Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Strips: The Perfect Crunchy Treat

Making chicken strips in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-frying. The air fryer requires far less oil, resulting in a meal that is lower in fat but still crispy and golden. This method is also much less messy and produces fewer oily pans and surfaces to clean.

To make chicken strips in an air fryer, you will need chicken, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and herbs/spices. The chicken strips are dredged in flour, dipped in beaten egg, and then coated in a breadcrumb and spice mixture. The air fryer is preheated, the chicken strips are placed inside in a single layer, and then they are cooked for around 10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Choosing the right breadcrumbs

The breadcrumbs you choose for your chicken strips can make or break the dish. The right breadcrumbs will give your chicken strips a crispy, crunchy texture and a delicious flavour. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect breadcrumbs for your air-fried chicken strips:

Types of Breadcrumbs

There are several types of breadcrumbs available, and each will give your chicken strips a different texture and taste. Here are some common types of breadcrumbs you can use:

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko is a type of Japanese breadcrumb that is made from a bread with a firmer texture, resulting in larger, coarser crumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are known for giving fried foods an extra crispy texture. They are an excellent choice for air-fried chicken strips as they create a light and crispy coating that crisps up perfectly in the air fryer.
• Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs, such as whole wheat breadcrumbs, are made from softer bread varieties and have a finer texture. They are ideal for fully coating the chicken tenders and filling in any gaps left by the panko breadcrumbs. Whole wheat breadcrumbs also add a nutty flavour to your chicken strips.
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs: You can also find breadcrumbs that are pre-seasoned with herbs and spices, adding extra flavour to your chicken strips. These breadcrumbs usually include spices such as parsley, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Choosing the Right Combination

To get the perfect crispy texture for your chicken strips, it is recommended to use a combination of both panko and regular breadcrumbs. The panko breadcrumbs will give your chicken strips a light and airy crispness, while the regular breadcrumbs will help fill in any gaps and create a more consistent coating. This combination will result in chicken strips that are crispy, crunchy, and fully coated.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options

If you have dietary restrictions or are cooking for someone with allergies, you can also find gluten-free and dairy-free breadcrumbs. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are typically made from rice flour, cornflour, or other gluten-free grains, while dairy-free options ensure that there are no milk products or milk derivatives included in the ingredients.

Fresh vs. Dried Breadcrumbs

Another factor to consider is whether to use fresh or dried breadcrumbs. Fresh breadcrumbs are made from fresh bread and have a softer, more delicate texture. They will give your chicken strips a lighter coating and a more subtle crunch. On the other hand, dried breadcrumbs have a longer shelf life and can be stored for longer periods. They create a crispier texture and are often preferred for fried dishes.

Customising Your Breadcrumbs

You can also customise your breadcrumbs by adding your own combination of spices and herbs. For example, you can add cayenne pepper to make your chicken strips spicy, or you can experiment with other seasonings like Cajun seasoning, rosemary, thyme, or cumin. Adding your own twist to the breadcrumbs allows you to personalise the flavour of your chicken strips and make them unique.

Brining the chicken

To brine your chicken, simply submerge the chicken tenders in a seasoned water solution. You can use a ratio of 2:1 for salt and sugar, adding the solution to water and stirring until dissolved. You can also add other spices to the brine, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, to infuse your chicken with extra flavour.

Leave the chicken tenders to brine for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, leave them to brine overnight in the refrigerator. This will ensure the chicken absorbs the solution, adding flavour and moisture to the meat.

Once the tenders have brined, remove them from the solution and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important to prevent soggy chicken strips, so be sure to dry them thoroughly.

Now your chicken is ready for breading and air frying!

Preparing the chicken for breading

Start by gathering your ingredients, which typically include chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings of your choice. Some recipes also suggest brining the chicken in a saltwater solution for a juicier and more flavorful result.

Set up your breading station with multiple shallow bowls. In one bowl, prepare the flour mixture by combining flour with seasonings like paprika, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Finally, in another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with any desired seasonings. You can use a combination of Panko and regular breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.

Now, it's time to bread the chicken. First, dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, making sure it's evenly coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken strip generously in the breadcrumb mixture, patting or pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Repeat this process for each strip of chicken.

Once all the chicken strips are breaded, place them on a baking sheet or cutting board. If desired, you can spray or brush both sides of the chicken with oil for an extra crispy texture. This step is especially important if you're using an air fryer, as it helps the chicken achieve that golden, crunchy exterior.

Remember to work in batches if you have a large quantity of chicken strips to ensure they are evenly coated and don't become soggy.

Cooking the chicken

Now that your chicken strips are ready, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray or olive oil spray.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). The ideal temperature for cooking chicken tenders is between 375°F and 400°F. Depending on your air fryer model and the desired crispness, the cooking time may vary. As a guide, cook the tenders for 7 to 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 4 to 8 minutes.

The chicken tenders are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). To check if they are cooked through, insert an instant-read thermometer into the centre of the thickest part of the chicken tender.

Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve them immediately. They should be crispy and golden on the outside, and juicy and tender on the inside. Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken strips!

You can also cook these chicken strips in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 400°F or 425°F and bake the chicken strips for about 15 to 16 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Serving suggestions

These crispy chicken strips can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some ideas:

• Fries: Make some homemade fries in the oven, or air fryer sweet potato fries for a double dose of air fryer action.
• Vegetables: Try grilled broccoli, roasted broccoli, or air fryer broccoli.
• Mac and cheese: A classic comfort food pairing that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Salads: Serve the chicken strips on top of a simple arugula salad or a more complex spinach strawberry salad with balsamic poppy seed dressing.
• Pasta: Hawaiian macaroni salad or baked mac and cheese would make a delicious lunch or dinner option.
• Dipping sauces: Ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, Greek yogurt ranch dip, honey, buffalo sauce, sweet chili sauce, basil dipping sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.
• Other sides: Baked potato chips, onion rings, or homemade coleslaw.

Frequently asked questions