Chicken fries in the air fryer are crispy, tasty, and super easy to make! You get that perfect crunch without the mess of frying in oil. Plus, they’re ready in no time!
These chicken fries are great for dipping in your favorite sauces. Honestly, I can’t resist a good ranch or BBQ dip! Perfect for parties or a quick snack. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Using fresh chicken breasts gives you a juicy result, but you can also use chicken tenders for a quicker option or leftover cooked chicken. Just adjust cooking time for pre-cooked chicken.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide that crunchy texture! If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture may be less crisp. Another fun option is crushed cornflakes or crackers for a different crunch.
Seasonings: I love adding paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for flavor. Feel free to play around with other spices like Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!
Cooking Spray: Using oil spray is great for keeping the chicken fries crispy. If you don’t have it, you can lightly brush oil on the chicken fries instead.
How Do I Get My Chicken Fries Extra Crispy?
To make sure your chicken fries turn out super crispy, here are some helpful tips:
- Double Dipping: After coating in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, you can dip back into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs again. This really amps up the crunch!
- Even Layering: Make sure the chicken fries are in a single layer in the air fryer. Crowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
- Spray for Crisp: Lightly spray the breaded chicken fries with cooking spray before cooking. This helps them brown nicely and adds extra crunch.
- Flip Halfway: Flipping the chicken fries halfway through cooking ensures all sides get that golden, crispy finish. Keep an eye on them!
Enjoy making these crunchy chicken fries in your air fryer! They’re a hit every time!
Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into fry-shaped strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil mister
Time Estimate
The total time for making these air fryer chicken fries is about 20-25 minutes. You’ll need around 5 minutes to prep your ingredients and bread the chicken, and then about 8-10 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. Simple and quick!
Detailed Instructions
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy.
2. Prepare Your Breading Stations:
Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until combined. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will give your chicken lots of flavor!
3. Dredging the Chicken:
Take each chicken strip and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press it into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s well-covered. For extra crunch, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for double-dipping.
4. Arrange in Air Fryer:
Place the coated chicken fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they have a little space between them so they can cook evenly. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or use an oil mister to help them crisp up.
5. Cook the Chicken Fries:
Cook the chicken fries in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to get them golden brown on both sides. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken fries from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce. Enjoy your tasty, crispy air fryer chicken fries!
Your meal is ready! These chicken fries are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cutting it into strips and breading. Thawing can be done overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing the sealed chicken in cold water for about an hour.
How Can I Customize the Seasoning?
Feel free to play around with the seasoning! You can add spices like cayenne pepper for heat, Italian seasoning for a herby flavor, or even grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra cheesy touch!
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work, but you may not get the same crispiness. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers can also give a nice crunch.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes to get them crispy again!
