Air Fryer Chicken Strips: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken strips are a popular dish for good reason—they're juicy, crispy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Making them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and they come out just as crispy. Here's a simple guide on how to make chicken strips in an air fryer, along with some tips and serving suggestions.

How to season chicken strips for the air fryer

Seasoning chicken strips for the air fryer is a simple process, but it can be tailored to your taste preferences. Firstly, you should pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl. Then, you can drizzle olive oil (or another oil of your choice) over the chicken and toss to ensure the strips are completely coated.

Next, you can add your chosen seasonings to the chicken. A simple option is to season the chicken with salt and pepper, but you can also add other spices to the mix. For example, a blend of smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper will give the chicken a flavourful kick. You can mix these seasonings in a small bowl and then sprinkle them evenly over the chicken tenders.

If you want to create a crispy coating, you can also prepare a breading station. In one shallow bowl, beat a couple of eggs, and in another bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and your chosen seasonings. You can then dip the chicken tenders in the egg mixture and then into the seasoned breadcrumbs.

How to bread chicken strips for the air fryer

Breaded chicken strips are a great, healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken strips. The air fryer ensures the tenders get super crispy with way less oil.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders (or chicken tenderloins)
• Eggs
• Flour
• Breadcrumbs (regular, seasoned, or panko)
• Salt and pepper
• Oil (olive, avocado, canola, or vegetable)
• Other seasonings (optional)

Steps to Bread the Chicken:

• Prepare your breading stations: In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and any desired seasonings.
• Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken tender first in the egg, then in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure the chicken is well coated.
• Set aside: Place the breaded chicken tenders on a cutting board or baking tray while you bread the rest.
• Spray with oil: Before placing the tenders in the air fryer, spray both sides of the chicken generously with oil.

Now your chicken strips are ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

How long to cook chicken strips in the air fryer

The length of time you should cook chicken strips in the air fryer depends on the size of the strips, the temperature of the air fryer, and whether you want them extra crispy or not.

Pre-Cooking Preparation

Before cooking, you should pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. You can also brine the chicken for 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This will make the chicken extra juicy and allow you to cook the exterior for longer.

Cooking Time

Place the chicken strips in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure the pieces do not overlap. Spray the tops with cooking spray and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Flip the chicken strips over, spray with cooking spray again, and cook for another 4 to 8 minutes, until golden brown. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees F.

Post-Cooking

Let the chicken strips cool for 3 to 5 minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

What to serve with air-fried chicken strips

There are many options for what to serve alongside air-fried chicken strips. Here are some ideas:

Salads

You could serve the chicken strips with a salad, such as a Korean broccoli salad.

Pasta

Pasta dishes like Hawaiian macaroni salad or baked mac and cheese would also go well with the chicken strips.

Fries

For a more traditional route, you could serve the chicken strips with regular French fries or sweet potato fries.

Vegetables

Some simple vegetables like roasted green beans with bacon or asparagus would be a great healthy option to serve with the chicken strips.

Dipping Sauces

You could also serve the chicken strips with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, honey sriracha sauce, or ketchup.

How to store leftover chicken strips

To store leftover chicken strips, you should place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. It is important to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Cooked chicken strips will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

If you want to freeze uncooked chicken strips, place them in a single layer in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.

It is important to note that chicken strips should only be reheated once to minimise the risk of bacterial contamination.

Frequently asked questions