Air-Fryer Chicken Fingers: The Ultimate Crispy Treat

Chicken fingers are a great, easy meal to make in an air fryer. They're perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces and side dishes. The key to getting them crispy is to use a dredge of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and to spray them with cooking spray or oil before placing them in the air fryer. You can also brine the chicken before cooking to keep it juicy. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, but generally, you'll want to cook the chicken fingers for around 10 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and crispy.

Characteristics of Air Fryer Chicken Fingers

Choosing the right breadcrumbs

The breadcrumbs you choose for your chicken fingers will have a significant impact on the taste and texture of the final product. Here are some tips to help you select the best breadcrumbs for your air fryer chicken fingers:

Types of Breadcrumbs

There are several types of breadcrumbs available, and each will give your chicken fingers a distinct texture and flavour.

• Panko Breadcrumbs – These are made from bread without crusts and have a flaky and coarse texture. They are often used in Asian cuisine and are known for giving a light and crispy coating to fried foods. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for chicken fingers as they create an extra crunchy crust.
• Regular/Italian Breadcrumbs – These are the most common type of breadcrumbs and are usually made from dried bread crusts. They have a finer texture than panko breadcrumbs and will give your chicken fingers a more classic, crispy texture.
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs – If you are cooking for someone who is gluten intolerant, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These are often made from rice, corn, or other gluten-free grains and can be found in most supermarkets.

Flavoured Breadcrumbs

If you want to add extra flavour to your chicken fingers, you can use flavoured breadcrumbs or add your own spices to plain breadcrumbs. Here are some ideas for spices and flavours to add:

• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, and parsley.
• Chilli Powder – For a spicy kick.
• Cajun Mix – A blend of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Garlic Powder – For a garlicky punch.
• Salt and Pepper – To enhance the natural flavours.

Preparing the Breadcrumbs

To get the best results, it's important to prepare the breadcrumbs correctly. Here are some tips:

• Mixing – If you are adding spices to plain breadcrumbs, make sure to mix them thoroughly so that the flavour is evenly distributed.
• Dredging – When coating the chicken fingers, first dredge them in flour, then dip them in beaten egg, and finally coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. This will ensure that the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken and create a crispy crust.
• Pressing – Once the chicken fingers are coated in breadcrumbs, use your hands to press the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken. This will help to ensure that the breadcrumbs don't fall off during cooking.

In summary, choosing the right breadcrumbs for your air fryer chicken fingers will depend on your personal preference for texture and flavour. Panko breadcrumbs will give a crunchy crust, while regular or Italian breadcrumbs will give a classic crispy texture. You can also add spices to the breadcrumbs to enhance the flavour of your chicken fingers. Finally, make sure to prepare the breadcrumbs correctly by mixing, dredging, and pressing them onto the chicken for the best results.

Preparing the chicken

Start by patting your chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the chicken tenders to ensure they are completely coated.

Next, prepare your seasoning. You can use a blend of smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken tenders.

Now it's time to dredge the chicken. Set up a dredging station with three shallow plates or bowls. In the first bowl, mix together flour and half of your chosen seasonings. In the second bowl, beat a couple of eggs. And in the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with the remaining seasonings.

Coat each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess after each step.

Once all your chicken tenders are dredged, give them a final spray with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help ensure a crispy exterior.

Dredging the chicken

Firstly, prepare your dredging stations. You'll need three shallow plates or bowls. In the first plate, combine all-purpose flour with your chosen seasonings. Common seasonings include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix everything well. In the second plate, beat one or two eggs, depending on the quantity you're making. You can also add a little water to thin out the batter if needed. For the final plate, prepare your breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for that extra crunch, but regular or Italian breadcrumbs work too. You can also add some of the same seasonings to this plate and mix well.

Now you're ready to start dredging! Take a piece of chicken tender and coat it evenly in the flour mixture, making sure it's fully covered. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick and there are no bald spots. Repeat this process for all your chicken tenders.

If you want to be extra thorough, you can do a double dredge, where you dip the chicken back into the egg and flour mixtures after the initial dredge, and then again into the breadcrumbs. This will give you an even thicker, crispier coating.

Once all your chicken tenders are dredged, give them a light spray with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help them get that golden, crispy texture when cooked.

Cooking the chicken

Now that your chicken tenders are prepared, it's time to cook them to perfection! Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is an important step as it ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy texture we're aiming for.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 3: Spray with Cooking Spray or Oil

Lightly mist the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray or brush them with a thin layer of olive oil or avocado oil. This will help the breading crisp up and turn golden.

Step 4: Air Fry

Close the air fryer and let the chicken cook for 8 minutes. Then, open the air fryer, flip the tenders, and give them another light mist of cooking spray or brush of oil. Continue cooking for an additional 7 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

To check if the chicken is done, use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken tender. It's fully cooked when the thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve

Once the chicken tenders have reached the desired temperature and crispness, remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot! They go well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or sweet and sour sauce.

Tips for the Best Results

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to allow for proper air circulation.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For extra flavour and crunch, try adding different spices to the breading mixture, such as chili powder, Italian seasoning, or cajun spice.

Sauces and dips

Some people like to stick to the classics, such as ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce. These sauces are easily accessible and pair well with the crispy chicken. Honey mustard, a combination of tangy mustard and sweet honey, is also a popular choice for those who like a bit of sweetness with their chicken.

For those who want to venture out and try something new, there are several options. Sweet and sour sauce is a favourite for many, offering a tangy and flavourful experience. Tzatziki, a Greek yoghurt-based dip with cucumber and garlic, is another refreshing option. If you're feeling spicy, a sweet chilli sauce or a buffalo sauce will add some heat to your meal. Ranch dressing is also a popular choice, with its creamy texture and tangy flavour.

If you're looking for something more exotic, you could try a sweet and spicy Korean sauce, which is a combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours. Or, for an Asian-inspired option, try pairing your chicken fingers with a dipping sauce like soy or teriyaki.

Don't be afraid to experiment and find your own favourite sauce or dip to elevate your air-fried chicken fingers!

Frequently asked questions