Chicken Fries In Air Fryer

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Are you craving a delicious and crispy snack? Look no further than chicken fries in air fryer! With our simple instructions and a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-style flavorful, and crispy chicken fries at home.

In this article, we'll explore the step-by-step guide to making air fryer chicken fries. So, what are you waiting for, let's dive in!

Note: This post includes complete instructions to make and cook homemade chicken fries in air fryer. If you're using frozen chicken fries, skip the early preparations and follow the cooking instructions for crispy and juicy results.

What Are Chicken Fries?

Chicken fries are a popular snack that combines the flavors of chicken nuggets and French fries. They are long, thin strips of boneless chicken breast that are breaded and fried until golden and crispy. The result is a delightful combination of juicy chicken on the inside and a crunchy exterior.

Normally, chicken fries are deep-fried, but by using an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispness and texture without extra oil.

How To Choose The Perfect Chicken For Fries

If you want perfect results, then it is very important to choose the perfect chicken for fries. Here's what you need to consider:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is the ideal choice for chicken fries due to its tender texture and mild flavor. Make sure you remove all the skin and any visible fat before preparing the chicken.
Even Thickness: For even cooking, it's essential to have chicken breast fillets of even thickness. If needed, you can use a meat mallet to gently pound the thicker parts to achieve uniformity.
Quality & Freshness: Always choose fresh, high-quality chicken to ensure the best taste and texture in your chicken fries.

Ingredients Needed

Boneless, Skinless chicken breast - 2
Breadcrumbs - 1 cup
All-purpose flour - 1/2 cup
Eggs - 2
Olive Oil - 1/4 cup
Lemon Juice - 2 tablespoons
Garlic Cloves (minced) - 2
Paprika - 1 teaspoon
Dried Oregano - 1/2 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper - to taste

Note: If you are using frozen chicken fries, then you only require 2 ingredients Frozen Chicken Fries and your favorite Sauce.

Equipment

Air fryer
Cutting board
Knife
Paper towels
Shallow dish or resealable plastic bag
Bowl

Preparation Of Chicken Fries

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breast into long, thin strips resembling fries. The strips should be uniform in thickness, about 1/2 inch, to ensure even cooking.

Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the chicken strips. This step helps the marinade and breading adhere better to the chicken.
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken strips to enhance their flavor. You can also add additional seasonings according to your preference.

Make A Flavorful Marinade

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken fries in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, and ensure each strip is evenly coated.
Now, seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. It will allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.

Breading The Chicken Fries

Prepare The Coating: In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs with your choice of seasonings. You can use regular breadcrumbs or experiment with flavored ones for a flavorful twist.
Coat With Flour: Lightly dust each marinated chicken strip with all-purpose flour. It will create a crispy texture.
Dip In Egg: Now beat 2 eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each flour-coated chicken strip into the beaten eggs, and ensure they are evenly coated.
Coat With Breadcrumbs: Roll the egg-coated chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture, and press them gently to ensure an even coating.

Cooking Instructions

Set the temperature of your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for a few minutes.
Place the breaded chicken fries (or frozen fries) in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd the basket. This allows hot air to circulate around each strip, which results in even cooking.
Cook chicken fries for 10-12 minutes. Flip the chicken fries after half-time using tongs to ensure both sides cook evenly and achieve a golden-brown color.
Once done, remove them from the air fryer basket and serve them hot with your favorite sauce.

How To Achieve A Crispy Exterior - Bonus Tips

Lightly Coat With Oil: You can lightly spray or brush chicken fries with oil. It helps in making the breading brown and crispy.
Shake Or Toss: Shake or toss the chicken fries in the air fryer basket after half-time during cooking. It ensures even browning and prevents them from sticking together.
Don't Overcook: Avoid overcooking; it can lead to dry chicken fries. So when they are done, remove them from the air fryer immediately.

Seasoning Options

Toss the cooked chicken fries with melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley for a flavorful twist.
Coat the cooked chicken fries in your favorite buffalo sauce for a tangy and spicy kick.
Drizzle lemon juice on cooked chicken fries and sprinkle a mixture of dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
Want BBQ glaze? Brush the cooked chicken fries with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky and sweet taste.

You are free to try different seasonings and sauces to find your perfect flavor combination!

Best Dipping Sauces

Chicken fries are more delicious and tasty when paired with different dipping sauces. Here are my tested options that you can try:

Mix an equal quantity of honey and mustard for a sweet and tangy sauce to enhance the taste of chicken fries in air fryer.
The creamy and herby flavors of ranch dressing are a classic choice for dipping chicken fries.
You can try barbecue sauce. It adds a smoky and slightly sweet taste that pairs well with crispy chicken fries.
Combine mayonnaise with hot sauce or sriracha to create a creamy and spicy dipping sauce.
Tomato ketchup is a simple and famous option for dipping chicken fries.

Serving Suggestions For Chicken Fries In Air Fryer

Snack Time: Serve the chicken fries with your favorite dipping sauces as a delicious snack during parties, movie nights, or game days.
Mealtime: Pair the chicken fries with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and flavorful meal.
Sandwiches: Place the chicken fries inside a soft bun. Now add lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite spices, and enjoy a delicious chicken fry sandwich.

What About Leftovers?

Place your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When you want to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they are warm and crispy again.

Conclusion

Chicken fries in air fryer offer a delightful combination of juicy chicken and a crispy exterior. Whether you are interested in homemade chicken fries or frozen chicken fries, my recipe will work for both. With the right chicken selection, breading technique, and air frying method, you can enjoy flavorful and crispy chicken fries in no time.

Feel free to explore various seasonings, dipping sauces, and serving suggestions. So, grab your air fryer and give Chicken Fries In Air Fryer a try.

If you love my recipe, then share your feedback in the comments section. Thanks!

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FAQ'S

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Chicken Fries In The Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken fries in the air fryer. Just follow our cooking instructions and enjoy crispy and juicy results in 10-12 minutes.

How Do I Reheat Leftover Chicken Fries?
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and reheat leftovers for 3-4 minutes until they are warm and crispy. They are ready; enjoy them with your favorite sauce.

Can I Make Chicken Fries Without Breading?
Yes, if you want a healthier or gluten-free option, you can make chicken fries without breading. Simply season the chicken strips with your desired spices and cook them in the air fryer.

Can I Marinate The Chicken Fries Overnight?
It is recommended to marinate the chicken fries for at least 30 minutes. Marinating them overnight may lead to an overly tender texture. It's best to stick to the recommended marinating time to ensure optimal flavor and texture.

Can I Use A Different Meat Instead Of Chicken Breast?
Yes, you can experiment with different meats, such as boneless chicken thighs or turkey breast, to make chicken fries. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the meat.

⏱️Cook Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes

🥘Ingredients

Boneless, Skinless chicken breast - 2
Breadcrumbs - 1 cup
All-purpose flour - 1/2 cup
Eggs - 2
Olive Oil - 1/4 cup
Lemon Juice - 2 tablespoons
Garlic Cloves (minced) - 2
Paprika - 1 teaspoon
Dried Oregano - 1/2 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper - to taste

Note: If you are using frozen chicken fries, then you only require 2 ingredients Frozen Chicken Fries and your favorite Sauce.

📝Instructions

Preparation Of Chicken Fries

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breast into long, thin strips resembling fries. The strips should be uniform in thickness, about 1/2 inch, to ensure even cooking.
Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the chicken strips. This step helps the marinade and breading adhere better to the chicken.
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken strips to enhance their flavor. You can also add additional seasonings according to your preference.

Make A Flavorful Marinade

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken fries in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, and ensure each strip is evenly coated.
Now, seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. It will allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.

Breading The Chicken Fries

Prepare The Coating: In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs with your choice of seasonings. You can use regular breadcrumbs or experiment with flavored ones for a flavorful twist.
Coat With Flour: Lightly dust each marinated chicken strip with all-purpose flour. Make sure that all the chicken strips have an even coating of flour. It will create a crispy texture.
Dip In Egg: Now beat 2 eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each flour-coated chicken strip into the beaten eggs, and ensure they are evenly coated.
Coat With Breadcrumbs: Roll the egg-coated chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture, and press them gently to ensure an even coating.

Cooking Instructions

Set the temperature of your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for a few minutes.
Place the breaded chicken fries (or frozen fries) in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd the basket. This allows hot air to circulate around each strip, which results in even cooking.
Cook chicken fries for 10-12 minutes. Flip the chicken fries after half-time using tongs to ensure both sides cook evenly and achieve a golden-brown color.
Once done, remove them from the air fryer basket and serve them hot with your favorite sauce.

Note: If you're using frozen chicken fries, skip the making instructions and follow the cooking instructions for crispy and juicy results.

📝Recipe Notes

Lightly Coat With Oil: You can lightly spray or brush chicken fries with oil. It helps in making the breading brown and crispy.
Shake Or Toss: Shake or toss the chicken fries in the air fryer basket after half-time during cooking. It ensures even browning and prevents them from sticking together.
Don't Overcook: Avoid overcooking; it can lead to dry chicken fries. So when they are done, remove them from the air fryer immediately.

🔍Nutrition

Calories: 270kcalFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2.5gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 450mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 1.5gProtein: 24g

These values are approximate and can differ based on the specific recipe and ingredients.

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Chicken Fries In Air Fryer - Flavorful And Crispy