Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a crispy, mouthwatering delight that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Meet the Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken Strips! This recipe combines the nutty crunch of pecans with tender chicken strips, creating a dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also guilt-free, thanks to the air fryer. In just 25 minutes, you can serve up a meal that will impress your family and friends, leaving them begging for seconds. Dive into this delectable recipe and discover how to make chicken strips that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup crushed pecans
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into even strips approximately 1-inch wide, ensuring uniform cooking.
- In a shallow bowl, crush pecans into fine, even pieces using a food processor or rolling pin, creating a textured coating mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, crushed pecans, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Crack the egg into another bowl and whisk until well blended, creating a binding agent for the coating.
- Dip each chicken strip first into the whisked egg, ensuring complete coverage, then roll in the pecan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Arrange coated chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure crisp results.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove chicken strips from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
Tips
- Uniform Strips: For even cooking, ensure your chicken strips are cut into uniform 1-inch widths. This helps them cook at the same rate, resulting in perfectly tender chicken every time.
- Pecan Prep: Use a food processor to crush your pecans finely. This not only enhances the texture but also allows for better adherence to the chicken, giving you that irresistible crunch.
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t skip the seasoning in your breadcrumb mixture! The combination of paprika, salt, and pepper will elevate the flavor profile, making each bite a burst of deliciousness.
- Egg Coating: Make sure to fully coat each chicken strip in the whisked egg before rolling it in the pecan-breadcrumb mixture. This step is crucial for ensuring the coating sticks and crisps up beautifully.
- Preheat for Perfection: Preheating your air fryer is key! It helps achieve that golden-brown crust and ensures the chicken cooks evenly, so don’t skip this step.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the chicken strips in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding. This allows for optimal air circulation, resulting in a crispier texture.
- Flip for Even Crispiness: Remember to flip the chicken strips halfway through cooking. This guarantees that both sides get that perfect golden-brown finish.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken strips rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
- Dipping Sauce Delight: Pair your chicken strips with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce, to add an extra layer of flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These chicken strips are not only delicious but also great for meal prep! Cook a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
