These Air Fryer Chicken Fries are the ultimate crispy, golden snack that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfectly seasoned and air-fried to a satisfying crunch, they’re a healthier twist on a classic favorite. The tender, juicy chicken inside pairs beautifully with the light, crispy coating, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game night or need a quick family treat, these fries deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
With just 10 minutes in the air fryer, you’ll achieve that perfect crunch without the greasy mess. The blend of savory spices and golden texture makes these fries a crowd-pleaser every time. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in no time. Quick, delicious, and guilt-free—what’s not to love?
What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Chicken Fries
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 eggs (whisked)
- 2 cups of Panko bread crumbs (or substitute with regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 Tablespoon Italian herb blend (or use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 2 Tablespoons of flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Fries
- Butterfly the chicken breasts: Lay them flat on a cutting board. Place one hand on top for safety, and with a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the thickness of each breast to create two even layers, leaving one edge intact. Repeat for the second breast.
- Cut into fries: Open the butterflied breasts and slice them into ½-inch strips (like fries). Season generously with salt and black pepper, then set aside.
- Prepare the coating stations: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with Panko bread crumbs mixed with the Italian herb blend.
- Bread the chicken fries: Dredge each strip in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with the seasoned Panko mixture. Place the breaded fries on a platter.
- Preheat the air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken fries in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry: Cook at 360°F (182°C) for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Make the dipping sauce (optional): In a small bowl, mix 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 Tablespoon honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve alongside the chicken fries.
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce is a classic choice, why not mix it up? Try a spicy sriracha mayo by combining 2 tablespoons of mayo with 1 teaspoon of sriracha and a squeeze of lime. For a tangy twist, whip up a ranch dip using Greek yogurt, dried dill, garlic powder, and a splash of lemon juice. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika over the fries before serving for an extra flavor boost!
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Fries
These crispy chicken fries are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. Serve them with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. For a fun party platter, arrange the fries with an assortment of dipping sauces and pair them with sweet potato fries or onion rings. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. If you’re meal prepping, you can bread the chicken fries ahead of time and store them in the freezer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air fryer time.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
To speed up prep, use pre-cut chicken tenders instead of butterflying whole breasts. You can also prepare the breading station the night before and store it in the fridge. If you’re short on time, skip the flour step and go straight to the egg and Panko mixture—it’ll still turn out crispy! For even faster cooking, consider doubling the batch and freezing half for a quick snack later.
Air Fryer Tips for Perfect Chicken Fries
To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the basket—cook in batches if needed. If your air fryer doesn’t have a non-stick surface, use parchment paper liners designed for air fryers to prevent sticking. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breaded fries with cooking oil before air frying. And don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning!
Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
Chicken Fries Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 1 Tablespoon Italian herb blend
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by lying them flat on the cutting board. Place one hand on the top of the chicken breast with fingertips lifted and extended for safety. Holding the knife horizontally, carefully slice the thickness of the breast into two even layers, without cutting completely through. The two halves should be joined on one edge. Repeat this process for the second chicken breast.
- Open the butterflied breasts and slice into ½ inch chicken “fries.” Salt and pepper the “fries” and set aside.
- Prepare a bowl with the flour, a bowl with whisked eggs, and a bowl with Panko bread crumbs mixed with the Italian herb blend.
- Set out a platter to hold the breaded chicken fries. Dredge each chicken fry into the flour, egg, and then the seasoned Panko, turning and rolling to coat with each step.
- Spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not crowd the chicken fries to allow the air to circulate around each one. This recipe is air fried in multiple batches with most air fryers. Cook time is approximately 10 minutes at 360 F. Shake your air fryer basket after 5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74 degrees C).
- To make a Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce mix together: 2 Tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 Tablespoon honey, Salt and Black Pepper to taste.