Air-Fried Chicken Goujons: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken goujons, or chicken tenders, are a delicious and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They're a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders, as they require only a fraction of the oil. The air fryer method still produces a super crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat on the inside. You can use a simple flour and egg dredge, or a seasoned breadcrumb coating, to create a tasty, crunchy exterior.

How to prepare the chicken for frying

Preparing the chicken for frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, you'll want to cut the chicken into strips or tenders. You can use chicken breast mini fillets, or cut chicken breasts into long strips. Alternatively, you can buy just the tenders at your local grocery store.

Once you have your chicken strips, it's time to prepare the dredging mixture. This is a simple combination of dry ingredients that will give your chicken that crispy texture. In a medium bowl, combine plain flour with a variety of seasonings. You can use paprika, parsley flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly.

Next, you'll need to prepare the wet coating for your chicken. In a separate bowl, beat one or more eggs. You can also add a little milk to this mixture if you like. The egg mixture will help the dry coating stick to the chicken.

Now you're ready to start dredging! This is a three-step process. First, coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture. Then, dip it into the egg mixture. Finally, coat it again in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated.

At this point, you can also add an extra layer of coating for a thicker, crispier texture. Simply prepare some seasoned breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl, and coat each piece of chicken in the breadcrumbs after the egg dip. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken and shake off any excess.

Your chicken is now ready to be placed into the air fryer! Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil, and arrange the chicken in a single layer. Make sure the pieces aren't overcrowded and spray the tops of the chicken with a little more oil. Now it's time to air fry those delicious chicken goujons!

How to make the breading stick to the chicken

There are a few methods to ensure that the breading sticks to your chicken goujons when using an air fryer.

Firstly, pat the chicken dry with paper towels on both sides. You can also leave the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator to dry it out. This will help the flour adhere to the chicken.

Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and dredge it in flour. Make sure to remove any excess flour before moving on to the next step.

Then, dip the chicken into a bowl of beaten eggs. You can also add buttermilk, Dijon mustard, or hot sauce to the mixture for extra flavour. Make sure the eggs coat the flour thoroughly.

After that, coat the chicken with breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed crackers or pretzels. Press the coating onto the chicken and pat it down gently to ensure it adheres.

Finally, place the breaded chicken on a cooling rack and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the layers of breading ingredients solidify and adhere better after cooking.

• Make sure there is no moisture on the chicken before coating it with flour.
• Use a three-step breading process: coat the chicken in flour, dip in beaten egg, and dredge in the final breading ingredient.
• Press the breadcrumbs into the meat very firmly with your hands.
• Ensure that every part of the chicken is fully coated, with no bare spots.
• Allow the chicken to rest and come to room temperature after breading and before frying.
• After flouring, knock off any excess flour so that the coating is thin and complete.
• Use an egg wash before putting on the final seasoning.
• Let the chicken rest in the fridge for about 20 minutes on a rack after breading.
• Let the breading sit for at least 10 minutes before frying.
• Use self-rising flour or add baking powder to the flour.
• Dry the chicken with a paper towel, then use a three-step breading process: seasoned flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
• Marinate the chicken in buttermilk before coating it in seasoned flour.
• Use a meat mallet to create texture on the surface of the chicken for the breading to hold on to.
• Marinate the chicken in buttermilk with herbs, but avoid using egg whites as they can cause the breading to separate.

How to cook the chicken in the air fryer

Once you've cut your chicken into strips or goujons, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (200°C).
• Prepare your dredging station. You'll need three shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, add plain flour. In the second bowl, beat an egg. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices like chilli powder, Italian seasoning, or cajun mix.
• Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet ingredients to avoid coating your fingers.
• Place the coated chicken strips in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil to create a glossy finish.
• Cook the chicken for 8-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken strips and the specific model of your air fryer.
• To check if the chicken is cooked through, use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165-174°F (74-75°C). Alternatively, cut into one of the thicker pieces to ensure it's cooked all the way through.
• If you're cooking in batches, repeat the process until all your chicken strips are cooked.

Your chicken goujons are now ready to be served! Enjoy them with your favourite dipping sauces and sides.

How to check if the chicken is cooked

Checking if your chicken is cooked through is an important step in the cooking process. Here are some ways to ensure your chicken is cooked properly:

Use a Kitchen Thermometer

The best way to check if your chicken is cooked is by using a kitchen thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the chicken piece. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). If the temperature is lower than this, place the chicken back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then check again.

Check the Colour

After 10-12 minutes of cooking, the chicken tenders should be golden and crispy. You can use a fork and knife to cut through a small piece of chicken to see if the meat is cooked.

Avoid Overcooking

It is important not to overcook the chicken. This will result in dry chicken.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing your chicken goujons properly is essential to keep them fresh and suitable for eating. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Storing Chicken Goujons:

• Refrigeration: If you plan on eating the chicken goujons within the next day, it is best to store them in an airtight container or covered dish in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and safe to consume.
• Freezing: If you don't intend to eat the goujons right away, freezing is a great option. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer. Frozen chicken goujons can last for several weeks or even months if stored properly.

Reheating Chicken Goujons:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the chicken goujons on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy and heat them for about 10 minutes or until they are thoroughly heated.
• Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and reheat the goujons for 7-8 minutes. This method will help you retain the crispiness of the original cooking.
• Stovetop: For a quick reheat, you can place the goujons in a pan with a small amount of hot oil and heat them for a few minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are warmed through.
• Toaster: If your goujons are thin enough, you can pop them into the toaster for a quick reheat. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Tips for Reheating:

• It is important to ensure that your chicken goujons are thoroughly reheated to avoid food poisoning. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).
• If you are reheating a large batch of goujons, it is best to do so in smaller portions to ensure even heating.
• You can also reheat frozen chicken goujons in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 25-30 minutes for uncooked frozen tenders, or 390°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes for cooked frozen tenders.

Frequently asked questions