Looking for a simple, easier way to make crispy chicken fries? Using an air fryer is the way to go. These air fryer crispy chicken fries come out perfectly golden, juicy on the inside, and with that crunch you crave. Those fried chicken strips with one of your favorite dip is way to go. No deep frying, less oil, and much quicker than you might think.
After experimenting with the air fryer, I found the perfect balance: crispy, tender chicken fries that my kids loved, and I felt good about serving. It’s become a go-to recipe when I want something simple and delicious for dinner that doesn’t require much time but always delivers.
Easy Chicken Recipes You Can Make
Chicken fries are just the beginning. You can easily turn chicken into all kinds of delicious meals. The possibilities are endless, from crispy chicken tenders to chicken nuggets or even fried chicken. The air fryer makes everything crispy with minimal oil and effort, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or a fun family dinner.
Is There a Need for Dipping Sauces
Yes, dipping sauces definitely takes this recipe to the next level. When you’re into the classic buffalo ranch, BBQ sauce or buffalo chicken dip, the right dipping sauce will perfectly complement the crispy chicken fries. It’s always fun to have a variety of sauces to dip in so everyone can enjoy their favorite flavors.
Best Times To Serve These Crispy Fries
Just like my Korean BBQ chicken wings, baked chicken wings and frozen nuggets, these crispy chicken fries are perfect for so many occasions. Serve them at a casual family dinner, as an appetizer at a party together with zucchini fritters and frozen onion rings, or during game day when you want something easy but satisfying.
They’re also great for meal prep, low-carb dinner parties, or when you are cooking in a budget, you can have a tasty snack or meal ready to go throughout the week.
How To Make Chicken Fries in the Air Fryer
Let us dive into the whole recipe together with instructions and, of course, a video for those who prefer more visual instructions.
Kitchen Gadgets Needed:
- Bowl: For mixing your egg wash and breadcrumbs.
- Whisk: Beat the eggs before dipping the chicken.
- Chopping Board: To safely prepare your chicken.
- Knife: For cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips.
- Tongs: For easy handling of the chicken as you coat it and transfer it to the air fryer.
- Air Fryer: This is for making crispy chicken fries without deep frying.
Ingredients Needed:
- Chicken Breast: The main ingredient provides a lean, protein-packed base for your chicken fries.
- Breadcrumbs: To coat the chicken, give it that crispy exterior. You can use regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.
- Eggs: The binder that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- EVO Oil (Extra Virgin Olive Oil): Lightly spray on the chicken before air frying for a golden crisp.
- Smoked Paprika: For a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth to the coating.
- Onion Powder: A little sweetness and flavor to balance the dish.
- Salt: It helps balance the overall taste of the dish.
- Black Pepper: It’s perfect for giving the dish a little extra flavor kick.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE CRISPY CHICKEN FRIES RECIPE
First Step: Get your Ingredients Ready
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure you have your chicken breast, breadcrumbs, eggs, seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and EVO oil for spraying. Preheat the air fryer to 430 Fahrenheit (220 Celcius).
Second Step: Prepare Wet and Dry Coating
In one bowl, whisk the eggs to create your wet coating. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs with your seasonings—smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to make breading. This dual-coating method ensures the chicken fries are flavorful and crispy on the outside.
Third Step: Cut Chicken Breast into Strips and Coat
Cut the chicken breast into thin strips resembling fries. Take one of your breaded chicken strips, coat it in the egg, and then your pork rind mixture. Set on a plate. Repeat this process with each piece of chicken.
Fourth Step: Oil the Air Fryer and Cook the Chicken
Spray a light coat of EVO oil in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and ensure the chicken fries cook evenly, like french fries. Place the coated chicken strips into the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring space between each piece. Spray the EVO oil into the chicken and cook for 12 minutes.
Fifth Step: Flip the Chicken Fries
Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to carefully flip the chicken fries so they cook evenly on both sides. This helps achieve a crisp texture all around. Once done, check for golden brown perfection.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Ensure the chicken strips are evenly coated with the breadcrumb mixture to get even crispier chicken fries. You can also double-coat them for extra crunch.
- If you like extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and leave some space between the strips for even cooking.
- For a golden, crispy finish, lightly spray the chicken fries with EVO or vegetable oil before air frying. Prepare paper towels to absorb any oil that is in the chicken.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Substitute For Homemade Chicken Fries
Plenty of low-carb alternatives keep your chicken fries crispy and flavorful if you’re out of breadcrumbs. Crushed pork rinds provide a crunchy texture and a hint of savory richness, while almond flour offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with seasonings.
What To Serve With These Chicken Tenders?
These crispy chicken fries pair beautifully with various sides or sauces like Korean sauce for BBQ or Dill Pickle Dip to round out your meal. A fresh green goddess salad adds a burst of vibrant flavors and a creamy complement to the crispy texture of the tenders.
For a warm and hearty option, roast some veggies. For a keto-friendly twist, serve with air-fried dill pickles, cauliflower mash or zucchini chips. The possibilities are endless and delicious.
To store leftover chicken fries, first, allow them to cool completely to prevent condensation from making them soggy. Place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to help absorb excess moisture. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I Freeze and Reheat Super Crispy Fried Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken fries. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to reheat, use an oven or air fryer to restore the crispy texture.
More Tasty Ideas for You
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Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Pieces Chicken Breast cut into thin strips lengthwise
- 1 Cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 Pieces Eggs
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil to spray
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Video
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure you have your chicken breast, breadcrumbs, eggs, seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and EVO oil for spraying. Preheat the air fryer to 430 Fahrenheit (220 Celcius).
- In one bowl, whisk the eggs to create your wet coating. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs with your seasonings—smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to make breading. This dual-coating method ensures the chicken fries are flavorful and crispy on the outside.
- Cut the chicken breast into thin strips resembling fries. Take one of your breaded chicken strips, coat it in the egg, and then your pork rind mixture. Set on a plate. Repeat this process with each piece of chicken.
- Spray a light coat of EVO oil in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and ensure the chicken fries cook evenly, like french fries. Place the coated chicken strips into the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring space between each piece. Spray the EVO oil into the chicken and cook for 12 minutes.
- Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to carefully flip the chicken fries so they cook evenly on both sides. This helps achieve a crisp texture all around. Once done, check for golden brown perfection.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken strips are evenly coated with the breadcrumb mixture to get even crispier chicken fries. You can also double-coat them for extra crunch.
- If you like extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and leave some space between the strips for even cooking.
- For a golden, crispy finish, lightly spray the chicken fries with EVO or vegetable oil before air frying. Prepare paper towels to absorb any oil that is in the chicken.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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I think I may be missing something, I don’t see where it tells how long to cook the chicken fries for in the air fryer. I only see the temp 430.
Its air fried for 12 minutes, flipping half way.