Craving crispy, juicy chicken without the mess? Air fryer chicken strips are your answer! These tender chicken pieces get a golden brown, delicious crunch in the air fryer, all with minimal oil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, game day snack, or anytime you need a satisfying chicken fix.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Here’s why someone would love these 5-ingredient air fryer chicken strips:

Simple and Quick: Made with just 5 ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to throw together. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle.
Better and Crispy: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional deep-frying, resulting in a better for you alternative with a delightful crispy exterior.
Flavorful and Customizable: The basic breading recipe provides a delicious foundation, but you can easily customize it with your favorite spices or herbs.
Family-Friendly: These crispy chicken strips are a surefire hit with kids and adults alike. Serve them with dipping sauces for a fun and easy meal everyone will enjoy.
Juicy and Tender: Despite the crispy exterior, the air fryer ensures the chicken cooks evenly, resulting in juicy and tender chicken strips in every bite.

Tips to Make the Best Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Mastering the Art of Air Frying:

Don’t Crowd the Basket: Remember, airflow is key to crispiness! Leave space between the chicken strips so hot air can circulate freely. This ensures even cooking and prevents soggy breading. Cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
Preheat for Peak Crisp: Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken gives the basket a head start. This creates a hotter cooking environment for the initial sear, leading to extra-crispy perfection.
Chicken Strip Thickness Matters: Cooking time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken strips. Thicker strips will take a few minutes longer than thin strips. Use a meat thermometer to check for internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

Beyond the Basics:

Spice it Up: This recipe is a great base for flavor exploration! Add a kick with cayenne pepper or chili powder, smoky depth with paprika, or an Italian twist with dried oregano and basil.
Double Dip for Extra Crunch: Feeling adventurous? For an even thicker and crispier coating, try a double-dipping technique. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture twice, then coat generously in the panko breadcrumbs after the second egg dip.
Experiment with Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with crushed crackers, tortilla chips, or even coconut flakes for a unique twist on the texture and flavor.

Remember: These are just a few tips to get you started. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at making delicious and crispy air fryer chicken strips in no time!

Air Fryer Chicken Fingers With a Bite Missing

Tips for Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Here’s how to store and reheat leftover air fryer chicken strips to maintain their crispy texture and juicy goodness:

Storing Leftovers:

Cool Completely: It’s crucial to let the cooked chicken strips cool completely to room temperature before storing them. This prevents trapped heat and moisture from causing bacterial growth and becoming soggy.
Separate is Key: For optimal storage, separate the breaded chicken strips from any leftover dipping sauces. Sauces can make the chicken strips soggy over time.
Airtight Containers are Essential: Store the cooled chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps prevent them from drying out or absorbing any unwanted flavors.

Reheating Tips:

Aim for Crispy Perfection: The key to reheating air fryer chicken strips is to maintain their crispy texture. Microwaving is generally not recommended as it can lead to soggy breading.
Air Fryer Reheating is Best: The air fryer is your best friend for reheating! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the leftover chicken strips in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.
Oven Reheating as an Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can reheat the chicken strips in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. However, the air fryer method generally yields better results.

Freezing Option (Optional):

Freeze for Later: While not ideal due to potential texture changes, you can freeze leftover air fryer chicken strips for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a labeled freezer-safe bag or container.
Thaw Before Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen chicken strips in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them using the air fryer or oven method as mentioned above.

Important Note: Regardless of storage method, it’s best to enjoy leftover air fryer chicken strips within 3-4 days for the best texture and flavor.

Dipping Air Fryer Chicken Fingers into a Ranch Dressing

What Sauces Go Great With These Air Fryer Chicken Strips

These air fryer chicken strips are perfect for dipping because of their crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior. Here are some delicious sauces that would complement them perfectly:

Classic Dipping Duos:

Ketchup and Mustard: The all-time favorite combo, offering a balance of sweet and tangy flavors that never disappoints.
Honey Mustard: A step up from plain mustard, the honey adds a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
Ranch Dressing: The cool and creamy ranch dressing complements the crispy chicken and offers a delightful herb flavor.
BBQ Sauce: For a smoky and sweet twist, BBQ sauce is a crowd-pleasing choice. Choose your favorite variety, from tangy to sweet or smoky.

Adventurous Dipping Options:

Buffalo Sauce: For those who like a kick, buffalo sauce adds a spicy punch that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This Asian-inspired sauce offers a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that’s perfect for dipping.
Avocado Crema: A creamy and flavorful option made with avocado, lime juice, and cilantro. It adds a refreshing and healthy twist to the classic chicken strip experience.
Garlic Aioli: This flavorful sauce is made with mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice. It offers a garlicky punch and a hint of tang that pairs well with the chicken.

Beyond Dipping Sauces:

Honey Garlic Glaze: For a sticky and flavorful option, toss the cooked chicken strips in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory touch, taking inspiration from classic chicken parmesan flavors.

Remember: The best dipping sauce is the one you enjoy the most! Experiment with different options and find your perfect pairing for these delicious air fryer chicken strips.

Making the Recipe