Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Ingredients

• 1.75 cup panko (divided)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Kosher salt (to taste; 1/2 tsp used for panko, 1/8 tsp for chicken)
• black pepper (to taste; 1/2 tsp used for panko, 1/8 tsp for chicken)
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs (large)
• 1 lb chicken breasts (cut crosswise into 1/2-in.-thick strips)
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 0.5 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp distilled white vinegar

Steps

1. 1

   Heat air fryer to 370°F.

2. 2

   In a shallow bowl, mix panko, olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

3. 3

   Transfer the panko mixture to a piece of foil, fold up the sides to create a shallow dish, and place in the air fryer.

4. 4

   Air-fry the panko, stirring twice through, until crumbs are evenly golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.

5. 5

   Return the toasted panko to the shallow bowl to cool slightly. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F.

6. 6

   Place flour in a second shallow bowl and beat eggs in a third shallow bowl.

7. 7

   Season the chicken strips with 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

8. 8

   Working with 1 strip at a time, coat in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat in the toasted panko, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere. Transfer the breaded strips to a baking sheet.

9. 9

   Working in 3 batches to avoid overcrowding, add the coated chicken to the air fryer in a single layer, leaving space around each strip.

10. 10

    Air-fry at 400°F, flipping the strips after 6 minutes, until golden brown and crisp, 9 to 10 minutes total per batch.

11. 11

    Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, mustard, honey, lemon juice, and vinegar.

12. 12

    Serve the warm chicken strips with the prepared dipping sauce.

Notes

Nutritional information per serving: About 647 calories, 32.5 g fat (5.5 g saturated), 167 mg cholesterol, 1,237 mg sodium, 55 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 15.5 g sugar (14.5 g added sugar), 31 g protein.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• chicken
• air fryer
• dinner
• kid-friendly
• crispy