How to Cook Crispy Chicken Strips in an Air Fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy way to fry foods with little to no oil. One of the most popular air fryer recipes is crispy chicken strips! Air fried chicken strips are crunchy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.

Cooking chicken strips in an air fryer is quick easy, and results in crispy delicious chicken every time. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make perfect air fryer chicken strips, from choosing the right chicken to coating and cooking.

Benefits of Cooking Chicken Strips in an Air Fryer

There are several advantages to using an air fryer instead of traditional frying methods to make chicken strips:

• Uses little to no oil Air frying uses rapid air circulation rather than oil to crisp up foods resulting in chicken strips that are much lower in fat and calories compared to deep frying. This makes air fried chicken a healthier option.

• Quick cooking time: Chicken strips cook up fast in an air fryer, usually in 10-15 minutes. This makes air frying much faster than baking.

• Crispy exterior: The high heat and air circulation of an air fryer creates a crispy, crunchy coating on the outside of the chicken.

• Tender and juicy interior: Since air fryers cook food very quickly, the inside of the chicken stays nice and moist while the outside gets crispy.

• Easy cleanup: With little to no oil used, cleanup of an air fryer is a breeze compared to deep frying.

How to Choose Chicken for Air Fryer Strips

The type of chicken you use can make a big difference in the final texture of air fried chicken strips:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice. Slice breasts against the grain into even strips.

• Chicken tenders: Chicken tenderloins are already the perfect shape and size. They cook up extra crispy in the air fryer.

• Chicken thighs: Deboned chicken thighs with skin removed also work well, providing juicy, tender strips.

For the best results, choose fresh, high-quality chicken. Chicken that is evenly sized and cut will cook most evenly. Pat chicken strips dry before coating to help the coating stick.

Air Fryer Chicken Strip Coating

A crispy coating is key for air fryer chicken strips. Here are some easy coating ideas:

• Breadcrumbs: Panko or Italian-style breadcrumbs provide crunch. Dip chicken in egg then breadcrumbs.

• Cracker crumbs: Crushed crackers like saltines or Ritz give a salty, crispy coating.

• Flavored chips: Crush potato or tortilla chips for a flavored crunch coating.

• Flour: For a simple crisp coating, dredge strips in flour before air frying.

• Cornstarch: Another basic option that crisps up nicely. Dip chicken in egg then cornstarch.

• Spices and herbs: Sprinkle extra flavor over any coating with spices like paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs.

Brine chicken in buttermilk or seasoned salt water before coating for extra moist, flavorful meat. Let coated strips sit 5-10 minutes before air frying so coating adheres.

How to Cook Chicken Strips in an Air Fryer

Cooking chicken strips in an air fryer is really quick and easy:

• Preheat air fryer at 370-400°F to ensure it’s fully heated when chicken goes in.

• Brush with oil if not pre-coated to help chicken brown. Use oil mister for even coating.

• Cook in single layer without overcrowding for crispiest results. Work in batches to avoid steaming.

• Flip strips halfway through cook time to ensure even browning.

• Adjust time as needed based on thickness of chicken. Thinner strips take less time.

• Check for doneness by cutting to ensure chicken is cooked through.

• Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Air fried chicken strips are best eaten right away for ultimate crispness. Keep in a warm oven if needing to hold for serving.

Tips for the Best Air Fried Chicken Strips

• Pat chicken dry so the coating sticks better. Wet chicken won’t crisp as well.

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F.

• For crunchier strips, let coated raw chicken rest in the fridge for 10-20 minutes before air frying.

• Spray strips with oil halfway through cooking for extra crispiness.

• Cut slits in whole chicken breasts before slicing to help them cook evenly.

• Toss cooked strips with extra seasoning or sauce to boost flavor.

Air Fryer Chicken Marinades and Sauces

Marinating or tossing air fried chicken strips with sauce adds lots of flavor:

• Buttermilk – Soak strips in seasoned buttermilk before breading and air frying.

• Ranch – A ranch marinade gives great flavor. Also delicious as a dipping sauce.

• Buffalo Sauce – For spicy strips, toss cooked chicken in cayenne hot sauce.

• BBQ Sauce – Brush strips with bbq sauce last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

• Honey Mustard – Whisk together honey, mustard, and spices for drizzling.

• Teriyaki – Marinate or glaze chicken in sweet teriyaki sauce.

• Jerk Seasoning – Rub chicken with Caribbean jerk seasoning before air frying.

Best Air Fried Chicken Strip Recipes

Here are some must-try air fryer chicken strip recipes:

• Crispy Panko Chicken Strips – Chicken dipped in egg then panko breadcrumbs.

• Cracker Chicken Strips – Saltine cracker crumb coating with ranch seasoning.

• Chipotle Chicken Strips – Smoky chipotle seasoning in the breading.

• Buffalo Chicken Strips – Tossed in spicy hot sauce after cooking.

• Honey Sriracha Chicken Strips – Sriracha sauce and honey glaze.

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips – Fried in garlic butter then tossed with parmesan.

• Ranch Chicken Strips – Buttermilk ranch marinade on the chicken.

• Lemon Pepper Chicken Strips – Zesty lemon pepper breading.

So get cooking and enjoy hassle-free, healthy air fryer chicken strips! With crispy coatings and juicy meat, this easy air fryer recipe will become a new go-to.