Homemade chicken strips cooked in the air fryer are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken strips. This method offers a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.
The process is straightforward: you start by coating chicken strips with seasoned breadcrumbs or batter, then place them in the air fryer basket.
The hot air circulation crisps up the coating to perfection without the need for excessive oil, resulting in a guilt-free indulgence. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main course, air-fried chicken strips are a crowd-pleaser for all ages and a convenient way to enjoy a classic comfort food without the extra calories.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups cold water
1 tablespoon salt
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken strips (or breasts cut into 1.5-inch wide strips)
2 cups "crumbs" (bread crumbs, cracker crumbs, Panko bread crumb, or smashed potato chips)
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
3 large eggs
INSTRUCTIONS
Add 2 cups of cold water to a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, and stir to dissolve. Submerge chicken in brine, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the brine, and pat dry with paper towels. Add your "crumbs" of choice to a shallow dish.
Combine the flour, onion powder, and granulated garlic in a shallow dish. Beat the eggs in a third shallow dish.
Working with a piece at a time, toss the chicken in the flour, dip it in the eggs, and then coat with the crumbs.
Place the coated chicken strips on the wire rack in the bottom of your air fryer basket. Fill the basket so that the chicken pieces aren't overlapping (it will take a few batches of air frying if you have a smaller air fryer).
Air fry the chicken at 350 degrees F. for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a an instant read thermometer registers the center of the chicken at 165 degrees F.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer, and repeat with remaining ingredients if needed. Serve chicken hot. (If working in batches keep the cooked chicken in a 200 degree F. oven until ready to serve.)
