Description
These crispy air fryer loaded chicken fries are a healthier, protein-packed twist on classic fries, topped with melty cheese and fresh veggies for a snack or meal everyone will love. Quick to make, customizable, and perfect for game day, parties, or family snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch thick strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for GF option)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese if needed)
- 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced scallions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
- Greek yogurt ranch, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1/2-inch thick, even strips and pat dry with paper towels.
- Set up a breading station: place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in a second, and combine panko, whole-wheat crumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a third.
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then coat in the crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place on a plate and repeat for all strips.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes if required.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange chicken fries in a single layer, spray tops with oil, and air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes. Flip, spray again, and air fry another 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Sprinkle cooked fries with cheese and air fry 1-2 minutes to melt.
- Top with diced tomatoes, scallions, olives, bell pepper, cilantro, and jalapeños as desired.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crunch, double dip chicken in egg and crumbs. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed. Let breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before air frying to help breading stick. Easily customize toppings with what you have on hand. For gluten-free, use GF flour and crumbs; for dairy-free, use plant-based cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the rec
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: air fryer chicken fries, healthy chicken fries, loaded chicken fries, crispy chicken fries, game day snack, high protein snack, gluten free option, dairy free option