Air-Fryer Chicken Strips: Crispy, Quick, And Easy!

Making chicken strips in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-frying. The air fryer's hot circulating air will blow around any dry breading, which will touch the heating coils and burn, so it's important to spray enough oil on the chicken to hold the breading. You can use regular breadcrumbs, panko, low-carb almond flour, or keto-friendly crushed pork rinds. The thicker the chicken strips, the longer they will take to cook.

How to make fried chicken strips in an air fryer

Choosing your breading: Panko, breadcrumbs, almond flour or crushed pork rinds

When it comes to making fried chicken strips in an air fryer, the breading you choose can have a big impact on the taste and texture of the final product. Here are some options to consider:

Panko

Panko is a type of breadcrumb that is made from bread without crusts, which gives it a light and airy texture. It is often used in Japanese cuisine and has become increasingly popular in other parts of the world as well. Panko breading will give your chicken strips a crispy and crunchy texture. If you want to make your own panko breading, you can use crushed pork rinds or cornflakes.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are a more traditional option for breading chicken strips. They will give your chicken a crispy texture, although it may not be as light and airy as panko. You can make your own breadcrumbs by tearing up slices of bread and microwaving them until they are dry, or you can buy them pre-made.

Almond flour

Almond flour can be used as a breading alternative, especially if you are looking for a gluten-free or low-carb option. However, it may not be as crispy as other breading options. To make almond flour breading, you can use a combination of almond flour and parmesan cheese.

Crushed pork rinds

Crushed pork rinds are a great option if you are looking for a keto-friendly or gluten-free breading. They provide a crunchy texture and a lot of flavour. You can crush the pork rinds yourself using a rolling pin or food processor, or you can buy them pre-crushed.

Each of these breading options will give your fried chicken strips a unique taste and texture, so feel free to experiment to find your favourite!

How to season the chicken

Seasoning the chicken is an important step in making delicious chicken strips in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, prepare the chicken by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This step is important as it ensures that the seasoning and breading will stick to the chicken properly. You can use chicken tenders or cut chicken breasts into strips.

Next, prepare your choice of seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix these seasonings together in a small bowl. You can adjust the amounts of each spice according to your taste preferences. For example, if you like your chicken strips on the spicier side, you might want to add more cayenne pepper.

Now, it's time to apply the seasoning to the chicken. Place the chicken tenders in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil (or another neutral oil of your choice). Toss the chicken tenders to ensure they are completely coated in oil. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken tenders, making sure each piece is well-coated. You can use your hands or a spoon to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

At this point, you can choose to let the chicken tenders sit for a few minutes to allow the seasoning to absorb into the meat. This step is optional but can enhance the flavour of the chicken.

Once you are happy with the seasoning, your chicken tenders are ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Remember to follow the specific instructions of your air fryer model for the best results. Enjoy your delicious, flavourful, and crispy chicken strips!

How to dredge the chicken

Dredging the chicken is a crucial step in achieving that mouth-watering, crispy texture that defines fried chicken strips. Here's a detailed guide on how to expertly dredge your chicken for the air fryer:

Firstly, prepare your dredging station. You'll need three shallow containers or plates. In one plate, combine your dry ingredients. This typically includes flour, and seasonings like paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. You can also add some creative spices like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for an extra flavour kick. Give the dry ingredients a good mix so they're well combined.

In the second plate, crack and beat an egg or two. You can also add a little water to thin out the consistency if needed. The third plate should contain your chosen breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for their extra crunch, but regular or Italian breadcrumbs work great too. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a unique twist.

Now that your dredging station is set up, it's time to coat those chicken strips! Start by coating each chicken strip with the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it's well coated. Finally, dip the chicken into your chosen breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick. Repeat this process for each chicken strip.

Once all your chicken strips are dredged, give them a final once-over. Make sure there are no dry spots or bald patches. If you spot any areas that need a little extra love, simply sprinkle on some extra flour or breadcrumbs and gently pat it down. This step is crucial to achieving an even, crispy coating.

And there you have it! Your chicken strips are now expertly dredged and ready for their date with the air fryer. Remember, this process may get a little messy, but it's all part of the fun of cooking. Happy frying!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer chicken strips will depend on the type of breading used, the thickness of the chicken strips, and the model of the air fryer.

For breaded chicken strips, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then, cook the chicken strips for 8 minutes, flip them over, spray with cooking spray, and cook for another 7 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

For chicken strips without breading, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are cooked through and golden.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model and power of the air fryer, so adjustments may be necessary.

How to store and reheat

Leftover chicken strips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should be eaten within three to four days. For best results, let the chicken cool completely before storing. If the chicken is placed in the container while still hot, the condensation will make the breading soggy.

To reheat chicken strips in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F. Place the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and reheat for 3 to 10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The exact time will depend on the size of the chicken strips and the desired level of crispiness. For crispier chicken strips, spray or brush them with a small amount of oil before reheating.

To ensure food safety, the internal temperature of the chicken strips should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Avoid reheating chicken strips multiple times, as this increases the risk of foodborne illness.

Frequently asked questions