Delicious Chicken Fries Air Fryer Recipe From Scratch

This post on chicken fires air fryer was first published on 28th June 2024.

I know we have been dishing out some serious summer recipes so far, but I will be defending this chicken fries air fryer dish with all my power. Mainly because, as it says in the title, these are cooked in the air fryer and I bet you have one at home that you use for fries.

I can tell you for a fact there is a whole world of recipes and foods you can make in your air fryer other than simple fries, and these chicken fries air fryer are the ones you need to try to unlock your fearless wish to use this piece of equipment more. And if you need more air fryer recipes, check out these croissants, scalloped potatoes and pizza roll ups.

First off, I know our American friends can get these air fryer frozen chicken fries anywhere. And I can see the appeal of having these ready to drop in your air fryer at any given point in time. But you know by now we are all about making as much as we can in-house around here. Essentially the whole deal of easy recipes even the worst of cooks can replicate implies you can also replicate the easiest of recipes at home using ingredients you have on hand, and these air fryer chicken fries are not the exception.

Again, frozen chicken fries are easy to come by: think about your tyson chicken fries, I am sure these are easy to just put in your air fryer basket and fix that fast food craving in no time. But the recipe for these chicken fries air fryer we’re about to share with you are no doubt as delicious as any ready-made counterpart, can be adapted to your diet – vegan? gluten free? either way, you can have them! – pretty easily and be pimped up the way you want. Plus, you will know exactly what ingredients you are using, and if that isn’t a plus then I do not know how to convince you any further.

Meet the easy air fryer chicken fries recipe you need

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty snack or meal option, chicken fries air fryer recipe cooked in an air fryer are a perfect choice. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also come out crispy and delicious every time.

Below you will find a step-by-step guide to creating your own homemade chicken fries air fryer recipe that the whole family will love.

What is an air fryer and is it good for me?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around food. It works similarly to a convection oven but on a smaller scale and more efficiently. The main components of an air fryer include:

1. Heating Element: This heats the air inside the appliance;
2. Fan: This circulates the hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking;
3. Basket: The food is placed in a perforated basket that allows air to flow around it.

The result is food that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, mimicking the texture of deep-fried foods but with significantly less oil.

Air fryers cook food by combining a few techniques:

1. Hot Air Circulation: The fan circulates hot air around the food at high speed;
2. Maillard Reaction: The high temperature induces a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars, giving food a browned, crispy exterior;
3. Minimal Oil: While you can use a small amount of oil to enhance the crispiness, it is far less than what you’d use in traditional frying methods.

You can expect both health benefits and convenience when using an air fryer, but we thought about any pros and cons you might want to consider if you’re on the market to purchase one as we speak:

1. Reduced Fat and Calories:
   • Less Oil: Air frying requires up to 80% less oil than traditional deep frying;
   • Fewer Calories: Reducing oil usage also cuts down on the calorie content of your meals;
2. Lower Risk of Toxic Compounds:
   • Acrylamide Formation: Deep frying can lead to the formation of acrylamide, a potentially harmful compound. Air frying significantly reduces the risk of acrylamide formation;
3. Quick Cooking:
   • Fast Preparation: Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens due to their smaller size and efficient air circulation;
   • Preheating: Most air fryers preheat quickly, further reducing cooking time;
4. Ease of Use:
   • Simple Operation: Most air fryers come with straightforward controls and presets;
   • Easy Clean-Up: Many parts of an air fryer are dishwasher safe, making clean-up hassle-free.
5. Pros:
   • Healthier Cooking: By using less oil, air fryers help reduce the overall fat content of your meals;
   • Nutrient Retention: Air frying can preserve more nutrients compared to other cooking methods that use excessive heat and oil;
   • Versatility: Air fryers are versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, from vegetables to proteins to baked goods;
6. Cons:
   • Over-Reliance on Processed Foods: There’s a temptation to use frozen, pre-packaged foods in air fryers, which may still be high in sodium and preservatives;
   • Texture Differences: While air fryers do a great job of mimicking fried foods, some textures may differ slightly from traditional frying;
   • Capacity: The basket size may be limiting for larger families or for cooking large batches of food at once.

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying, offering a way to enjoy crispy, delicious foods with less oil and fewer calories. They are easy to use, versatile, and can fit into a healthy diet when used to prepare fresh, whole foods.

However, it’s essential to balance their use with a varied diet and be mindful of the types of foods being cooked to ensure you’re making the healthiest choices possible.

Some of our favourite air fryers

What ingredients do I need for this chicken fries air fryer recipe?

The ingredients for this chicken fries air fryer recipe are simple, let’s see them together in both how they work and their benefits:

1. Chicken Breast:
   • Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It can be seasoned and cooked in various ways, making it a staple in many recipes;
   • It’s low in fat, especially when the skin is removed and it provides important nutrients such as B vitamins, especially B6, which supports metabolism and energy production. The high protein content helps in keeping you full and satisfied, aiding in weight management;
2. Flour:
   • Flour is used as the first layer in breading, which helps other coatings stick to the chicken. It provides a base layer that contributes to the overall crispy texture of the chicken fries;
   • The carbohydrates provide a source of energy and it’s a versatile ingredient that can be seasoned with herbs and spices to add extra flavour;
3. Egg:
   • Eggs act as a binding agent to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken strips. They also add moisture, helping to keep the chicken fries air fryer recipe tender on the inside;
   • Eggs are rich in proteins, vitamins (like B12 and D), and minerals (such as selenium and zinc) and contain beneficial fats, including omega-3 fatty acids if using fortified eggs;
4. Panko Breadcrumbs:
   • Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, which gives the chicken fries a crunchier texture. They are a staple in Japanese cuisine, often used for deep-frying;
   • They absorb less oil compared to traditional breadcrumbs, contributing to a lighter, less greasy final product and they create a crunchy and satisfying exterior;
5. Salt and Pepper:
   • These are essential for enhancing the natural flavours of the chicken and other ingredients;
   • Salt enhances and balances the flavours, while pepper adds a mild heat and complexity. Salt also provides sodium, which is crucial for maintaining fluid balance and proper muscle function;
6. Sunflower Oil:
   • Sunflower oil is used for lightly spraying the air fryer basket and the breaded chicken fries air fryer to aid in browning and crisping. It’s suitable for high-temperature cooking like air frying with its high smoke point;
   • Sunflower oil is also rich in polyunsaturated fats and vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and does not overpower the taste of the other ingredients, allowing the seasoning and natural flavours to shine.

When combined, these ingredients create a well-balanced, flavourful dish. The chicken breast provides a lean protein foundation, while the flour, egg and panko breadcrumbs create a crispy, golden-brown coating that is both satisfying and delicious. Salt and pepper bring out the natural flavours of the chicken, and a light spray of sunflower oil helps achieve the perfect crunch without adding excessive fat.

This combination results in a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken fries, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a tasty meal without the guilt.

Can I make these vegan?

Making vegan chicken fries air fryer is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a plant-based version of this chicken fries air fryer. By using ingredients like soy curls, flax eggs and panko breadcrumbs, you can create crispy, flavorful vegan chicken fries that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Try these out when you can:

• Spicy Vegan Chicken Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick;
• Cheesy Vegan Chicken Fries: Mix in some nutritional yeast with the breadcrumbs for a cheesy flavour;
• Herb Vegan Chicken Fries: Add dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for a herby flavour.

How to cook chicken fries in air fryer?

Start by slicing the chicken breast into similar-sized chunks so that the cooking is even. Prepare three bowls with the flour, salt and pepper in one, the beaten eggs in the second and the panko breadcrumbs in the third.

Dip each chicken strip in the flour mix first, then in the beaten egg and lastly in the panko breadcrumbs. Lay each chicken strip in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer, then drizzle with a bit of the sunflower oil and cook for 20 minutes at 180C. 

Make sure you turn each chicken strip halfway through cooking. These yummy hot chicken fries air fryer will be ready once they are golden on each side (or add a minute more for extra crispy ones), serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce and a nice salad.

Do you have more air fryer recipes?

We do indeed! We have been loving our ninja multi cooker and have been using it almost daily and still playing with it to try new recipes! Some of our trusted recipes are:

• air fryer pizza roll ups: this is one of our go to lunches, they are easy to whip up and cook, it’s kind of a lunch recipe you put on and kinda forget about it until you start smelling the deliciousness!
• air fryer croissants: who said air fryers are only for dinner or lunch? These are the perfect way to enjoy croissants without lamination and waiting time! Amazing with jam, curds or even spreads.
• asian inspired mushroom burgers: the perfect way to enjoy a vegan burger and make it quick and easy for dinner;
• air fryer cabbage wedges: forget about overlooking cabbage with these delicious crispy outside and tender inside wedges with a delicious ginger sauce;
• air fryer scalloped potatoes: these are the perfect cheesy side or even main you can ask for and made in an air fryer, too delicious to pass;

Shop the chicken fries air fryer post

Making the chicken fries air fryer ninja recipe is a game-changer for quick, easy, and delicious meals. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy crispy chicken fries air fryer that are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or even as a main course.

Forget fast food chicken nuggets and give this chicken fries air fryer recipe a try, and it might just become a new favourite in your household just like it did in ours!

For more savoury recipes similar to this chicken fries air fryer recipe, check these out:

• Quick whipped feta dip;
• no-knead bread in 3 minutes;
• wild garlic bread;
• vegan egg mayo sandwich;
• summer butterbean salad;
• miso chicken aubergine;
• orzo pesto salad;
• broccoli asparagus soup;
• air fryer pizza roll ups;
• vegan mushroom korma;
• cranberry rosemary chicken;
• chicken tempura sushi roll.

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