These chicken fries are crispy, juicy, and super easy to make in an air fryer! You get all the crunch without the fuss of frying in oil.
Plus, they cook quickly, making them great for dinner or snacks. I love dipping mine in ranch sauce—yum! You’ll want to make these again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cutting and cooking. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken tenders work perfectly too.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with 1 tsp of lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. This gives you a similar tangy flavor and will keep the chicken moist.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a really nice crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember, they might not be as crispy. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour.
Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add great flavor. Adjust the spices to your taste, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat!
What’s the Best Way to Get Crunchy Chicken Fries?
The key to crunchy chicken fries lies in the layering and cooking method. Here’s how to ensure a crispy result:
- Soak the chicken in buttermilk—it not only adds flavor but also helps the coating stick.
- Coat thoroughly: Dredge in flour, then back in buttermilk, and finally coat with panko. Make sure to press the panko onto the chicken for good adhesion!
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. If needed, cook in batches. This helps the hot air circulate and crisps every inch.
- Lightly spray with oil before cooking. It helps achieve that golden-brown color.
- Flip halfway through cooking. This ensures even crispiness on both sides!
How to Make Chicken Fries in Air Fryer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips (fries shape)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil
- Optional: dipping sauces (barbecue, ranch, honey mustard)
Time Needed:
You will need about 15 minutes for preparation, plus an additional 10 minutes for cooking. Overall, you can have delicious chicken fries ready in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Chicken:
Start by placing your chicken strip pieces into a bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, making sure they are well coated. Let the chicken soak for at least 15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken and allows the coating to stick better.
2. Prepare the Coatings:
While the chicken is soaking, mix your flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. These will give your chicken fries that extra crunch!
3. Bread the Chicken Strips:
After the soaking time, take each chicken strip out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Start by dredging each piece in the flour mixture, covering it completely. Then, dip it back into the buttermilk briefly, so it’s wet again. Finally, roll the chicken strip in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps to get your chicken fries nice and crispy as soon as they hit the basket!
5. Air Fry the Chicken Fries:
Place the coated chicken fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them to allow hot air to circulate. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle with oil to enhance the crispiness.
6. Cooking:
Cook the chicken fries for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them to be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the chicken fries from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces. Enjoy your mouthwatering chicken fries!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken for this recipe. If you want to use frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water before following the recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The chicken fries will still be delicious and crispy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain their crispiness.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Chicken Fries?
Chicken fries are versatile! They pair wonderfully with barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli. Feel free to mix and match based on your tastes!