🧾 Introduction
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips are the perfect combination of crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside — without deep frying in heavy oil. Using an air fryer allows you to enjoy that classic golden texture with less grease and fewer calories.
These homemade chicken strips are great for family dinners, party platters, meal prep, or even a fun snack. Kids love them, adults crave them, and they pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces.
📜 History of Chicken Strips
Chicken strips (also known as chicken tenders) became popular in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s when fast-food chains began offering them as an easy-to-eat alternative to fried chicken pieces. Restaurants like McDonald’s and KFC helped popularize breaded chicken products worldwide.
With the invention of the air fryer in the 2010s, home cooks discovered a healthier way to recreate this crispy favorite without deep frying.
🛒 Ingredients
🐔 For the Chicken
2 lbs (900g) chicken breast, cut into strips
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
🥣 For the Breading
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Cooking spray (light olive oil spray)
👩🍳 Preparation Method
Step 1: Marinate
Place chicken strips in a bowl.
Pour buttermilk over them.
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
Step 2: Prepare Breading Station
Bowl 1: Flour
Bowl 2: Breadcrumbs + Parmesan + spices
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade.
Dredge in flour.
Dip back lightly into marinade.
Coat in breadcrumb mixture.
Press gently so coating sticks well.
🔥 Air Fryer Cooking Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Spray basket lightly with oil.
Place chicken strips in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
Spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
✨ For extra crispiness, cook 1–2 additional minutes.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Honey mustard
Ranch dressing
BBQ sauce
Garlic aioli
Spicy mayo
Add fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
💪 Benefits of Air Fryer Chicken Strips
✅ Uses up to 70–80% less oil than deep frying
✅ Lower in calories and fat
✅ High in protein
✅ Quick and easy to prepare
✅ Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked strips up to 2 months.
Reheat in air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes to keep them crispy.
❤️ Why People Love Them
Crispy without grease
Budget-friendly
Better than many fast-food versions
Customizable flavors (spicy, cheesy, herbed)
Perfect for game nights and gatherings
🧩 Variations
🌶 Spicy Nashville style (add cayenne + hot sauce)
🧄 Garlic Parmesan version
🌽 Cornflake crust for extra crunch
🌮 Taco-seasoned strips for wraps
🏁 Conclusion
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips are a healthier, homemade version of a fast-food classic. They’re simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. With minimal oil and maximum crunch, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite in your kitchen.
Once you try them fresh and golden from the air fryer, you may never go back to deep frying again!
If you’d like, I can also make a spicy version, cheesy version, or a dipping sauce guide to go with it 🍗