Chicken Fries in Air Fryer

Turn chicken into crispy fries, just like in the real fryer, by cutting tenderloins, breading them and then giving them a little air fry. 

CHICKEN FRIES! Whether you are a kid or an adult, these chicken fries will sure to make you smile. They’re a fun, easy way to create a healthy meal your whole family will enjoy.

One of these things is not like the other... or is it?? Air fry some chicken and some fries and you have basically the same thing!

I realized I have never really posted one of my oldest recipes. AIR FRYER CHICKEN FRIES! They are such a fun and delicious dinner. You can use any type of sauce, which I have tons. There is nothing better than being a grown adult and eating some chicken strips for dinner! Especially when they are this healthy!!

You can also dip your air fryer chicken fries into any of the delicious sauces I have made:

• Copycat Cane's Sauce
• Yum Yum Sauce
• Copycat Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce
• Bang Bang Sauce
• Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce

You can also use various store bought sauces as well. G Hughes is one of my favorite brands. They have tons of zero to low point sauces such as BBQ, Polynesian, honey mustard, ketchupor sweet thai chili.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Fries

You will obviously need an air fryer. I love my Ninja double basket. The one side is the perfect size to cook one serving of chicken fries. You can also use a rack or toaster oven style air fryer; however, I do prefer the basket kind for this one.

For the ingredients, it kind of seems like a lot of things, but it really is quite simple to make.

• Chicken tenderloins 
• Corn starch (or more flour)
• Flour
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg whites or eggs
• Seasonings 

However, we can go over some suggestions and substitutions:

chicken tenderloins

I typically use chicken tenderloins when I need a smaller sized chicken, but you can use other cuts of chicken. Chicken tenderloins are already thin, so minimal cutting is required, which is why I like them. However, chicken breasts or chicken thighs can work well too.

But, you can use beef, pork or even tofu if you are vegetarian. Any kind of protein will work great in this recipe. Remember to cut the chicken, or your preferable substitution, in the same size, so they are all cooked simultaneously.

I will go over my tips to cutting the chicken in a later section.

breading

There will be three stages to breading the chicken fries; therefore, I like having three small shallow bowls or Tupperware. The first step of the breading process is covering the chicken pieces in a flour/corn starch/seasonings mix. You can skip the corn starch; however, I do like using it most of the time.

The next step in breading these air fryer nuggets is dredging the chicken in egg whites. I do prefer egg whites as they are not as goopy as real eggs. They are also easier to work with as you just have to pour them into the container. However, you can substitute real eggs if you whisk them first. 

The final process to breading the chicken is to cover it in the actual breading. This will be a flour, breadcrumb and seasonings mix. This is nonnegotiable and I have perfected this breading to my liking. 

seasonings 

For the seasonings, I am keeping it a little simple as this is just a basic recipe. They will still be flavorful and delicious; however, they will not lean towards any specific cuisine. You can make these air fryer nuggets spicier by adding ground red pepper or chili powder.

How to Air Fry Chicken Fries

Start by slicing each tenderloin into four strips. Set the tenderloin flat, on a cutting board and slice in half, longways. Open up the tenderloin, revealing the interior cut portion. Take your knife and cut each half in half again, from the interior cut side. Then, sprinkle on half of the Ranch seasonings.

Be sure that each chicken piece is evenly cut; therefore, they will all cook evenly and throughly.

Grab three small shallow bowls; however, I do like to use shallow Tupperware containers. 

In one, add half the flour, half the seasonings and the corn starch. Pour the eggs into the second bowl. Finally, in the third, add the rest of the flour, the seasonings and the breadcrumbs. Make sure to combine all of the ingredients thoroughly.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees and grease the rack with cooking spray. 

One by one, cover the chicken piece in the corn starch/flour. Then, dredge chicken piece in the egg white, being sure to shake off any excess. Finally, cover the chicken in the flour/breadcrumb mixture. 

Place each battered chicken piece on the greased air fryer, trying not to let them touch.

Air fry for 3 minutes. Spray the chicken with cooking spray and then air fry for another 2-3 minutes. 

Flip the chicken over and spray any raw flour with cooking spray. Air fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until fully cooked and crispy.

Oven Version

I do prefer this recipe in the air fryer; however, if you do not have one, the chicken fries can be made in the oven.

Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Then, place an oven safe cooling rack on top of the baking tray. Grease that with cooking spray. This is what you will cook the chicken fries on.

Cook it in the oven, using the same steps as the air fryer. But, set the temperature to 425 degrees and add an extra 2-4 minutes on the cooking time.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

If you love air fry chicken fries, check out my other air fryer chicken recipes:

• Chicken Cutlets
• Chicken Nuggets
• Ground Chicken Nuggets
• Crispy Cornstarch Wings
• Buffalo Chicken Thighs

FAQs -

• Use any cut of chicken or a different meat.
• Try out your favorite seasonings. You can make this Italian style, spicy or sweet!
• Make these chicken fries in the oven; however, they will not be as crispy.
• Substitute corn starch with more flour.

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Chicken Fries in Air Fryer

Turn chicken into crispy fries, just like in the real fryer, by cutting tenderloins, breading them and then giving them a little air fry. 

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