These chicken fries are a tasty twist on regular chicken strips, perfectly crispy and golden! Cooking them in the air fryer makes them quick and easy, with less oil.
Honestly, it feels like magic watching them crisp up! I love to dip them in ranch or barbecue sauce; it makes snack time even better. You’ll be reaching for seconds—trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken breast works best for these chicken fries. You can use chicken tenders too; they’re naturally shaped for frying! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey breast would be a good substitute.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I absolutely love panko for that light crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but they won’t be as crispy. You might also try crushed cornflakes or a gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Seasonings: The garlic powder and smoked paprika give great flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is fine. You can also mix in Italian seasoning or cayenne if you like it a bit spicier.
Eggs: Eggs are key for making the breadcrumbs stick. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, you can use a mixture of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or a few tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce.
How Do You Get That Perfect Crunch with an Air Fryer?
Achieving the crunch in an air fryer is all about proper coating and air circulation. Start with drying the chicken well; moisture prevents browning. Follow this coating method for best results:
- First, season your flour mix well. This gives flavor right from the start.
- When coating, let the excess flour and egg drip off before moving to the breadcrumbs. This helps even coverage.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give them space to get air circulation, which helps them crisp up all around!
- Finally, the light spray of cooking oil on both sides helps promote a nice golden brown finish.
Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into fry-sized strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil spray)
- Optional: Your favorite dipping sauces (ranch, barbecue, honey mustard)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and around 10 minutes of cooking. In total, you’ll be ready to enjoy your delicious chicken fries in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step is important as it helps the coating stick better.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. And in a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Chicken Strips:
Take each chicken strip and first dredge it in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip the strip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs; press the breadcrumbs lightly onto the chicken to ensure they stick well. Repeat with all strips.
4. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the chicken fries cook evenly and get crispy.
5. Air Fry the Chicken Fries:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken fries in a single layer in the basket. Ensure they are not overlapping so they crisp up nicely. Give them a light spray of cooking oil on top as well.
6. Cook Until Golden:
Cook the chicken fries for 8-10 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they’re golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the chicken fries from the air fryer and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy your crispy, golden air fryer chicken fries!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Strips for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken strips, but be sure to fully thaw them before coating. For best results, thaw them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Pat them dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks properly.
Can I Make Air Fryer Chicken Fries Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs instead. This way, you can enjoy the same crispy texture while keeping it gluten-free!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Best with These Chicken Fries?
Ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard are all fantastic options. You can also try hot sauce or a spicy aioli for an extra kick!
