Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips (Printable Version)

Golden crispy chicken strips with juicy center, prepared with minimal oil in the air fryer. Easy, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

→ Breading

02 - 3/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 tsp paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Wet Mix

09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 tbsp low-fat milk

→ For Air Frying

11 - Olive oil spray

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
02 - Pat chicken strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and low-fat milk.
04 - In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
05 - Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure proper adhesion.
06 - Arrange coated strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray.
07 - Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • They taste indulgent but use barely any oil, so you can feel good about serving them to anyone.
  • The whole wheat and Parmesan coating adds a nutty richness that plain breading just cant match.
  • Theyre ready in under half an hour, which means weeknight dinners dont have to be stressful.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer without turning soggy or rubbery.
02 -
  • If you skip drying the chicken, the breading will slide right off in the air fryer and youll be left with sad, naked strips.
  • Dont overcrowd the basket or the strips will steam instead of crisp, and youll lose that crunch you worked so hard for.
  • Always check the internal temperature with a thermometer, overcooked chicken is dry and disappointing no matter how good the breading looks.
03 -
  • Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken with your palm, not just your fingertips, so they actually stick and dont fall off during cooking.
  • Let the coated strips sit on a plate for 5 minutes before air frying, it helps the breading set and makes them even crispier.
  • Always spray the oil after the strips are in the basket, not before, so you get even coverage without making a mess.
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