Air Fryer Chicken Fingers

Air Fryer Chicken Fingers – Crispy and Delicious!

These air fryer chicken fingers are a healthier and tastier alternative to deep-fried versions. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, all in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1/2 lb), cut into thin strips
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

Cooking Guide:

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better.
2. Make the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it evenly with panko breadcrumbs. Shake off any excess crumbs.
4. Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken fingers in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches.
5. Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken fingers for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve: Enjoy your air fryer chicken fingers hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Tips:

• Chicken Thickness: For best results, cut the chicken breast into strips of similar thickness. This ensures even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket as this can prevent the chicken fingers from crisping properly. Cook them in batches if necessary.
• Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken strips and your air fryer model. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a bit of a kick.
• Healthy Alternatives: You can use whole wheat flour breadcrumbs or almond flour for a healthier breading option.
• Leftovers: Store leftover air fryer chicken fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.

With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy delicious and healthy air fryer chicken fingers anytime!