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.
Air Fryer Chicken Strips Or Tenders
Creating your own air fryer chicken strips not only saves you money but also ensures a healthier and more wholesome meal, especially when using organic chicken breasts. Air frying offers a healthier alternative to deep frying, delivering that perfect crispy texture you crave.
How to Air Fry Chicken Strips (Fresh & Homemade):
- Choose Your Breading: Whether you prefer regular breadcrumbs, panko, low-carb almond flour, or keto-friendly crushed pork rinds, make sure not to let them burn in the air fryer. Spray enough oil on the breading to help it adhere to the chicken without burning.
- Evenly Coat the Breading: Ensure that every bit of breading is evenly coated with oil to achieve that delightful crunch. Skipping oil in certain spots can lead to dry and tough textures, rather than crispy.
- Opt for Smaller Strips: For an extra crunch, cut your chicken strips into smaller pieces.
Can You Freeze Air Fried Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! After fully cooking them, freeze your air-fried chicken tenders in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags. When it’s time to reheat, follow the recommended time and temperature guidelines.
How to Cook Air Fryer Chicken Strips {Crispy}
Yield: 4 Servings
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Total Time: 30 Minutes
We love using Panko for its crispiness in these chicken strips, but you have various other breading options like breadcrumbs, gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond flour, or crushed pork rinds. Each brings a unique texture and flavor to the table.
Several factors influence cooking times, such as the size and thickness of the chicken strips, your chosen breading, and your specific air fryer model.
Adjust the timing accordingly.
Make sure to thoroughly coat all dry spots of the breading with oil spray to achieve that desired crispy texture.
Read More Air Fryer Recipes:
How to Make Air Fryer Twinkies
10 Minute Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
Tender and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken.
Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Legs and Thighs with Honey, Mustard, and Garlic
Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Air Fryer Cauliflower Parmesan Recipe
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
Equipment:
- Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Parchment Paper (optional)
- Perforated Silicone Mats (optional)
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).
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 225 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 154mg
Sodium: 855mg
Potassium: 503mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 400IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 49mg
Iron: 2mg
Delicious Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Strips
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).
