Chicken Fries

Print Recipe

These chicken fries are beyond delicious and so simple to make!

Prep Time40

Cook Time10

Total Time50

Course: Appetizer, Finger Food, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: - 6

Author: Chris Collins

Equipment

Sharp Knife & Chopping Board (for slicing chicken)
Small Bowl (for seasoning)
1 Large Mixing Bowl (for coating chicken)
2 Large Shallow Dishes (for dredging chicken)
Very Large Baking Tray (for resting coated chicken)
Large Pan & Tongs or Air Fryer (for cooking chicken)
Paper Towels/Kitchen Roll (for resting chicken)

Ingredients

Chicken Fries

450g / 1lb Chicken Breast (see notes)
50g / 1/3 cup Plain Flour
2 large Eggs, beaten
100g / 3.5oz Panko Breadcrumbs (see notes)
40g / 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan (see notes)

Seasoning

2 tsp Paprika
3/4 tsp EACH: Salt, Black Pepper
1/2 tsp EACH: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder

Cooking options

240ml / 1 cup Vegetable Oil, or as needed (if frying)
Oil Spray (if air frying)

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the seasoning and place to one side.
Slice the chicken breasts into very thin strips (around 1cm/0.4") and add to a large mixing bowl with half of the seasoning mixed in. To the right of the bowl, place a large shallow dish with the beaten egg, then to the right of that, place a large shallow dish with the Parmesan, Panko and remaining seasoning combined. Finish with a very large baking tray at the end, ready for the fries to rest.
Mix the flour in with the seasoned chicken until full coated, then take a strip, coat it in the egg, then the Panko, then place on the tray. This can be tedious, but think of the crispy goodness in the end. You can do a few at a time, just make sure each strip is thoroughly coated at each stage.
To Fry: Pour enough oil to comfortably fill the base of a large pan and place it over medium-high heat. Once hot (you're aiming for 180C/350F - a breadcrumb should rapidly sizzle), space out a batch of the fries and fry for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes each side until golden and crispy. They should be pretty thin so the meat won't take long to cook. Remove and place on kitchen roll/paper towels and repeat with remaining fries, topping up with oil and bringing back to temperature as needed.
To Air Fry: Space out the fries, liberally spray with oil, then cook at 200C/400F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Again, they should be pretty skinny, so the meat shouldn't take long to cook. You will likely need to work in batches.
Serve up and enjoy with your favourite dip. Check for saltiness and serve with extra sprinkled on top if needed.

Video

Notes

a) Panko - You'll find this in nearly all supermarkets. This is what makes the fries nice and crispy.

b) Parmesan - I love adding Parmesan for a boost of flavour. It also makes the fries even crispier. If you can't use it for whatever reason, consider an extra 1/4 tsp of salt in the seasoning and just replace with more Panko.

c) Cooking times - As mentioned, the fries should cook pretty quickly (chicken should reach 74C/165F if you're worried) so it's mostly about getting them nice and crispy. If for whatever reason you end up with very thick fries, almost like tenders, you'll likely need to cook for a minute longer each side if frying and around 12 minutes if air frying.

d) Cooking method - Air frying is easier and less mess, but frying will give you crispier, more golden fries. Oven baking is not suitable because the chicken will fry out by the time the outside gets crispy.

e) Calories - Whole batch divided by 5 assuming air fried.

Nutrition