Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips Recipe
Rediscover the joy of a childhood classic with this healthy, weeknight-friendly recipe for extra crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips. Ready in just 8 minutes, these chicken strips are a quick, family-favorite dish that both kids and adults will love.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Strips
- Homemade is Better: This recipe brings a homemade twist to the boxed frozen chicken strips and fast-food chicken fingers many of us enjoyed growing up. Made from scratch with simple, wholesome ingredients, these chicken tenders are a nutritious and delicious upgrade from processed versions.
- Healthier Option: Thanks to the air fryer, you can savor crispy, breaded chicken with minimal oil. This method also works well for other fried favorites like shrimp and mozzarella sticks.
- Crispy and Juicy: These chicken strips offer the perfect balance—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and great for dipping.
- Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a large batch and freeze for later. You can cook frozen chicken tenders directly in the air fryer by just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Versatile Side Dishes: Pair these chicken strips with a simple arugula salad or sweet potato fries for a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Panko and Regular Breadcrumbs: A mix of coarse panko and regular breadcrumbs is key to achieving extra crispy chicken tenders. This combination yields a crispier result compared to using flour.
- Customize the Seasonings: The suggested seasonings add flavor without overpowering the simplicity of the dish. Feel free to experiment by adding cayenne for spice or substituting Cajun seasoning for a unique twist.
- Make Your Own Chicken Strips: If your grocery store doesn’t have chicken tenderloins, you can easily make your own by slicing a boneless, skinless chicken breast lengthwise into strips about ½ inch thick.
- Air Fryer Time Varies: Depending on your air fryer model and desired level of crispiness, the cooking time may vary. In most models, at 400°F, the chicken strips should cook in 7-8 minutes.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (about 14 tenders)
Ingredients
- For the Air Fryer Chicken Strips:
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 14 tenders)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- For Dipping (Optional):
- Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Barbecue Sauce
- Basil Yogurt Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Set Up Coating Station: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the panko, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and the remaining 1½ teaspoons of salt. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Coat the Chicken: Working in batches, dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them stick, and shake off any excess.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F. For multiple batches, you can preheat a regular oven to 250°F to keep cooked chicken strips warm.
- Cook the Chicken: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Spray the tops of the tenders with oil. Cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F and the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat: Continue cooking the remaining tenders, keeping them warm in the oven if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- To Store: Place cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven, in the air fryer, or in the microwave.
- To Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 343 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Protein: 53 g
Fat: 9 g
Cholesterol: 227 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Vitamin A: 680 IU
Vitamin C: 5 mg
Calcium: 37 mg
Iron: 2 mg
