Crunchy Chicken Strips: How to Make Them Perfectly in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are game changers in the kitchen, and one of the must-try recipes is making chicken strips! These little gems are crispy, juicy, and delicious, while being healthier than traditional breaded and fried versions. Using an air fryer to cook chicken strips cuts down on excess oil and grease, leaving you with a flavorful and satisfying meal without the guilt.

Making chicken strips in an air fryer is super simple and quick, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. All you need is some chicken breasts, flour, eggs, and Panko breadcrumbs to get started. Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s just a matter of seasoning and breading the chicken strips and popping them into the air fryer. In just a few minutes, you’ll have golden and crispy chicken strips that are bound to become a family favorite! So get your apron on and let’s make some delicious chicken strips in an air fryer together!

10 Steps to Make Delicious Chicken Strips in Your Air Fryer

Are you tired of unhealthy deep-fried chicken strips, but still craving the crunch and delicious flavor? Well, you’re in luck because air fryers offer a healthy alternative to your guilty pleasure.

Here are 10 easy steps to make mouth-watering chicken strips in your air fryer that your whole family will love:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

To get the perfect crispy texture and even cooking of chicken strips, make sure to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Strips

While the air fryer is preheating, cut the chicken breasts into long strips or your preferred size. Season the chicken strips with your favorite spices such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Coat with Flour Mixture

In a separate bowl, prepare the coating mixture by mixing flour, bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese. Dunk each chicken strip into the coating mixture until fully covered.

Step 4: Dip in Egg Mixture

In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they become fluffy. Then, dip each coated chicken strip into the egg mixture and make sure it’s fully coated.

Step 5: Coat with Flour Mixture (Again!)

After dipping the chicken strips in the egg mixture, toss them in the coating mixture once again to create a crispy and thick crust.

Step 6: Spray with Cooking Spray

To avoid the chicken strips from sticking to the air fryer basket, spray them with cooking spray before placing them in the basket.

Step 7: Place in Air Fryer

Put the chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.

Step 8: Cook the Chicken Strips

Air fry the chicken strips for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Check the chicken strips after 10 minutes to make sure they’re cooking evenly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cooking time is done, remove the chicken strips from the air fryer basket and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Step 10: Clean up Time

After indulging in your delicious air-fried chicken strips, it’s time for clean-up. The good news is that air fryers are easy to clean. Let the basket cool down and then wash it with warm soapy water. The non-stick surface makes it easy to clean without any hassle.

Now that you know how to make healthy and delicious chicken strips in your air fryer, it’s time to get cooking. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients for Making Chicken Strips in Air Fryer

Before we proceed to the recipe for making delicious chicken strips in an air fryer, it’s important to take a look at the ingredients required. These are:

1. 1 lb chicken breast
2. 1 cup breadcrumbs
3. 1/2 cup flour
4. 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
5. 1 tbsp garlic powder
6. 1 tbsp paprika
7. 1 tbsp salt
8. 1 tsp black pepper
9. 2 eggs
10. Cooking spray

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Strips in Air Fryer

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s proceed to the step-by-step guide to making chicken strips in an air fryer.

1. Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.

2. While the air fryer heats up, cut the chicken breasts into thin strips.

3. Prepare three bowls, with flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in the third.

4. Dredge the chicken strips in the flour, shake off any excess, then dip them in the beaten eggs to coat them thoroughly.

5. Roll the egg-coated chicken strips in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure that they are evenly coated.

6. Once the chicken strips are coated, spray them with cooking spray to ensure that they turn crisp in the air fryer.

7. Arrange the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

8. Cook the chicken strips for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.

9. Check that the chicken is cooked through by piercing it with a knife and ensuring that the juices run clear.

10. Once the chicken strips are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce.

Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Strips in Air Fryer

To make perfect chicken strips in an air fryer, here are some tips that will come in handy:

1. Use thin chicken strips to ensure that they cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer.

2. Spray the chicken strips lightly with cooking spray to ensure that they turn crispy while cooking.

3. Flip the chicken strips halfway through the cooking time to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides.

4. Ensure that the chicken strips are cooked through by piercing them with a knife and checking that the juices run clear.

5. Always serve the chicken strips hot to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

6. Experiment with different seasonings and coatings to create a variety of flavors of chicken strips.

7. Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Cook the chicken strips in batches if needed.

8. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken strips are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

9. Serve the chicken strips with your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad for a delicious and healthy meal.

10. Enjoy your homemade chicken strips with friends and family, and savor the mouthwatering flavors that the air fryer provides!

Preparing and Cooking the Chicken Strips

Once the chicken strips have been coated, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps to ensure your chicken strips come out crispy and delicious:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for three to five minutes. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
2. Arrange the Chicken Strips: Arrange the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
3. Cook the Chicken Strips: Cook the chicken strips for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. To ensure they cook evenly, spray them lightly with cooking spray when you flip them.
4. Check the Internal Temperature: The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it’s cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of each chicken strip before removing them from the air fryer.
5. Serve the Chicken Strips: Once the chicken strips are cooked and have reached the proper internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked chicken strips that are deliciously crispy and easy to make in your air fryer. With a variety of coatings, seasonings, and dipping sauces to choose from, you’re sure to find a combination that your entire family will love. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer and start cooking some delectable chicken strips today!

Enjoy your crispy chicken strips!

Thanks for reading and I hope you found this article useful. Using an air fryer for making chicken strips is a quick, easy and healthier alternative to traditional frying. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and sauces to personalize your meal. Remember to visit our website again for more helpful cooking tips and recipes. Happy cooking!