Craving some delicious, crispy chicken strips without the extra calories from deep frying? Look no further! Air fryer chicken strips are a perfect way to enjoy a crunchy, juicy meal that’s much healthier but just as tasty. These chicken strips are easy to prepare and give you all the flavor and texture you love with minimal effort. So grab your air fryer, and let’s get started!
Ingredients List
Chicken and Breading Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into roughly 1½ inch strips
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour – to help create a crisp coating
- 1 egg – for binding the crumbs to the chicken
- 4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs – for that extra crunch
- 4 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut – adds a touch of coconut flavor and texture
- Salt and pepper to taste – we’ll season at multiple stages
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper – just a hint of spice for extra flavor
- Cooking spray – for a crisp result in the air fryer
Suggested Dipping Sauces
- Sweet & sour sauce or Asian sweet chili sauce – both are excellent choices for dipping!
Preparation & Seasoning
Step 1: Prepping the Chicken
The first step is to prepare and season the chicken strips. Begin by cutting the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips that are about 1½ inches wide. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
After cutting the chicken, season the strips generously with salt on all sides. This initial seasoning ensures the flavor penetrates deep into the chicken, making every bite more delicious.
Step 2: Setting Up Your Breading Stations
Next, we’ll set up our breading stations with three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour Mixture – In your first bowl, combine 4 tbsp of flour with a pinch of salt and some freshly cracked black pepper . Mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Bowl 2: Egg Mixture – In the second bowl, whisk 1 egg together with a pinch of salt , some black pepper , and ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper . This will give the chicken a slight kick of spice, but feel free to adjust the cayenne to your taste.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumb Mixture – In the last bowl, mix together 4 tbsp of panko breadcrumbs and 4 tbsp of shredded coconut . The panko provides the signature crunch, while the coconut adds a subtle natural sweetness and texture.
With your chicken strips seasoned and breading stations ready, it’s time to move on to coating and air frying!
Coating and Air Frying the Chicken Strips
Step 3: Coating the Chicken Strips
Now it’s time to coat our seasoned chicken strips to create that crispy, golden exterior!
- Flour First : Start by taking each seasoned chicken strip and dredging it in the flour mixture (Bowl 1). Make sure the strip is evenly coated with the flour to help the other layers stick.
- Dip in Egg : Once coated with flour, dip the chicken strip into the egg mixture (Bowl 2). Flip it over to ensure the egg fully coats the strip. The egg helps the breadcrumbs and shredded coconut adhere to the chicken.
- Final Coat with Panko and Coconut : After the egg wash, transfer the strip to the panko and coconut mixture (Bowl 3). Press the chicken down into the mixture to make sure the panko and coconut stick nicely to both sides.
Repeat this process for all your chicken strips.
Step 4: Air Frying
Before placing the chicken into the air fryer, lightly spritz the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray . This helps prevent the strips from sticking and ensures a crispy result on the outside.
- Place Chicken in Air Fryer : Place the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. If necessary, cook in batches so the air can circulate freely around each strip. This is key to achieving that crispy texture on all sides.
- Cooking Time & Temperature : Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and air fry the chicken strips for 15 minutes , flipping them halfway through (about 7 minutes). Spritz the tops of the chicken strips with a little more cooking spray when you flip them to ensure even crispiness.
By the end of the cooking time, your chicken strips should be golden-brown and perfectly cooked through!
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Your crispy air fryer chicken strips are now ready! Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and pair them with your preferred dipping sauces. Sweet & sour sauce or Asian sweet chili sauce are both fantastic options that add a burst of flavor and complement the crispiness of the chicken perfectly.
Serve the chicken strips hot, and for an extra touch, you can even garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color.
Optional Side Ideas:
To create a complete meal, consider serving your chicken strips with:
- A side of fries or sweet potato wedges
- A refreshing coleslaw or green salad
- Fresh vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli
Step 6: Storage and Reheating Tips
While these air fryer chicken strips are best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers for later.
Storage:
- Refrigerator : Store the cooked chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days .
- Freezer : If you want to freeze them, place the fully cooled chicken strips in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month .
Reheating:
- In the Air Fryer : Reheat leftover chicken strips in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes until the outsides are crispy again. This method will help maintain the crunch.
- In the Oven : Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes , flipping halfway through.
Avoid reheating in the microwave, as the chicken strips will lose their crispiness.
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken strips are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, giving you all the crunch without the guilt. With a perfectly seasoned coating of flour, panko breadcrumbs, and shredded coconut, the result is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Try them out for a quick weeknight dinner or as a fun snack for game day. With your choice of dipping sauces, they’re bound to be a hit!
Plus, you can easily store and reheat them, so you’ll never be short of a tasty, homemade snack. Enjoy your air fryer chicken strips and share the joy with friends and family!