High Protein
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips with Sesame Crust is an easy recipe you will love! Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and done in under 30 minutes. This is a High Protein weeknight dinner that actually delivers.
To make these, you will need boneless skinless chicken breasts, whole wheat breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, an egg, and a splash of milk. That is basically it.
The sesame crust is what sets these apart from a basic breaded chicken strip. It adds a nuttiness and texture that makes every bite more interesting.
These are great for a weeknight when you need dinner on the table fast, or for meal prepping protein for the week. You can pair them with pretty much anything. Dipping sauce, a simple salad, rice, roasted veggies.
An air fryer basket is the key piece of equipment here, and a set of shallow bowls makes the coating process easy and mess-free.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips
High Protein
Each serving delivers 29 grams of protein. These chicken strips work for post-workout meals, meal prep lunches, or anyone who wants a filling dinner without a lot of effort.
Ready in 27 Minutes
Prep takes 15 minutes and the air fryer does the rest. From start to finish, dinner is on the table in under 30 minutes.
Crunchy Without Deep Frying
The air fryer gives these strips a golden, crispy crust using just a light spray of olive oil. No oil-soaked breading, no mess.
Kid-Friendly
Simple ingredients, familiar flavors, and a fun shape. These are the kind of chicken strips kids will actually eat.
Easy Cleanup
One air fryer basket, two shallow bowls, and you are done. Minimal dishes, minimal stress.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken Breasts
Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They have a slightly higher fat content but stay juicy and work well with the sesame crust.
Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs
Regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs both work here. Panko will give you an even crunchier coating.
Parmesan Cheese
Pecorino Romano is a good substitute. It has a similar salty, nutty flavor and melts into the coating the same way.
Milk
Any milk works here, including oat milk or almond milk if you want a dairy-free option. The egg wash will still hold the coating together.
Sesame Seeds
If you do not have sesame seeds, you can leave them out or replace them with hemp seeds for a similar texture and nutritional profile.
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Quick Air Fryer Chicken Strips with Sesame Crust
Recipes are written with one action per step for accessibility. Short lines. Fewer rereads. A calmer kitchen on mobile or desktop.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon low-fat milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil.
- Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place chicken strips in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
- Air Fry: Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and the chicken reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve warm.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Do not overcrowd the basket. Place the chicken strips in a single layer with space between each one. Overlapping strips will steam instead of crisp. Press the coating firmly. When rolling the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, press gently but firmly so the coating adheres. This prevents it from falling off during cooking. Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F before serving. This is the most reliable way to know the chicken is fully cooked. Flip halfway through. Turning the strips at the halfway point ensures both sides get evenly golden and crispy. Pat the chicken dry before dipping. Removing excess moisture from the chicken strips before the egg wash helps the coating stick better.Storing and Reheating
Storing: Place leftover chicken strips in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freezing: Arrange cooled strips in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the Air Fryer: Place strips in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. This is the best method for keeping the coating crunchy. Reheat in the Oven: Place strips on a baking sheet and warm at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Reheat on Stovetop – Place strips in a skillet over medium-low heat. Warm for 2 to 3 minutes per side until heated through.Nutrition
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