Crispy Air Fried Chicken Strips: Easy Recipe & Tips

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Crispy Air Fried Chicken Strips Recipe

When it comes to quick and healthy meals, Air Fried Chicken Strips have become a go-to choice for many. This delicious recipe combines the irresistible crispiness of fried chicken with the health benefits of air frying, making it a popular option for families and food enthusiasts alike. Let’s dive into the origins of this dish, explore the ingredients and cooking instructions, and discover how you can make this meal your own with tips and variations.

A Brief History of Fried Chicken Strips

Fried chicken has long been a staple in many cuisines worldwide, with variations found in Southern American, Korean, and Japanese cooking, among others. Chicken strips, or tenders, offer a convenient twist on this classic dish, providing easy-to-eat portions that are perfect for dipping and sharing. With the advent of air fryers, this beloved dish can now be prepared with significantly less oil, reducing calories while maintaining the same delightful crunch.

Ingredients

Creating the perfect air-fried chicken strips starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound of chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • Cooking spray

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor

  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
  • 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese (mixed with breadcrumbs)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
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Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

  1. Prepare Three Bowls:
    • In the first bowl, place the flour.
    • In the second bowl, whisk the eggs.
    • In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with any additional spices or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

  1. Coat the Chicken:
    • Dip each chicken strip into the flour, ensuring it is fully coated.
    • Next, dip the strip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
    • Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a complete and even coating.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken Strips

  1. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken strips in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each piece.
  2. Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken strips for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken strips from the air fryer and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Tips and Variations

Tips for Perfect Air Fried Chicken Strips

  • How long to cook strips in the air fryer? Generally, chicken strips take about 10-12 minutes at 400°F, but cooking times can vary based on the size of the strips and the model of the air fryer.
  • How to air fry real good chicken strips? For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs and lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before cooking.
  • Why is air fried chicken so dry? Ensure not to overcook the chicken, and consider marinating it in buttermilk beforehand for added moisture.
  • Can chicken touch in the air fryer? Avoid letting chicken strips touch in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
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Variations and Substitutions

  • Chicken Tenders Air Fryer No Breading: For a gluten-free version, skip the flour and breadcrumbs, and season the chicken with your favorite spices before air frying.
  • Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Flour: For a lighter coating, use only flour seasoned with herbs and spices.
  • How long to cook frozen chicken tenders in air fryer? If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, and ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving of air-fried chicken strips:

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg

Air Fried Chicken Strips offer a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, providing all the flavor and crunch with less guilt. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore the tips and variations provided, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Call to Action: Try this Air Fried Chicken Strips recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for more tasty recipes like this. Visit easycrispyrecipes.com for more delicious meals, including our Baked Eggs and Crispy Grilled Potato Wedges. Happy cooking.

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