Crisp, delicious, and the perfect comfort food, these homemade Air Fryer Chicken Fries are ideal for dipping into your favorite sauces.
This easy air fryer recipe has all the qualities you want for golden brown, crispy chicken fries without deep frying.
If you love using your air fryer, try our Easy Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers recipe, which also offers a low carb version of this classic snack.
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Why you’ll Love this recipe
Super crispy texture: The hot air circulation in the air fryer creates a crunchy outer layer that rivals deep-frying.
Perfectly seasoned: Coated in an aromatic mix of breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, and spices, these crisp chicken fries are perfectly seasoned to enjoy on their own or pair with your favorite dipping sauces.
Quick and convenient: Making this recipe is quick and hassle-free. They cook in minutes, making them an ideal choice for meal prep to plan ahead for busy weeknights or when you need a fast and satisfying snack.
Healthier option: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. You also know exactly what’s in them – step aside chicken nuggets, this is a superior new chicken snack.
For another easy chicken snack option, try our baked keto chicken wings.
Ingredients needed
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They should be cut into thin strips resembling "fries" for easy cooking and a crispy texture.
- Eggs: Dipping into an egg wash allows the breadcrumb coating to adhere to the chicken.
- Panko bread crumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are essential for achieving a crunchy texture. They are coarser and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, providing a better coating.
- Italian herb blend: You can use a pre-made Italian herb seasoning or create your own by combining herbs such as oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Flour: Acts as a binding agent in the batter, helping the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken. All-purpose flour works well for this step.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjust the amount to your taste.
Ingredients for honey mustard dipping sauce:
- Dijon mustard: You can use either smooth or grainy (with mustard seeds).
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity and a hint of sweetness to the sauce. It balances the flavors and complements the honey.
- Olive oil: Helps to emulsify the sauce and gives it a smooth consistency. Use extra virgin olive oil for a rich flavor.
- Honey: This is the key sweetener in this sauce, balancing out the tanginess from the mustard and vinegar. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
If you have any questions about this recipe, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you.
Step by step instructions
Lay out the chicken breasts on a cutting board and slice them with a horizontal cut to divide in half. Keep the two halves joined on one edge to create butterflied chicken. Repeat this process on the second breast.
Open the butterflied breasts and slice them into ½ inch "fries". Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Next, set out 3 bowls or shallow dishes. Add flour to one, whisked eggs to another, and Panko breadcrumbs to a third. Mix the herb seasonings into the Panko breadcrumbs.
Set out a platter to hold the breaded Chicken Fries. Dredge each chicken fry in flour, then egg, and finally in the Panko crumbs, turning and rolling each piece to coat it.
Spray the basket with cooking spray (See Best Tips below for propellant free cooking spray) Place the chicken fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, allow space between each piece.
Cook the pieces in a few batches for about 10 minutes. Shake the basket after 5 minutes.
For a complete list of ingredients, instructions, and nutritional information, please see the printable recipe card below.
Best Tips
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating for a few minutes (usually around 3-5 minutes) before cooking helps create a hot and conducive environment for achieving crispy results.
Cook in batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Spray the basket with cooking spray and then arrange in a single layer with some space between each piece.
Check the ingredients on your oil spray: Avoid nonstick sprays that contain propellant, which is in many nonstick sprays, as this may alter the nonstick coating over time.
Many Avocado Oil Sprays are propellant free. Another option is to purchase an oil sprayer to lightly spritz your air fryer basket with oil.
Monitor cooking time: Keep a close eye on the cooking time and flip halfway through the cooking process. This promotes even browning on all sides.
Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked through, it's a good idea to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Keep warm: Since you're cooking in batches and may want to serve all at once, you can place the cooked ones on a baking sheet in a low oven at 175 F (80 degrees C) to keep them warm while the others cook.
Substitutions & Variations
Chicken - You can make this recipe with thighs. Trim off as much fat as possible and then cut into thin strips.
Panko - You can use regular breadcrumbs if that's what you have. The fries won't be as crunchy, but still delicious.
Low Carb - To reduce the carbs in this recipe, replace the breadcrumbs and flour with crushed pork rinds and almond flour respectively.
Spicy - Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to your herb blend.
Experiment with seasoning and sauces: Try including garlic powder or a little onion powder in the flour during the breading step
Serving suggestions
Air Fryer Chicken Fries are at their best when served immediately after cooking. They are at their crispiest right out of the air fryer.
Dipping sauces: You don’t have to stick to mustard sauce for dipping; try BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, ketchup, hot sauce, or any other favorite dipping sauce.
Classic French fries: Serve alongside a side of traditional French fries for a double dose of crispy goodness.
Mac and cheese: Pairing with creamy mac and cheese creates a comforting and indulgent meal. The contrast between the crispy chicken and the cheesy pasta is a crowd-pleaser.
Creamy keto coleslaw: Add a refreshing element to your plate with coleslaw. The crunchy texture and tangy flavor of coleslaw complement the chicken fries nicely, balancing out the dish's richness.
Mixed greens salad: For a lighter option, serve with a mixed greens salad dressed in a vinaigrette or ranch dressing.
Corn on the cob: A side of buttered corn on the cob is a classic choice, especially during the summer months. It's a great way to balance the meal with some natural sweetness.
Pickles and pickled vegetables: Pickles and pickled vegetables add a zesty and tangy element to your plate.
Sub roll: Transform the air fryer chicken fries into a delicious crunchy chicken sub sandwich by topping with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments on a fresh sub roll. Try adding blue cheese, and hot sauce for a new spin on a traditional chicken finger sub.
For a dessert option, you might like our Italian hangover cake.
Storage tips
After cooking, allow to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture from getting in, which can make the fries lose their crispiness.
They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days without significantly losing quality. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat these refrigerated or frozen chicken fries, use your air fryer for the best results. Preheat the air fryer, then cook at a lower temperature than the initial cooking temperature, which helps re-crisp and get them hot without overcooking the inside.
It's generally recommended to reheat at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes for refrigerated fries and 10-15 minutes for frozen ones. Turn once halfway through reheating and keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Tyson Chicken Fries Air Fryer
Tyson any'tizers Chicken Fries are a pre-made frozen brand, which means they require minimal preparation. This makes them a perfect choice for busy nights when you need a quick meal on the table without spending much time in the kitchen.
Cooking Tyson's Chicken Fries in the air fryer is incredibly fast. With typical cooking times of around 10-12 minutes, you can have a crispy and satisfying meal ready in no time.
They are pre-portioned, making it easy to control portion sizes and reduce food waste. You can prepare as many or as few as you need, making them suitable for both solo dinners and family meals.
How to make Frozen Chicken Fries in the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Begin by preheating your air fryer. Most air fryers have a preheat setting, or you can manually set the temperature to the recommended level, typically around 375°F (190°C). Preheating helps achieve even cooking and crispiness.
- Arrange: While preheating, take the frozen chicken fries out of the freezer. Arrange them in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure that the hot air circulates evenly around each fry.
- Cooking time: Set the cooking time according to the instructions on the package. As a general guideline, frozen chicken fries typically take about 10-12 minutes to cook. It's a good idea to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides get crispy.
- Check for doneness: As the cooking time nears completion, check for signs that they are fully cooked. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups of Panko bread crumbs
- 1 Tablespoon Italian herb blend
- 2 Tablespoons of flour
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by lying them flat on the cutting board. Place one hand on the top of the chicken breast with fingertips lifted and extended for safety. Holding the knife horizontally, carefully slice the thickness of the breast into two even layers, without cutting completely through. The two halves should be joined on one edge. Repeat this process for the second chicken breast.
- Open the butterflied breasts and slice into ½ inch chicken “fries.” Salt and pepper the “fries” and set aside.
- Prepare a bowl with the flour, a bowl with whisked eggs, and a bowl with Panko bread crumbs mixed with the Italian herb blend.
- Set out a platter to hold the breaded chicken fries. Dredge each chicken fry into the flour, egg, and then the seasoned Panko, turning and rolling to coat with each step.
- Spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not crowd the chicken fries to allow the air to circulate around each one. This recipe is air fried in multiple batches with most air fryers. Cook time is approximately 10 minutes at 360 F. Shake your air fryer basket after 5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74 degrees C).
To make a Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce mix together:
- 2 Tablespoons of Dijon mustard. 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar. 2 Tablespoons olive oil. 1 Tablespoon honey. Salt and Black Pepper to taste.
Notes
- Pre-heat your air fryer.
- Cook in batches, so as not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Monitor cook time, overcooking can dry out your chicken fries.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days without significantly losing quality. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat these refrigerated or frozen chicken fries, use your air fryer for the best results.
- It's generally recommended to reheat at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes for refrigerated fries and 10-15 minutes for frozen ones. Turn once halfway through reheating and keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
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