken:

Before breading the chicken, it's important to season the tenders with a blend of spices that will enhance their flavour. Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface can affect the adhesion of the breading. Then, sprinkle both sides of the chicken tenders with kosher salt and black pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to boost the flavour.

Breading the Chicken:

To create a delicious crust on your chicken fingers, you'll need to set up a dredging station. Prepare three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, whisk a couple of large eggs. You can also add a splash of buttermilk to the eggs for extra richness. In the second bowl, combine your choice of breadcrumbs. You can use a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs, or just Panko for an extra crispy texture. Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for an extra savoury kick. In the third bowl, add some flour—this will help the egg mixture adhere better to the chicken. You can also add salt and pepper to the flour for extra seasoning.

Now, it's time to dredge the chicken. First, coat each chicken tender generously with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's well-coated. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, gently patting it so the breadcrumbs adhere to the egg layer. Repeat this process for all your chicken tenders.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken fingers in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the chicken and the model of the air fryer. In general, chicken fingers will take around 4-6 minutes to cook on each side, at a temperature of 400°F. This will result in golden brown, crispy chicken fingers.

For example, one source recommends cooking chicken fingers for 5-6 minutes on each side, at 400°F, while another suggests 8 minutes on one side and 7 minutes on the other, also at 400°F.

If you are cooking a larger batch of chicken fingers, it is recommended to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. It is also important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through, and an instant-read thermometer can be used to check this. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F.

For frozen chicken fingers, the cooking time will be longer, taking around 12 minutes in total to cook, flipping them halfway through.

Dipping sauces

Classic Options

A classic option for dipping sauces for chicken fingers is ketchup. You can also try honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.

Spicy Options

If you like your sauces spicy, try adding some hot sauce to your ketchup or barbecue sauce. You could also try a buffalo sauce or sweet chili sauce.

Sweet Options

For those with a sweet tooth, honey is a great option for a sticky and sweet sauce.

Healthy Options

For a healthier option, try a Greek yogurt ranch dip or a lightened-up version of the original ranch dressing.

Creative Options

For something a little different, you could try a basil dipping sauce, sweet and sour sauce, tzatziki, or a Polynesian sauce.

How to store and reheat

Leftover chicken fingers can be stored in an airtight container or a large resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is best to let the chicken fingers cool down before storing them to avoid condensation making the breading soggy.

To reheat chicken fingers in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F-375°F. Place the chicken fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken fingers and the desired level of crispiness. It is important not to pile the chicken fingers on top of each other, as this will prevent the skin from becoming crispy and can make the chicken dry.

To ensure the chicken fingers are moist and juicy on the inside, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

For best results, it is recommended to avoid reheating chicken fingers in the microwave, as this can make them soggy.

Chicken alternatives

If you're looking for chicken alternatives for chicken fingers, there are several options available. Here are some suggestions:

Gardein Breaded Chicken Strips

These vegan chicken strips are made from wheat and other plant-based ingredients. They are widely available in the frozen section of most grocery stores, including Walmart, Whole Foods, and Aldi. They are a convenient option that can be cooked in the air fryer, microwave, or oven.

MorningStar Farms Veggie Chicken Strips

MorningStar Farms offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan chicken strip options. Some of their products contain egg and dairy, so be sure to check the labels if you want to avoid animal products. Their products are usually found near the Gardein brand in grocery stores.

Boca Vegan Chicken Strips

Boca is another brand that offers vegan chicken strips. Their products are often found near Gardein and MorningStar Farms in the frozen section of grocery stores.

Trader Joe's Brand Breaded Vegan Chicken Strips

Trader Joe's has their own brand of breaded vegan chicken strips, which can be found in their frozen section.

Falafel

Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. It can be a delicious alternative to chicken fingers, offering a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. You can find falafel mixes or make your own at home.

Tofu, Tempeh, or Seitan

These plant-based proteins can be excellent alternatives to chicken. You can bread and season them in a similar way to chicken fingers and cook them in the air fryer for a crispy texture.

Other Options

If you're open to exploring different types of dishes beyond breaded finger foods, there are plenty of options. Here are some ideas:

• Nuts and hummus
• Peanut butter on crackers
• Canned beans
• Veggie burgers
• Vegan sausages

With these alternatives, you can enjoy the convenience and taste of chicken fingers while reducing your consumption of animal products or trying something new!

Frequently asked questions