Crispy Air-Fryer Chicken Strips
These Crispy Air-Fryer Chicken Strips are juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside, all without the need for deep frying! The air fryer gives them a golden, crunchy texture with less oil, making them a healthier yet delicious option for a family meal or snack.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast (about 2 large breasts), cut into strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- Olive oil spray (for crispiness)
#### Instructions:
### 1. **Prepare the Chicken Strips**:
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips, aiming for about 1-inch wide pieces.
- Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier coating.
### 2. **Set Up the Dredging Stations**:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Stir until evenly mixed.
### 3. **Coat the Chicken**:
- First, dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Then, dip the floured chicken strip into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken strip in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
### 4. **Preheat the Air Fryer**:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
### 5. **Air Fry the Chicken Strips**:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the coated chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.
- Spray the tops of the chicken strips with a light coat of olive oil spray to help them crisp up.
- Cook the chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The strips should be golden brown and crispy when done.
### 6. **Serve**:
- Once the chicken strips are cooked and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
### Tips for Success:
- **For extra crispiness**: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- **Chicken prep**: For even cooking, try to cut the chicken strips into similar sizes. Thicker pieces may require an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- **Air fryer model**: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so check the chicken for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
### Enjoy!
These Crispy Air-Fryer Chicken Strips are easy, quick, and satisfyingly crunchy with a juicy interior. Perfect for a healthy dinner, snack, or even a kid-friendly meal!