The BEST Air Fryer Chicken Strips Recipe – No Fail!

I used to think McDonald’s chicken strips were pretty good, but after making them in the air fryer, I realized they do not even come close. These homemade ones are crispier and juicier, and they just taste way better. No greasy deep frying, no weird ingredients—just simple, real food that is easy to make. The best part? The air fryer does all the work, and they come out perfect every time.

Watch my video below for a simple, step-by-step guide on making these crispy, juicy Air Fryer Chicken Strips at home. If you love this recipe, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more easy and delicious air fryer recipes!

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What Makes These Air Fryer Chicken Strips a Must-Try?

Honestly, once you make these air fryer chicken strips, you’ll wonder why you ever bought frozen ones. These Air Fryer Chicken Strips are everything you want—crispy, juicy, easy to make, and way better than fast food!

• Super Crispy, No Deep Frying! – The air fryer gives these strips that perfect crunch without all the greasy mess. Once you try it, you’ll never go back!
• Juicy and Tender Inside – No dry, overcooked chicken here. The air fryer locks in the juices, so every bite is flavorful and moist.
• Quick and Easy – No waiting for oil to heat up, no messy cleanup. Just coat, air fry, and enjoy! Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Flavors – Love spice? Add cayenne! Want a garlic kick? Throw in some extra seasoning. You can make these exactly how you like them.
• Healthier Than Takeout – No excess oil, no weird ingredients—just real food, made simply. And trust me, they taste way better than fast food!
• Perfect for Dipping – Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce…whatever you love, these strips were made for dipping.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and reheat them for a quick, protein-packed meal anytime. They stay crispy even after reheating!
• Kid and Family-Approved – Even my picky eaters at home love these air fryer chicken strips! They’re crispy, flavorful, and fun to eat—what’s not to love?

What You Need to Make the Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Strips

To me, the best kind of cooking is simple, and these chicken strips prove it—just a few basic ingredients and pure crispy perfection!

• 2 pieces (900 grams) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (240 grams) Panko breadcrumbs or (gluten-free Panko)
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (9 grams) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) smoked paprika
• Olive oil spray

Quick Note – No chicken? No problem! This recipe works just as well with turkey strips.

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If you need a gluten-free option, Kikkoman Gluten-Free Panko below is great—it is just as crispy as regular panko but without the wheat!

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Did you know? Panko breadcrumbs make air fryer chicken strips crispier because they have a light, flaky texture that does not absorb moisture like regular breadcrumbs, so they stay crunchy instead of turning soft or dense!

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Strips (Super Crispy & Easy!)

I used to buy frozen or Madonalds chicken strips thinking they were the easiest option, but they were often dry or bland. Then I tried making them in the air fryer, and they turned out way better—crispy, juicy, and so simple to make from scratch! Luckily, this recipe below checks all the boxes—let’s get started!

Step 1: Slice the Chicken
First, grab your chicken breasts and slice them into even strips. I like to keep them about the same size so they cook evenly—because no one wants some pieces overcooked while others are still soft.

Step 2: Pat Them Dry
This is a small but crucial step! Use a paper towel to pat the chicken strips dry. If they’re too wet, the breading won’t stick properly, and you’ll miss out on that perfect crispy coating.

Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
Crack your eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk them until fully combined. This is the glue that helps the crispy coating stick to the chicken, so make sure it’s well mixed!

Step 4: Prep the Crispy Coating
Now, for that golden crunch! Add Panko breadcrumbs to a bowl—this is what gives the chicken that extra crispy texture. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, they’ll work too, but Panko takes it to another level.

Mix in garlic powder, salt, paprika, and any other seasonings you love. If you ask me, a little black pepper or cayenne pepper adds a nice kick! Give it a good mix so everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken strip and dip it into the egg mixture first, making sure it’s fully coated. Let the excess drip off, then press it into the seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat all sides—this is what gives you that crunchy texture!

Step 6: Get the Air Fryer Ready
Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes to get it nice and hot. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking, then arrange the chicken strips inside in a single layer. If they’re too crowded, they won’t crisp up properly, so leave a little space between them!

Step 7: Air Fry to Perfection
Give the chicken strips a light spray of olive oil to help them crisp up.

How long to cook chicken strips in the air fryer? Set it to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 6 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Cooking them in batches helps them crisp up better instead of steaming.

Step 8: Check & Serve
Before serving, make sure the chicken is fully cooked. If you have a food thermometer, check that it’s reached the right temperature inside (165°F or 75°C). If not, just cut one open—there should be no pink inside.

Let them cool for a minute, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether it’s ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard, these crispy air fryer chicken strips are about to become your new favorite snack!

Want the perfect pairing? Crispy chicken and golden roast potatoes are a dream team! Check out my Crispy Air Fryer Roast Potatoes for the perfect side.

Related Recipe: If you like this Air Fryer Chicken Strips recipe, be sure to check out my How I Finally Mastered Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks recipe—they’re just as simple, and packed with flavor!

You’ll Never Buy Frozen Chicken Strips Again!

• Homemade tastes way better – If you ask me, frozen chicken strips just don’t compare. Making them fresh means juicy chicken, a crispy coating, and no weird ingredients.
• They cook just as fast – Air fryer chicken strips are ready in about 11 minutes—which is basically the same as heating up frozen ones. So why not go for the real deal?
• You control the ingredients – No preservatives, no mystery meat—just simple, real food that you can season however you like.

The Best Dipping Sauces for Air Fryer Chicken Strips

No crispy chicken strip is complete without the perfect dip—whether you love something creamy, tangy, or spicy, here are the best sauces to take them to the next level!

• Classic Ranch – Creamy, herby, and always a winner.
• Honey Mustard – A little sweet, a little tangy—perfect with crispy chicken.
• Buffalo Sauce – If you love some heat, this one’s for you!
• BBQ Sauce – Smoky, slightly sweet, and just right for dipping.
• Garlic Aioli – A fancy-sounding sauce that’s actually super easy to make.

Mistakes to Avoid with Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Here are 5 common mistakes people make with air fryer chicken strips and how to fix them:

1. Overcrowding the Basket – Stuffing too many strips in at once makes them steam instead of crisp up. Fix: Cook in batches so hot air can circulate properly.
2. Skipping the Oil Spray – Without a light spray of oil, the coating can turn dry instead of crispy. Fix: A quick mist of olive oil helps them get that golden crunch.
3. Not Flipping Halfway Through – Cooking only one side properly leaves them unevenly crispy. Fix: Flip them halfway so both sides crisp up evenly.
4. Using Regular Breadcrumbs Instead of Panko – Regular breadcrumbs absorb too much moisture, making the coating heavy. Fix: Use Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
5. Not Drying the Chicken Properly – If the chicken is too wet, the breading will not stick well and can turn soggy. Fix: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating it.

Got a Question or Want to Share Your Experience?

Tried these Air Fryer Chicken Strips? Let me know how they turned out! If you have any questions about getting them extra crispy or perfecting the seasoning, drop a comment below or on my YouTube video here — I check those more often, so you’ll get a quicker reply. – Jen.