Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They allow you to cook food quickly and with less oil than traditional frying methods, making them a healthier alternative. One popular food item that can be cooked in an air fryer is chicken fries. Chicken fries are a fun and delicious snack or side dish that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. In this blog post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook chicken fries in an air fryer.
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s go over the ingredients and equipment you’ll need to make chicken fries in an air fryer. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- Cooking spray
- Air fryer
Preparing the Chicken Fries
To start, you’ll need to cut the chicken breast into fry shapes. Cut the chicken breast lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick strips, then cut those strips in half to make fries. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
Dip each chicken fry into the egg mixture, then coat it with the breadcrumbs, pressing down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Repeat until all the chicken fries are coated.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is an important step in ensuring that the chicken fries cook evenly and get crispy. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, spray the chicken fries with cooking spray.
Cooking the Chicken Fries
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken fries halfway through cooking. The chicken fries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
Checking for Doneness
To ensure that the chicken fries are fully cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The temperature should read 165°F. If the chicken fries are not fully cooked, return them to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Serving the Chicken Fries
Once the chicken fries are fully cooked, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish. Some popular dipping sauces for chicken fries include ketchup, honey mustard, and ranch dressing.
Tips and Tricks
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Season the chicken with your favorite spices before breading for added flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken fries in batches if necessary.
- Make sure the chicken fries are evenly coated with breadcrumbs to ensure even cooking.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if my chicken fries are still raw after cooking in the air fryer?
A: If the chicken fries are still raw after cooking in the air fryer, return them to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should read 165°F.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken to make chicken fries in the air fryer?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken to make chicken fries in the air fryer. However, you will need to thaw the chicken first before cutting it into fry shapes and coating with breadcrumbs and egg mixture.
Q: How long does it take to preheat the air fryer?
A: It typically takes 5 minutes to preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat to make fries in the air fryer?
A: Yes, you can use a different type of meat to make fries in the air fryer. Pork and fish are popular options.
Q: Can I use a different type of coating instead of breadcrumbs?
A: Yes, you can use a different type of coating instead of breadcrumbs. Crushed cornflakes, potato chips, and crushed crackers are all popular alternatives.
Q: Can I use oil to coat the chicken fries instead of cooking spray?
A: Yes, you can use oil to coat the chicken fries instead of cooking spray. However, using cooking spray will result in a healthier option.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a crispy and delicious snack or side dish. By following these simple steps, you can make chicken fries that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Remember to preheat the air fryer, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and experiment with different coatings and spices to make the chicken fries your own. Enjoy!