Name: Air Fryer Dinner Recipes Easy Crispy Chicken Strips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 500g chicken breast, cut into strips; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated parmesan; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 eggs, beaten; Cooking spray

Jump to Recipe

I’ve always believed dinner doesn’t need to feel like a marathon, and these air fryer chicken strips prove me right. They’re quick, they’re crispy, and they’re about as fuss free as you could hope for on a busy weeknight. Think about it—juicy chicken on the inside, crunchy outside, all without the splatter of frying oil. We’ve all had those nights when we look at the fridge and wonder if cereal counts as dinner. That’s when recipes like this step in. Air fryer dinner recipes make the evening easier, and this one brings comfort without the guilt. Whether you call them strips, tenders, or just crispy goodness, they land on the table in record time. The best part is that you don’t need fancy ingredients. A bit of seasoning, a light coating, and the air fryer does the heavy lifting. If you’re looking for dinner recipes air fryer style, or just want easy dinner recipes air fryer fans will love, these chicken strips hit the sweet spot. This recipe works for kids who want finger food and for adults who want real flavor.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Air Fryer Chicken Strips Recipe
3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Strips
4) How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Strips
5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Strips
6) Making Air Fryer Chicken Strips Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Strips
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Air Fryer Chicken Strips
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

These air fryer chicken strips are crispy outside and juicy inside.
They’re quick to prepare and use simple pantry ingredients.
This recipe works as a weeknight dinner, a party snack, or even a kid-friendly meal.
You don’t need oil splatter or deep frying to get great crunch.

2) Easy Air Fryer Chicken Strips Recipe

When life feels like a blur and dinner sneaks up faster than you expected, air fryer dinner recipes can be a lifesaver. That’s where these chicken strips come in. I’ve found myself making them on nights when the thought of cooking felt like climbing a mountain, and yet the payoff is a plate of golden, crunchy strips that taste like comfort itself. They’re the kind of meal that turns a regular Tuesday into something you’ll actually look forward to.

The beauty is in the ease. Dinner recipes air fryer fans love are the ones that don’t need fancy steps. You cut the chicken, coat it, and let the air fryer work. That little machine becomes the hero of the night, leaving you with more time to actually enjoy your meal rather than cleaning the stove. It’s hard not to smile when dinner is simple, delicious, and doesn’t demand too much energy.

We all crave that balance between homemade flavor and everyday practicality. Easy dinner recipes air fryer style strike that perfect note. And these strips? They’ve earned a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation. Whether you’re cooking for kids who want food they can hold in their hands or adults who just love crispy chicken, it works every time.

3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Chicken Breast: Cut into strips, this is the foundation. Choose fresh chicken for the best texture and flavor. It cooks quickly and stays juicy when prepared right.

Breadcrumbs: They give that crunch everyone expects. I sometimes mix panko with regular crumbs for a double layer of crispiness that hits the spot.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan melts into the coating, adding a nutty, salty edge. It transforms the coating into something far more flavorful than plain breadcrumbs.

Paprika: A teaspoon of paprika brings a gentle smokiness. It doesn’t overwhelm but adds depth that keeps every bite interesting.

Garlic Powder: Just a touch of garlic powder lifts the flavor without taking over. It makes the strips smell as good as they taste.

Salt and Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that round out the flavor. Don’t skip these—seasoning makes the difference between bland and crave-worthy.

Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue to help the breadcrumbs and parmesan stick to the chicken strips.

Cooking Spray: A quick mist ensures the coating crisps up evenly in the air fryer without drowning the chicken in oil.

4) How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Step 1. Cut the chicken into even strips. This helps them cook at the same pace and avoids dry edges. I usually aim for finger-width pieces.

Step 2. Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. The mixture should look colorful and smell inviting already.

Step 3. Dip each chicken strip into beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every side is coated. A little patience here pays off with a better crunch.

Step 4. Place the strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t crowd them or they won’t crisp evenly. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

Step 5. Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip halfway through to keep both sides golden. When the edges turn crisp and the center is juicy, they’re done.

Step 6. Serve warm with dipping sauce. At my table, honey mustard usually disappears first, but barbecue and ranch work just as well.

5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Don’t skimp on seasoning. Air fryer recipes often rely on simple steps, so a balanced mix of spices makes or breaks the final flavor. Taste the breadcrumb mixture before coating the chicken. If it feels flat, add another pinch of salt or cheese.

Work in batches if needed. Recipes air fryer fans recommend usually warn about overcrowding. Give your strips space to crisp up. I’ve learned the hard way that a packed basket leaves you with steamed chicken instead of crispy strips.

Switch up the coating if you like. Crushed cornflakes bring a nostalgic crunch, while seasoned panko keeps things light and crispy. Each version offers its own texture, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

6) Making Air Fryer Chicken Strips Ahead of Time

I get it—sometimes you want dinner ready before the hunger mood swings kick in. That’s why I often prep these strips ahead of time. Coat the chicken and arrange them on a tray, then refrigerate for a few hours. When it’s time to eat, just transfer them into the air fryer. They’ll taste freshly made without the fuss.

If you want to go further, freeze the coated strips on a baking sheet until solid, then store them in a freezer bag. That way, you’ve basically created your own ready-to-cook frozen dinner recipes air fryer style. They’ll cook straight from frozen with only a couple of extra minutes added to the timer.

This trick works well for busy weeks, unexpected guests, or even a late-night snack when cooking feels like too much effort. Knowing there’s a stash of homemade strips waiting in the freezer? That feels like a win every time.

7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Leftovers don’t always sound exciting, but with these strips they actually hold up well. Store cooled chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, the oven or air fryer is your best bet for bringing back that crisp coating.

A microwave works if you’re in a rush, but be ready for softer results. I usually spread them on a baking tray and pop them back into the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes. They come back to life with a satisfying crunch.

Pair leftovers with a salad or tuck them into a wrap for lunch. They may not be quite the same as fresh, but they’re still tasty enough to make you glad you didn’t toss them out.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Air Fryer Chicken Strips