Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Fingers
Introduction:
Say goodbye to greasy fast food and hello to these irresistibly crispy Air Fryer Chicken Fingers—tender on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside. Made with simple pantry ingredients and no deep frying, these homemade chicken tenders are a healthier take on the classic family favorite.
Perfect for kids and adults alike, these chicken fingers are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb blend, air fried until beautifully crisp, and ideal for dunking into your favorite sauces. Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight dinner, game day snack, or freezer-friendly meal, this recipe delivers big flavor without the oil—and with way less mess.
Pair them with honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or a zesty sriracha mayo, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “drive-thru.”
Ingredients:
Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders (cut into strips if needed)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Breading Station:
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tbsp milk or water
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
¼ cup regular breadcrumbs (optional – adds depth)
Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions:
Prep the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
Set Up a Breading Station:
In one shallow bowl: place flour.
In a second bowl: beat eggs with milk or water.
In a third bowl: combine Panko and breadcrumbs.
Bread the Chicken Fingers:
Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off excess.
Dip into egg mixture.
Press into breadcrumb mixture, coating well. For extra crunch, press firmly.
Air Fry:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Lightly spray the basket with oil.
Arrange chicken fingers in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
Spray tops with oil for even crisping.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp is 165°F (74°C).
Serve With:
Honey mustard
Ranch dressing
BBQ sauce
Spicy mayo or ketchup
Storage & Reheating:
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze after cooking. Reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes.