CRISPY CHICKEN STRIPS 

Chicken strips may be a kids’ menu staple, but let’s be honest—adults love these crunchy treats just as much. Fried chicken might be extremely popular, but how healthy is it? While there’s no denying the deliciousness of deep-fried foods, their health impact can be a concern. Generally, air-fried versions don’t quite hit the mark, right? Well, this is one recipe where I can guarantee you’ll love the air-fried version just as much as the deep-fried one.

Brining the chicken

An optional step to this recipe is to brine the chicken. If you have the time, brining is always a good idea. It’s an easy step that adds more flavour to your recipe and ensures the chicken stays moist and juicy. We fry the chicken at high temperatures so it’s easy to overcook and be left with a dry piece of meat.  The only thing to note is that you must pat your chicken dry well so that the coating sticks properly. However if you’re in a rush then you can omit this step and you’ll still end up with really tasty chicken. Be sure to come back to this recipe when you do have time to taste the difference between the two! 

Cornflakes vs Breadcrumbs 

While breadcrumbs are the traditional choice, I like to use cornflakes for several reasons. They’re lighter and crunchier than breadcrumbs especially while air frying and retain their crispness with very little oil. Cornflakes also add a subtle sweetness that works brilliantly with the chicken. The sugar in the cornflakes also aids in the browning, giving you a perfectly golden strip.

Equipment

The Wonderchef Platinum Digital AirFryer is your go-to appliance for cooking heart-healthy recipes with ease. Its innovative rapid air technology is revolutionary, especially for achieving that perfect crispy and crunchy texture in dishes such as this one. With a generous 5-litre basket, it offers abundant space to cook most recipes in just one or two rounds, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. One of the notable features of this air fryer is how easy it is to clean. Grease and food residue simply wash away with soap and water, making post-cooking cleanup a breeze. 

When it comes to cooking, especially with meat, even heating is crucial to avoid burnt exteriors or undercooked centres, which can pose a health risk. The heat circulation technology in the Wonderchef Platinum Digital AirFryer ensures that your food cooks evenly and faster than in a traditional oven, delivering perfectly cooked meals every time.

Beyond its functionality, Wonderchef’s complete range of air fryers also shine in the style department. They’re sleek, compact and stylish, complementing any kitchen. You can trust that whatever model you choose, you’re making the right decision for both function and aesthetics. 

5 ways to serve chicken strips

1. With your dip of choice – mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup or thousand Island dip
2. With a portion of salad to keep things nutritious and healthy 
3. With some fries for that perfect fried chicken and chips combo. 
4. Stacked between burger buns, lettuce and mayo for a crunchy homemade burger
5. As a protein add on to mac and cheese or any pasta. 

RECIPE CARD

Serves: 2-3 

Active Cooking TIme: 30 min

2 Chicken Breasts 

For the Brine

1 litre water 

2 tbsp salt 

Chicken Dry Rub

½ tsp Salt (Only if skipping the brine)

½ tsp Garlic Powder 

½ tsp Onion Powder 

1 tsp Chilli Powder 

Dredging 

½ cup Plain Flour 

¼  tsp Garlic Powder 

¼  tsp Onion Powder 

¼  tsp Salt 

4 cups Cornflakes 

2 Eggs (beaten)

Method:

1. Clean and cut the chicken breasts into strips. 
2. Add the chicken to a bowl along with the water and salt and set aside for 30 min – 1 hour. 
3. Take the chicken out and pat dry. Add all the spices listed under the dry rub and mix well. Set aside. 
4. Put the cornflakes into a ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin. Crush till you have very small pieces but do not powder them completely. 
5. Season the flour with the garlic powder, onion powder and salt. 
6. Create your dredging station by placing the seasoned flour, eggs and cornflakes in 3 separate shallow bowls. 
7. Place each piece of chicken in the flour first, coating well. Shake the excess off. 
8. Transfer the chicken to the egg, coating well and finally to the cornflakes. Make sure you get a good coating of cornflakes. 
9. Set the chicken on a plate and continue with the rest of the chicken strips. 
10. You can either leave this in the fridge for 30 minutes or you can fry them straight away.
11. Heat the Platinum Digital Air Fryer to 180°C. 
12. While the airfryer is pre-heating, brush or spray each chicken on one side with a little bit of oil. 
13. Place the chicken strips oiled side down into the airfryer, allowing enough space between each piece. Brush the other side with a bit of oil as well. 
14. Air fry for 4-5 minutes on the first side. 
15. Flip the chicken and air fry for another 3-4 minutes or until done. 
16. Serve with your choice of dip.