Blanching Chicken Strips: Air Fryer Method

Chicken strips are a universally loved food, and air fryers can take them to a whole new level. Air fryers produce chicken strips that are crispier, juicier, and healthier than those cooked using traditional frying methods. They also cut down on the mess, time, and excess oil involved in deep frying. In this article, we will discuss how to blanch chicken strips using an air fryer, including the necessary ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for storing and reheating leftovers.

Preparing the chicken strips

Next, create a breading station. This process allows you to coat your chicken strips efficiently. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper for the flour mixture. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy for the egg mixture. For the breadcrumb mixture, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third bowl.

Now you're ready to coat your chicken strips. First, pat the strips dry with a paper towel. If they're too wet, the breading won't stick properly. Then, coat the chicken strips in the flour mixture, followed by the egg mixture, and finally, the breadcrumb mixture.

If you're not cooking the chicken strips right away, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer-term storage of up to 2 months.

Cooking the chicken strips

Now, it's time to set up your breading station. You'll need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. In the second bowl, whisk your eggs until they are frothy. This helps the breading stick to the chicken. In the third bowl, combine your breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using). You can also use other types of "crumbs" for this recipe, such as crushed crackers or potato chips.

Once your breading station is set up, it's time to start breading the chicken strips. First, coat the chicken strips in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken strips in the breadcrumb mixture.

After your chicken strips are breaded, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken strips in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't overlap or overcrowd. Cook the chicken strips for 10-12 minutes at 380°F (193°C), flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your strips, so use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe consumption.

Once your chicken strips are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. They can be served as-is or added to sandwiches, wraps, or salads. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) - 360°F (182°C) for 3-7 minutes, depending on their size and thickness.

Storing the chicken strips

Allow the chicken strips to cool: After cooking your chicken strips in the air fryer, let them cool down to room temperature. Do not skip this step, as placing warm chicken directly into storage can create a favourable environment for bacterial growth.

Use airtight containers: Once the chicken strips have cooled, place them in airtight containers. This helps maintain freshness and prevents odours from seeping into the chicken. Ensure the containers are clean and dry before use.

Refrigerate or freeze: For short-term storage, you can refrigerate the chicken strips for up to 3 days. Set your refrigerator to a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or colder to keep the chicken fresh and safe. For longer storage, freezing is recommended. Place the airtight containers in the freezer, where they can be safely stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your chicken strips again, reheat them in the air fryer rather than the microwave to maintain their crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the strips for about 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Food safety: It is important to practice good food safety habits when storing and handling chicken. Always wash your hands before and after handling raw or cooked chicken. Ensure your work surfaces and utensils are clean to prevent cross-contamination.

By following these steps, you can safely store and enjoy your delicious air-fried chicken strips at a later time!

Reheating the chicken strips

Reheating chicken strips in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that will leave you with crispy and juicy chicken. This method is much preferred over traditional reheating methods such as using an oven, microwave, or pan, which often result in soggy or dry chicken.

To begin reheating your chicken strips, first assess the condition of the chicken. Ideally, the chicken tenders should be consumed within 3-4 days of being cooked. If they have been stored in the refrigerator, ensure they are not too dry. If they appear dry, you can lightly spray or brush them with water or oil.

Next, preheat your air fryer. Preheating is crucial to ensuring the chicken tenders start cooking immediately upon being placed in the basket, leading to a more even reheating process. Most guides recommend preheating your air fryer to around 350°F (175-180°C) for about 3-5 minutes. However, the ideal temperature and time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjustments may be necessary.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, ensuring there is enough space between each tender to allow for proper air circulation and even heating. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the tenders to steam and become soggy. If you have a large batch of chicken tenders, you may need to reheat them in multiple batches.

At this point, you can optionally spray or brush the tenders with cooking oil to enhance the texture and achieve an extra crispy finish.

Now, it's time to set the timer and let the air fryer work its magic. Set the air fryer to reheat for 3-5 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the tenders, as well as your air fryer model. Therefore, it's important to monitor the tenders and make adjustments as needed.

Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or flip the tenders to ensure even heating. After the initial 3-5 minutes, check the tenders. If they need more time, continue to reheat in 1-2 minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness and are heated through. The internal temperature of the chicken tenders should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Finally, serve the chicken tenders immediately after reheating for the best taste and texture. You can also add a flavour boost by seasoning them with your favourite spices or herbs before reheating.

Serving the chicken strips

Once your chicken strips are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them sit for a couple of minutes. You can serve them as a snack, appetiser, or part of a main dish.

If you want to add your chicken strips to a salad, layer them with greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty dressing for a balanced dish. You can also add them to a wild rice salad for extra protein.

For a sandwich or wrap, layer the chicken strips with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and your favourite sauce.

If you have any leftover chicken strips, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350–360°F (175–182°C) and cook the strips for 3–7 minutes. You can also season the chicken strips with salt and pepper for extra taste. To prevent the strips from drying out, coat them lightly with oil before reheating.

Chicken strips cooked in an air fryer are crispier and juicier than those bought from fast-food restaurants or frozen. They are also healthier, as air fryers use less oil.

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