Air Fryer Chicken Strips Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Marinade:
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• Egg Wash:
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• Breading:
  • 2 cups all purpose flour, divided
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 4 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon white pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• coconut oil cooking spray

Directions

1. Slice chicken breasts into 1-inch strips lengthwise and place them in a shallow pan.
2. In a cup, whisk together the pickle juice, milk, and liquid smoke. Pour this mixture over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated. Place the chicken in the refrigerator and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and ranch dressing together. In another shallow bowl, place 1 cup of flour. In a third shallow bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, white pepper, garlic salt, confectioners' sugar, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, dry mustard, ginger, chili powder, and sea salt.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C).
5. Once the chicken has marinated, drain the strips and pat them dry with paper towels.
6. First, dredge the chicken strips in the flour. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl.
7. Next, coat the chicken strips in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
8. Place the coated chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. You may need to work in batches. Lightly spray the chicken with coconut oil.
9. Air fry the chicken for 6 minutes. After that, turn the strips over, spray with more coconut oil, and continue to air fry for an additional 6 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165F (74C).
10. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken strips.

Cook's Note

If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free almond flour or gluten-free measure-for-measure flour. For the breadcrumbs, use a gluten-free variety like Aleias Gluten-Free Plain Bread Crumbs.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	753
Total Fat	22g (28%)
Saturated Fat	5g (25%)
Cholesterol	275mg (92%)
Sodium	3003mg (131%)
Total Carbohydrate	64g (23%)
Dietary Fiber	3g (12%)
Total Sugars	15g
Protein	70g (139%)
Vitamin C	2mg (2%)
Calcium	166mg (13%)
Iron	6mg (36%)
Potassium	755mg (16%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Air Fryer Chicken Strips have become a household favorite thanks to their crispy texture and healthier cooking method. Air frying allows for the delicious crunch of fried chicken without the excess oil, making it a popular choice for those seeking a lighter, yet indulgent, meal. The dish is typically made by marinating chicken breast strips in a flavorful mixture, then coating them in a seasoned breading before air frying to perfection. This simple yet satisfying dish has garnered attention not just for its taste but also for its speed and convenience, with many families turning to the air fryer for an easy weeknight dinner.

History of Air Fryer Chicken Strips

While the air fryer itself was invented in the early 2000s, the concept of cooking food using hot air circulation to create a crispy exterior without deep frying dates back even further. The air fryer gained widespread popularity after its introduction to the consumer market by Philips in 2010. However, chicken strips have long been a staple in American cuisine, dating back to the 1950s, when breaded chicken tenders started appearing in diners and family restaurants. By combining the age-old tradition of breading chicken with the innovative air fryer technique, the Air Fryer Chicken Strip recipe was born, offering a faster, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders.

Regional Variations

While Air Fryer Chicken Strips are a popular dish across the United States, they also have some regional twists. In the South, for example, chicken tenders are often seasoned with a blend of spices like cayenne pepper and garlic powder for added heat and flavor. In contrast, a more classic version may rely heavily on ranch dressing or a simple breading mix for a milder taste. Some variations also incorporate different dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue, or spicy ranch, each of which adds a regional flair to the dish.

How Air Fryer Chicken Strips Differ from Similar Dishes

Air Fryer Chicken Strips stand apart from traditional fried chicken tenders in several ways. The most notable difference is the cooking methodair frying uses significantly less oil compared to deep frying, making it a healthier option. Additionally, the breading in air-fried chicken tends to be lighter and crispier due to the hot air circulating around the food. While deep-fried tenders are often heavier and greasier, air-fried strips maintain a satisfying crunch without the extra calories.

Where Are Air Fryer Chicken Strips Usually Served?

Air Fryer Chicken Strips are commonly served as a main dish in casual dining settings, fast-food chains, or at home as part of a family meal. They can be paired with various sides, such as fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. Many restaurants and food trucks also serve chicken strips as part of a platter with dipping sauces on the side. These crispy, tender pieces of chicken are often a go-to item on kids' menus due to their mild flavor and easy-to-eat nature. Air-fried chicken strips also make for a great snack or appetizer at gatherings, making them versatile enough to serve for any occasion.

Fun Facts About Air Fryer Chicken Strips

• Did you know that using pickle juice as part of the marinade helps tenderize the chicken? The acidity from the pickles helps break down proteins, making the chicken strips even more juicy and flavorful.
• Air fryers are not just for chicken! Many other foods, from vegetables to desserts, can be made in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
• Many people prefer air-fried chicken strips because the air fryer cooks the strips much faster than traditional oven-baking, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
• For a gluten-free version, you can easily swap regular flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy the crispy goodness of air-fried chicken.
• Air frying not only reduces calories but also creates less messno splattering oil or greasy pots and pans to clean up!

FAQ about Air Fryer Chicken Strips Recipe