Air fryer chicken strips recipes easy: 5 secrets to savor

Name: Air fryer chicken strips recipes easy: 5 secrets to savor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken fillet, cut into strips; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup flour; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

August 3, 2025

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If you’re anything like me, you love the idea of a home-cooked meal but don’t always have the time (or energy) to whip up something fancy. That’s where my easy air fryer chicken strips recipe comes in! Imagine juicy, crispy chicken strips that are ready in under 30 minutes. Yes, please! The air fryer is a total game-changer. It gives you that satisfying crunch without all the grease from traditional frying. I make these chicken strips at least once a week because they’re perfect for busy nights when my kids are hungry and I need something quick. Plus, the best part? They’re super simple to make; you just season, coat, and air fry! You’ll be amazed at how tender and flavorful they turn out. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

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Ingredients

1 pound chicken fillet, cut into strips
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, let’s get that air fryer preheating! Set it to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is key because it helps the chicken strips cook evenly and develop that perfect golden-brown crunch on the outside while staying juicy inside. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Season the Chicken

Now, let’s talk seasoning. Take those chicken strips and sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy here! Seasoning is what brings the flavor to life. I like to toss the strips in a bowl to ensure every inch is coated. This little step makes a world of difference in taste!

Coat the Chicken Strips

Next up is the fun part: coating! Set up a little assembly line with three bowls. In the first bowl, add your flour. In the second, pour in the beaten eggs. And in the last one, put your breadcrumbs. Start by tossing a chicken strip in the flour to give it a light dusting, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it well in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each strip is thoroughly covered for that crispy texture we all love!

Air Fry the Chicken Strips

Now it’s time to air fry! Arrange the coated chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. This helps them crisp up nicely. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they cook evenly on both sides. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and deliciously fragrant!

Serve and Enjoy

Finally, it’s time to dig in! Serve your chicken strips with your favorite dipping sauces – honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy ranch are all fantastic choices. I always whip up extra sauce because these strips are so good, you’ll want to dunk every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Easy Cleanup: The air fryer makes cooking a breeze, and there’s minimal mess to clean up afterward.
Healthier Alternative: Say goodbye to greasy frying! These chicken strips are crispy and satisfying without all that oil.
Delicious Flavor: The seasoning and coating create a mouthwatering flavor that’s sure to please everyone in the family.

Tips for Success

To really nail this recipe, there are a few pro tips I swear by! First off, make sure to pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the spices stick better and ensures a crispy finish. Also, don’t skip the flipping halfway through cooking; it’s crucial for even browning. Keep an eye on the strips in the last couple of minutes—every air fryer is a bit different, and you want them golden brown and cooked through but not overdone. And remember, if you’re unsure, cut one open to check for doneness; it should be juicy and cooked all the way through!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk nutrition! Each serving of these easy air fryer chicken strips is packed with goodness. Here’s what you can expect per serving (about 4 strips):

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But overall, you’re getting a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken strips?

You can definitely use frozen chicken strips! Just keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Start by air frying them for about 15-20 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through. Always check for doneness, and if they’re not quite cooked through, give them a few more minutes in the air fryer. Easy peasy!

What dipping sauces work best?

Oh, the dipping sauce options are endless! My go-to favorites are honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and a creamy ranch dressing. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy buffalo sauce or even a tangy sweet chili sauce for a little kick. Whatever you choose, it’s going to elevate those chicken strips!

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let the chicken strips cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until crispy again. Trust me, they’ll taste just as good!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make these chicken strips gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. There are plenty of tasty options out there, and they work just as well in this recipe!

How can I make these spicier?

If you’re looking to add some heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper with your seasoning or drizzle a bit of hot sauce into the egg mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce. The more spice, the better, right?

Equipment List

To make these easy air fryer chicken strips, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools. Grab your air fryer, of course! You’ll also want mixing bowls for the coating process, measuring cups for accuracy, and utensils like a whisk for the eggs. A good set of tongs will help you flip those strips with ease, too!

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For more delicious air fryer recipes, check out these classic wings or this ginger soy chicken breast recipe. You can also learn more about the health benefits of air frying here.