Air Fryer Chicken Fillet Strips: 7 Reasons to Love Them

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Fillet Strips: 7 Reasons to Love Them
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken fillets, sliced into strips; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg, beaten; Cooking spray

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 3, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to meal: air fryer chicken fillet strips! They’re quick, healthy, and oh-so-delicious! Seriously, if you’re looking for something that comes together in a flash without sacrificing flavor, this is it. My kids love these strips, and I appreciate that they’re way healthier than deep-fried options. Plus, they come out so crispy thanks to the air fryer magic!

I whip these up whenever we’re in a time crunch or when we just want something satisfying without the fuss. It’s become a family tradition to have these on Fridays, paired with our favorite dipping sauces. The best part? You can easily customize the seasoning to suit everyone’s taste. Whether it’s a bit of extra garlic or a kick of spice, you can make them your own! Trust me, once you try making these air fryer chicken fillet strips, they’ll find a permanent spot on your dinner rotation. Let’s dive into how to make these crispy delights and get you cooking!

Ingredients List

Let’s gather everything you need for these mouthwatering air fryer chicken fillet strips! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 chicken fillets: Slice them into nice, even strips for the best cooking results.
1 cup breadcrumbs: This will give your strips that delightful crunch. You can use plain or seasoned, depending on your preference!
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Trust me, this adds such a lovely, cheesy flavor that you won’t want to skip.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Perfect for that garlicky goodness.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste—this is where you can tailor it to your liking!
1 egg: Beaten, to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Cooking spray: A light mist to ensure those strips get crispy and golden without sticking.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create something truly delicious! Trust me, the combination is perfection!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Fillet Strips

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these scrumptious air fryer chicken fillet strips! It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a rockstar in the kitchen. Here’s how to do it step by step!

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures your chicken strips cook evenly and get that lovely crispy exterior we all crave. Just set the timer for about 5 minutes while you prepare everything else. Trust me, this little bit of patience will pay off big time!

Prepare the Coating Mixture

Now, let’s whip up that delicious coating! In a medium-sized bowl, combine your breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix with a fork or a whisk until everything is well blended. This is where the magic happens! The flavors will meld together beautifully, and you’ll end up with a coating that’s bursting with flavor. Don’t forget to taste it—yes, I said taste! Adjust the seasoning if you want, because you’re the chef here!

Coat the Chicken Strips

Time to coat those chicken strips! Take each strip and dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated. This is the glue that holds everything together, so don’t rush it! Once it’s all eggy, transfer it into the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure the crumbs stick well—this will give you that perfect crunch. Lay the coated strips on a plate and repeat until all your chicken is dressed up in that tasty coating. The more time you take with this step, the better your strips will turn out!

Cooking the Strips

Now we’re ready to cook! Place the coated chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer—make sure they’re not touching, or they won’t crisp up as nicely. Lightly spray them with cooking spray; this helps them achieve that golden-brown perfection. Set your air fryer to cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary in cooking time. Once they’re golden and cooked through, take them out and get ready to enjoy these crispy delights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh, let me tell you why air fryer chicken fillet strips are an absolute winner in my house! Here’s why you’re going to adore this recipe:

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Healthy Alternative: They’re cooked with minimal oil, making them a healthier choice compared to traditional frying.
Super Flavorful: With that crispy breadcrumb coating and cheesy goodness, each bite is packed with flavor. You can easily customize the spices to suit your taste!
Kid-Approved: My kids absolutely love them! They’re a fun finger food that pairs perfectly with their favorite dipping sauces.
Leftover Friendly: These strips keep well in the fridge, making them great for quick lunches or snacks the next day!

Once you try these air fryer chicken fillet strips, I promise they’ll become a staple in your meal rotation!

Tips for Success

To make your air fryer chicken fillet strips shine, I’ve got some pro tips that’ll elevate your game! First off, don’t hesitate to get creative with your seasonings. Love a bit of spice? Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick! If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some Italian herbs like oregano or basil for a flavor twist.

Also, if you want an extra crunchy coating, consider double-dipping! After the first coat of breadcrumbs, dip the strips back into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs again. It’s a little extra work, but oh boy, the crunch is worth it!

Lastly, make sure to spray those strips well with cooking spray before air frying to achieve that golden color. And remember, if you have leftovers, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values for these delightful air fryer chicken fillet strips per serving (about 4 strips):

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 300mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and cooking methods. But overall, these strips are a tasty, nutritious option for your meals!

FAQ Section

Got questions about air fryer chicken fillet strips? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my best answers:

Can I use frozen chicken fillets for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen chicken fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before slicing and coating. Cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while they cook!

What dipping sauces pair well with these strips?

The possibilities are endless! My family loves them with classic ranch dressing or honey mustard. You can also try BBQ sauce or a spicy sriracha mayo for a little kick. Whatever your heart desires!

Can I make these strips gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re all set. Just make sure your chicken fillets are also labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to get them crispy again. You’ll love having these tasty strips ready to go!

Can I bake these strips instead of air frying?

Definitely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Just flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They might not be as crispy as the air-fried version, but they’ll still be super delicious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious air fryer chicken fillet strips! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house, but it happens!), let them cool down to room temperature first. Then, pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When it’s time to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the air fryer. Just set it to 350°F (175°C) and give those strips about 5 minutes. This will help them regain that crispy goodness we all love! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also reheat them in a regular oven at the same temperature for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Enjoy every last bite!