Air Fryer Chicken Strips: Flour Coating, Crispy Finish

Chicken strips are a great option for a quick and easy meal, and even better, they can be made in an air fryer! This method of cooking chicken strips is healthier than frying and produces a crispy texture. The ingredients are simple and affordable, and the process is straightforward. You can also add your own twist to the recipe by experimenting with different spices and seasonings.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process, and it's important to do it right! Here are some detailed instructions on how to preheat your air fryer to 400°F:

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean, plugged in, and ready to go. Check your air fryer's instruction manual to see if it has any specific recommendations or instructions for preheating. Some air fryers come with a preheat button, so if yours has one, simply press it, set the temperature to 400°F, and let the air fryer do its thing.

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, don't worry. You can manually preheat it by selecting the 'air fry' setting and setting the temperature to 400°F. Let the air fryer run for 3-5 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature. This step is crucial, as it gets the hot air moving and ensures your food cooks evenly.

Preheating your air fryer is especially important if you're cooking breaded foods like chicken tenders, as it will help you achieve that perfect golden-brown, crispy finish. It's also a good idea to preheat if you're looking to speed up the cooking process, as it can shave off a few minutes.

So, to summarise, here are the key steps to preheating your air fryer to 400°F:

• Ensure your air fryer is clean and plugged in.
• Check the instruction manual for any specific instructions.
• If your air fryer has a preheat button, use it; if not, manually preheat by selecting the 'air fry' setting and the desired temperature.
• Allow the air fryer to run for 3-5 minutes to reach 400°F.
• Enjoy perfectly cooked, crispy food!

Prepare the dredge

To prepare the dredge, you will need three shallow plates or bowls. In the first plate, mix your dry ingredients. The exact measurements and ingredients will vary depending on your recipe and taste preferences, but you will typically need flour, and a selection of spices and seasonings. For example, you could use paprika, parsley flakes, seasoned salt, and ground black pepper.

In a separate bowl, beat an egg or two. You can also use buttermilk instead of eggs if you prefer.

In the third plate, add regular breadcrumbs. You can use plain or seasoned, depending on your preference. If you want an extra crispy texture, you can also add panko breadcrumbs to this plate, or use them in place of regular breadcrumbs.

Now you have your three plates ready for the dredging process.

Dredge the chicken tenders

Dredging the chicken tenders is a crucial step in achieving that perfect, crispy texture. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, prepare your dredging station by setting up three shallow plates or bowls. In the first bowl, combine all-purpose flour with your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like paprika, parsley flakes, seasoned salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or cayenne pepper. Mix everything well. In a separate bowl, beat an egg or two, depending on the quantity. You can also use buttermilk instead of eggs if you prefer. The third bowl should contain your chosen breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are an excellent choice for that extra crunch, but regular or Italian breadcrumbs work just as well. You can even mix Panko and regular breadcrumbs for a unique texture. Add some seasonings to your breadcrumbs as well and mix thoroughly.

Now, it's time to dredge the chicken tenders. Start by coating each tender with the seasoned flour. Make sure every inch is covered. Then, dip the floured tender into the beaten egg, ensuring it's well-coated. Finally, dip the tender back into the seasoned flour. This double coating of flour and egg will ensure a crispy exterior. Repeat this process for each chicken tender.

Once all your tenders are dredged, give them a light misting with cooking spray. This will help the breading adhere and enhance the crispiness. Now they're ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and breadcrumb combinations to find your favourite flavour profile. Enjoy making your delicious, crispy chicken tenders!

Air fry the tenders

Now that you've dredged the tenders, it's time to air fry them!

Firstly, add the tenders to the air fryer basket and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Make sure you don't overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the hot air from circulating evenly. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Cook the tenders for 8 minutes, then flip them over and spray them again with cooking spray. Continue cooking for another 7 minutes or until golden brown. You may need to adjust the cooking time to get the chicken strips as crispy as you like them. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C.

If you are cooking frozen chicken tenders, follow the same cooking instructions but add 2-4 minutes of extra cooking time after the first flip. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

Serve with your favourite sauce

Now for the best part: the sauce. There are so many ways to go here, from sweet to savoury, tangy to spicy, and everything in between. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sweet and Sour Sauce

This sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a popular choice for chicken strips. Try making your own by combining apricot jam, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

Honey Mustard

A classic combination that is sure to please. Mix together honey, Dijon mustard, a touch of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a tangy, sweet, and savoury sauce.

BBQ Sauce

A smokey, slightly spicy BBQ sauce is a perfect match for the crispy chicken strips. You can make your own by simmering ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Ranch Dressing

A cool and creamy ranch dressing can help balance out the crispy texture of the chicken. Make your own by mixing sour cream, buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and chives.

Spicy Korean Sauce

For something with a kick, try a spicy Korean sauce. Gochujang, the Korean fermented chilli paste, is the star of this sauce. Mix it with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic for a flavourful and spicy experience.

So, there you have it! These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment and create your own signature sauce to serve with your air-fried chicken strips. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions