Delicious Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Strips
Homemade crispy chicken strips made in an air fryer are a game-changer! There's no need to settle for frozen or take-out options when you can whip up these fresh, crunchy delights in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Parchment Paper (optional)
- Perforated Silicone Mats (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound 454 g chicken tenders, boneless skinless chicken breast, or thighs
- 1-2 cups 240-480 ml Panko or breading of choice (breadcrumbs, crushed pork rinds, almond flour, etc.)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon 5 ml salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon 2.5 ml black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon 5 ml garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon 5 ml paprika
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 370°F/188°C for 4 minutes.
- If not using tenders, cut the chicken into strips of even size. Thicker strips will require longer cooking times.
- Combine the seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika). Season the chicken strips with the spice mixture. Place the Panko or your chosen breading in a large bowl for dredging. Beat the eggs in another bowl until smooth.
- Coat the chicken strips in egg, then in the Panko or breading, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks. Repeat for all chicken pieces.
- Generously spray all sides of the coated chicken with oil to cover any dry spots. If you have air fryer parchment sheets or a perforated silicone mat, use one in the air fryer basket. Arrange the coated chicken strips in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
- Air Fry at 370°F/190°C for 6 minutes. Gently flip the tenders and lightly spray any dry spots. Continue to air fry for another 2-8 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your tenders, until they reach a crispy golden brown or an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. Serve with your favorite dip, such as ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce.
Notes
- Ensure thorough oil coverage to prevent dry spots.
- Shake or turn the strips as needed.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- If you skip preheating the air fryer, add a couple of extra minutes to your first batch.
- Adjust cooking times based on your air fryer model and size.
- Set a timer to shake, flip, or toss as directed in the recipe.
- If your air fryer is preheated or if you're cooking multiple batches, consider reducing the cooking time slightly (unless preheating is specified in the recipe).