Air fryer chicken strips give you the crunch of a fried favorite with a fraction of the mess. Strips of chicken breast get a three step coating of cornstarch, egg, and breadcrumbs, then cook in the hot air of the air fryer until they are golden, crisp, and juicy inside.
The whole recipe takes about 30 minutes, and you can use fresh chicken breasts cut into strips or store bought chicken tenders to save time. They are a family friendly dinner, a fast lunch, and a crowd pleasing snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
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Why This Air Fryer Chicken Strips Recipe Works
The classic breading station of cornstarch, egg, and breadcrumbs builds a crust that holds together. The cornstarch dries the surface so the egg sticks, and the egg acts as the glue for the breadcrumbs, which is why the coating stays on during cooking.
Panko gives the crispiest result, and spraying the basket and the tops of the strips with oil helps them brown evenly. Cooking in a single layer lets hot air reach every side, so the strips crisp up without deep frying.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Strips
- 12 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts, or pre cut chicken tenders
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cornstarch or flour, for dredging
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (regular, seasoned, or panko)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, optional
- Cooking spray
Panko gives extra crunch. If you use plain breadcrumbs, the Italian seasoning adds flavor. Most of the cornstarch stays in the bowl, so you will use only a little of it.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Strips
1. Cut the chicken.
Cut each chicken breast into 4 to 5 strips lengthwise, so they are about 1/2 inch wide, or use pre cut tenders from the store.
2. Season.
Season the strips with the salt and black pepper.
3. Set up the breading station.
Put the cornstarch in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, beat the eggs with the milk. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the Italian seasoning if you are using it.
4. Bread the chicken.
Dip each strip in the cornstarch, then in the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the breadcrumbs until well coated.
5. Prepare the air fryer.
Spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the strips in a single layer without crowding, and spray the tops with oil.
6. Air fry.
Cook at 390 degrees F for 7 minutes, flip the strips, and cook for 7 more minutes. Work in batches if they do not fit in one layer.
7. Check for doneness.
The strips should be golden and crisp, and the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F. Serve right away.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Strips
Serve the strips hot with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip. Add a side of creamy coleslaw and a pile of fries for a classic meal.
If you like crispy air fryer chicken, try the air fryer buttermilk chicken tenders, the smoked paprika chicken tenders, or the air fryer chicken tenders with no breading for a lighter option.
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Strips
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Store the strips in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze them in a sealed container for longer storage.
Reheat in the air fryer or oven so the coating crisps up again. The strips should be hot all the way through and reach 165 degrees F. Microwaving makes the breading soft.
Tips and Variations for Air Fryer Chicken Strips
Use a food thermometer, since the crust browns before you can tell whether the center is done. The University of Wisconsin Extension leftovers food safety article gives 165 degrees F as the target for poultry, advises refrigerating within two hours, and keeps leftovers safe for 3 to 4 days.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer, because crowded strips steam instead of crisp. Use panko for extra crunch. For more flavor, marinate the chicken in a little buttermilk or seasoning before breading.
For variations, add garlic powder, paprika, or grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs. Swap the breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes for a different texture, or serve the strips in a wrap with lettuce and a drizzle of sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Strips
How long do air fryer chicken strips take to cook?
At 390 degrees F, the strips take about 14 minutes, with 7 minutes on each side. Thicker strips may need a little longer, so check that they reach 165 degrees F.
Do air fryer chicken strips need oil?
A light spray of oil helps the breading brown and keeps the coating from drying out. Without it, the crumbs can look pale and dusty.
Can I make air fryer chicken strips with frozen chicken?
Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before breading, since raw frozen chicken will not cook evenly under the coating. Pre breaded store bought strips can go in from frozen, following the package.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed cornflakes, crushed crackers, or crushed pork rinds work well. Press them on firmly so they stick.
Why is my breading falling off?
The chicken may have been wet, or the coating was not pressed on firmly. Pat the chicken dry and press the breadcrumbs onto every side.
Air Fryer Chicken Strips
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips, or use pre cut tenders
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cornstarch or flour for dredging, most stays in the bowl
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 ½ cup breadcrumbs regular, seasoned, or panko
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning optional
- cooking spray
Instructions
Cooking
- Cut each chicken breast into 4 to 5 strips lengthwise, about 1/2 inch wide, or use pre cut tenders.
- Season the strips with salt and pepper.
- Put the cornstarch in one bowl, the eggs beaten with the milk in a second, and the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning in a third.
- Dip each strip in the cornstarch, then the egg, then press into the breadcrumbs.
- Spray the basket and place the strips in a single layer. Spray the tops with oil.
- Cook at 390 degrees F for 7 minutes, flip, and cook 7 minutes more. Work in batches if needed.
- Check that the strips are golden and reach 165 degrees F. Serve with your favorite dip.
