Get ready to savor a sensational burst of flavor with this scrumptious Air-Fried Buttermilk Chicken Strips recipe. In just 17 minutes (including the marinade time), you can create a dish that offers succulent boneless chicken strips coated with a crispy panko breadcrumb crust. Marinated in a zesty blend of buttermilk and hot pepper sauce, these tender chicken strips are elevated by a perfect balance of seasoning. Using the convenience of an air fryer, you’ll achieve that sought-after golden-brown exterior without the hassle of deep frying. Whether as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is sure to delight both young and old palates.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 5
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ tbsp hot pepper sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾ inch strips
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp hot pepper, or to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a shallow bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Add chicken strips and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, ½ tsp salt, remaining black pepper, and hot pepper. Add and stir in olive oil.
- Remove chicken strips from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the marinade.
- Dredge each strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating.
- Arrange half of the strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Repeat with the remaining batch.
- Serve these irresistible buttermilk chicken strips hot and crispy, ready to be enjoyed with your favorite dipping sauces.
TIPS:
- Marinating: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot pepper sauce infuses it with flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Aim for a minimum marinating time of 2 hours, but longer marination will enhance the taste.
- Chicken Strips: Cutting the chicken into uniform ¾-inch strips ensures even cooking. This also makes them perfect for dipping!
- Breading Process: Using two separate bowls—one for the buttermilk mixture and another for the breadcrumb mixture—prevents the breading from becoming too wet and clumpy.
- Uniform Coating: When breading the chicken strips, press the panko breadcrumbs onto the chicken to achieve an even and firm covering. This results in a crispy texture after air frying.
- Air Fryer Layering: Arrange the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation. This allows them to cook evenly and attain that coveted golden color.
- Cooking in Batches: Cooking the chicken strips in batches prevents overcrowding and helps maintain consistent heat distribution, resulting in crispy results.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair these delectable chicken strips with a range of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue for an extra layer of deliciousness.
NUTRITION:
- Calories: 207
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Sugar: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
