Chicken Fries in Air Fryer: Easy and Quick Recipe
Just the air fryer, and the chicken strips come out perfectly. No greasy mess, with a crispy outside and tender inside—it's absolutely irresistible, making it the top choice for snack lovers.
Why should you try this recipe?
This dish is not only simple but also perfect for those looking for a healthy, low-oil, and delicious meal. The chicken strips come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the air fryer producing fantastic results using almost no oil, locking in the juiciness and flavor.
Additionally, the seasoning and marinating time are short, taking about 30 minutes to prepare, so it doesn't waste much time. You can adjust the sauce to your taste, such as adding more chili powder for a spicier kick or some rosemary for extra flavor.
Using whole wheat bread for the coating adds more fiber and enhances the overall texture. This method is also perfect for pairing with salads, rice, or enjoying as a snack. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, bursting with flavor—it's hard to stop after one bite!
Required Ingredients and Substitutes
Main Ingredients
Chicken breast: Lean and high in protein, perfect for making chicken strips.
Whole wheat bread: Provides a crispy texture and a unique wheat aroma.
Additional Ingredients
Egg white: Helps retain moisture in the chicken breast, enhancing the texture.
Seasonings
Baking soda: Helps tenderize the chicken, keeping it moist.
Salt: A basic seasoning that balances the flavor.
Black pepper: Enhances the aroma and adds a mild spiciness.
Five-spice powder: Adds depth to the flavor.
Oyster sauce: Boosts umami and enriches the taste.
Spicy BBQ seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor with a spicy kick.
Substitutes
Chicken breast: Can be replaced with chicken thigh for a more tender texture.
Whole wheat bread: Other types of bread, such as white bread or baguette, can be used.
Egg white: Can be substituted with liquid egg whites.
Baking soda: Can be replaced with baking powder, though the effect may vary slightly.
Oyster sauce: Soy sauce can be used instead, but the flavor will be different.
Spicy BBQ seasoning: A mix of chili powder and cumin powder can be used as an alternati
Cooking Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect air fryer chicken strips:
Chicken selection: Chicken breast is the best choice for making chicken strips because it’s low in fat and tender. To make sure the chicken is even more tender, you can marinate it with baking soda for a few minutes before cooking.
Preparing bread crumbs: Whole wheat bread is a great option as it adds extra crispiness and nutrition. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can toast the bread in the oven first, then gently crush it with a rolling pin.
Marinating time: Marinate the chicken strips for at least 30 minutes to let the seasoning soak in, which enhances the flavor. If you have more time, marinate for 1 hour or longer for a stronger flavor.
Flipping technique: When cooking in the air fryer, be sure to flip the chicken strips for even heat distribution. If the surface gets too dry, lightly spray with water to help keep it moist.
Oil usage: Although the air fryer reduces oil usage, a light spray of oil on the chicken strips will help the breadcrumbs turn golden and crispy.
Storage Tips
I usually store them in a sealed bag, ensuring the bag is tightly closed, and then refrigerate. They stay fresh for about 2-3 days. When ready to eat, just reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes, and the crispy exterior will be as good as when they were freshly made.
For longer storage, freezing is a good option. I arrange the chicken strips on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then transfer them to a bag.
This way, they won’t stick together, and you can take them out as needed. Just heat them in the air fryer for about 5 minutes, and the crispy coating will return!
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients
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·300g chicken breast
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·2 slices whole wheat bread
Accessories
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·1 egg white (only egg white)
Seasonings
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·1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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·3g salt
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·1g black pepper
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·1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
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·10ml oyster sauce
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·5g spicy BBQ seasoning
COOKING STEP
Step 1
Cut 300g of chicken breast into strips, add 1/2 tsp of baking soda and about 100ml of water. Mix well and marinate for 5 minutes.
Step 2
Rinse the chicken breast with water, then add 3g of salt, 1g of black pepper, 1/2 tsp of five-spice powder, 10ml of oyster sauce, and 1 egg white. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 3
Prepare 2 slices of whole wheat bread and place them in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 180°C and cook for 12 minutes, or until the bread is crispy.
Step 4
Break the toasted bread into crumbs and coat the marinated chicken strips with the crumbs, shaking to ensure an even coating.
Step 5
Place the coated chicken strips in the air fryer, set the temperature to 180°C, and cook for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crispy.
Step 6
Once cooked, take them out and sprinkle some spicy barbecue seasoning on top.
More recipes worth trying
Homemade Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer
Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Air Fryer Recipe
Best Dipping Sauces
If you want to add more flavor to your chicken strips, here are some classic dipping sauces to try:
Honey Mustard Sauce
A perfect blend of sweet honey and mildly spicy mustard, creating a rich, layered flavor. The sweetness and spiciness collide to form a unique taste.
Yogurt Garlic Sauce
The refreshing yogurt paired with the strong garlic flavor, and a touch of lemon juice, makes the chicken strips taste lighter and fresher—ideal for those who prefer a more delicate flavor.
Chili Sauce
For spice lovers, this is the go-to choice. The intense heat complements the crispy texture of the chicken strips, delivering a bold and impactful flavor experience.
Classic BBQ Sauce
With its sweet and savory combination, this BBQ sauce has a rich smoky aroma, making it the perfect pairing for chicken strips, enhancing both the fragrance and flavor.
Sweet and Spicy Sauce
A clever mix of sweetness and heat, it’s mild yet slightly stimulating—perfect for dipping fried or roasted chicken strips, adding an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs:
To ensure even cooking, flip the strips during the process. When using an oven, you might need to adjust the time and temperature slightly to achieve a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
Second, make sure not to bake for too long. Flip the chicken strips to help heat them evenly. Check their condition during the process, and if they’re drying out, reduce the baking time slightly.
Lastly, avoid overcrowding the chicken strips in the air fryer or oven. Keeping them spaced out allows for even heat distribution, preventing moisture loss.
To save time, you can use a quick marination method by adding more seasonings and gently massaging the chicken strips to help the flavors penetrate faster. If you're in a hurry, marinating for 15-20 minutes will still give the chicken some flavor, but if you have the time, marinating for 30 minutes to an hour will yield better results.
Moreover, whole wheat bread has a richer flavor, and when turned into breadcrumbs, it adds a natural wheat aroma to the chicken strips, making the outer layer even crispier with a more complex texture. Of course, if you don’t like the taste of whole wheat, regular bread can be used as a substitute.
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