Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips Recipe

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

 

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