Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Fries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken fries are golden, crunchy, and made right in the air fryer—no oil splatters or deep frying needed. They’re ready in under 30 minutes, made with simple ingredients, and easy to customize. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main meal, they’re a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs or panko
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Directions

1. Cut chicken into thin, fry-shaped strips.
2. Set up a breading station with three bowls:
   • Bowl 1: flour mixed with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder
   • Bowl 2: beaten eggs
   • Bowl 3: breadcrumbs or panko
3. Dredge each chicken strip in flour, then dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumbs.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket and arrange chicken fries in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
6. Spray the tops of the chicken fries with cooking spray.
7. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor.
• Use crushed cornflakes or pretzels instead of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Spice it up with cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the egg wash.
• Make them gluten-free using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
• Try with ground chicken shaped into fries for a fast-food-style version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes until crispy again.
Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work just as well and offer a juicier result.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs and spray both sides well with oil before air frying.

Can I freeze chicken fries?

Yes, freeze breaded but uncooked chicken strips. Air fry from frozen, adding 3–4 extra minutes.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps achieve a crispier texture, especially on the first batch.

What dipping sauces go well?

Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup, or spicy mayo are all great options.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Are these kid-friendly?

Definitely! They’re fun to eat, mild in flavor, and easy to dip.

Can I skip the flour step?

It’s not recommended—the flour helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick better.

How thick should the chicken strips be?

Cut them about ½ inch thick for even cooking and a true “fry” shape.

What should the internal temperature be?

Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

Conclusion

Air fryer crispy chicken fries are an easy, delicious, and healthier way to enjoy a fast-food favorite at home. They’re golden, flavorful, and ready in no time, making them perfect for a snack, lunchbox, or dinner. Serve them with your favorite dips and enjoy every crunchy bite

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Fries

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Air fryer crispy chicken fries are golden, crunchy, fry-shaped strips of seasoned chicken that are perfect for dipping. Healthier than deep-fried versions and packed with flavor, they’re ideal as a snack, appetizer, or kid-friendly meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into thin, fry-shaped strips.
2. Set up a breading station: Bowl 1 with flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder; Bowl 2 with beaten eggs; Bowl 3 with breadcrumbs or panko.
3. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, dip in the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Lightly spray air fryer basket and place chicken fries in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
6. Spray tops of the chicken fries with cooking spray.
7. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve warm with dipping sauces.

Notes

• Use panko for extra crunch.
• Add grated Parmesan to breadcrumb mix for more flavor.
• For a spicy version, add cayenne to flour or hot sauce to eggs.
• Reheat leftovers in air fryer for 4–5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Cut strips evenly (about ½ inch thick) for even cooking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

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