Make Crispy Chicken Strips In Your Air Fryer

Making chicken strips crispy in an air fryer is easy and healthy. The air fryer requires little to no oil, making it a great alternative to deep-frying. To make chicken strips crispy, coat the chicken tenders in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before air-frying. For extra crispiness, spray the tenders with cooking spray or oil. You can also brine the chicken before breading for a crispier exterior.

Brining the chicken

To brine the chicken, start by mixing water, kosher salt, and sugar in a large bowl until they are dissolved. You can also add other seasonings of your choice to this mixture, such as black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper, to enhance the flavour of the chicken. It is recommended to brine the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, you can leave it overnight in the refrigerator.

After brining, it is important to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before proceeding to the next step, which is dredging. This step will help ensure that the breading adheres properly to the chicken and creates a crispy exterior.

By taking the time to brine the chicken, you'll be rewarded with juicier and more flavourful chicken strips that are worth the wait!

Using breadcrumbs

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Breading Station

Start by seasoning the chicken strips with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to enhance the flavour. In a shallow bowl, beat one or two eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and, optionally, panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs) for an extra crispy texture. You can also add some spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a more flavourful coating.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken Strips

Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, making sure it's well coated. Then, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs and place the breaded chicken strips on a cutting board or baking tray.

Step 3: Spray with Oil and Air Fry

Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken strips with oil. This step helps to ensure an even crispier texture. Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Air fry for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your chicken strips.

Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken Strips:

• Brining the chicken strips for about 30 minutes before breading and air frying helps retain moisture and allows for a crispier exterior.
• Pat the chicken dry after brining and before coating with breadcrumbs to prevent sogginess.
• Use a neutral oil spray such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil to coat the chicken strips lightly.
• Be generous with the amount of oil spray to ensure all parts of the breading are covered.
• When adding the breadcrumbs, use your hands to press them firmly onto the chicken, making sure there are no bald or damp spots. This helps ensure the breading doesn't fall off during air frying.
• If you have time, let the breaded chicken strips rest in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before air frying. This helps the breading stick better.

The importance of oil spray

Oil spray is an essential component when making crispy chicken strips in an air fryer. Not only does it help to ensure the chicken strips are crispy, but it also aids in the even cooking of the chicken.

Firstly, oil spray helps to create a barrier between the chicken and the air fryer's surface, preventing the chicken from sticking and making it easier to flip during cooking. This is crucial for achieving an even cook and ensuring that the chicken strips don't break apart when turned.

Secondly, oil spray adds a layer of moisture to the chicken, which is necessary for achieving a crispy exterior. While air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, the addition of a small amount of oil helps to enhance the crisping effect. This is because oil has a higher smoke point than water, allowing it to heat up more effectively and create a crispier texture.

Additionally, oil spray helps the breading or seasoning adhere to the chicken strips. Whether you're using a simple breadcrumb coating or a more complex spice rub, a light coating of oil ensures that the flavours and textures you've added stick to the chicken. This is essential for creating a crispy exterior and ensuring that the breading doesn't fall off during cooking or when the chicken strips are being enjoyed.

Finally, oil spray can help extend the shelf life of your chicken strips. Once cooked, a light coating of oil can act as a barrier, preventing moisture loss and oxidation, which can lead to dried-out chicken. This is especially important if you plan on storing your chicken strips in the refrigerator or freezer for later consumption.

In summary, oil spray is a crucial component when making crispy chicken strips in an air fryer. It helps prevent sticking, enhances crisping, ensures even cooking, improves flavour and texture adhesion, and extends the shelf life of your chicken strips. So, don't skip the oil spray—it's a key step in achieving delicious, crispy chicken strips from your air fryer!

Dipping sauces

There are many sauces you can use to complement your crispy chicken strips. Here are some ideas:

Sweet & Spicy Korean Sauce

This sauce is sweet, spicy, and tangy. It is perfect for those who want a bit of heat with their chicken strips.

Honey Mustard

A classic combination of tangy mustard and sweet honey. You can make your own by mixing honey, mustard, and mayonnaise.

Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce is a great option if you're looking for something sweet and spicy. It will add a nice kick to your chicken strips.

BBQ Sauce

A tangy BBQ sauce is a perfect match for your crispy chicken strips. You can make it at home by adding some secret ingredients to your favorite BBQ sauce.

Chick-Fil-A Sauce

This sauce is smoky, sweet, and tangy. It is a perfect dip for chicken strips and can be made with mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and mustard.

Hot Honey Sauce

This sauce is a combination of honey, smoked Tabasco, and red pepper flakes. It's a little spicy, so it might not be suitable for younger children.

Ranch

A simple and classic option, ranch dressing is a great choice if you're looking for a creamy and tangy dip for your chicken strips.

What to serve with chicken strips

Chicken strips are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a delicious and nutritious meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken strips:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add some colour and nutrition to your plate. Try serving your chicken strips with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, parsnips, green beans, or asparagus. You can also serve them with a simple salad, such as a cucumber salad or a kale Caesar salad.

Starches

Starchy sides like French fries, potato wedges, or sweet potato fries are a classic choice to serve with chicken strips. You can also try something more unique, like roasted red potatoes, hush puppies, or baked buttermilk chicken strips.

Dips and Sauces

Chicken strips are often served with a variety of dips and sauces. Some popular options include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a simple lemon wedge.

Pasta

Pasta is a great side dish for chicken strips, especially for kids. Try a cheesy pasta bake, pasta salad, or mac and cheese.

Breads

Breads like cornbread, biscuits, or garlic bread are a filling and tasty addition to your chicken strip meal.

Fruits

Fruits can also be a great side dish, especially for kids. Try serving your chicken strips with a fruit salad or some fresh fruit like grapes or apples.

Other Snacky Sides

If you're looking for something a little different, you can serve your chicken strips with a variety of snacky sides, like veggie sticks, pea crisps, or even something more indulgent like fried pickles.

Frequently asked questions