Air-Fried Parmesan Crumbed Chicken Fingers

the Breville Test Kitchen

Air-Fried Parmesan Crumbed Chicken Fingers

Name: Air-Fried Parmesan Crumbed Chicken Fingers
Cook time: 900 s
Total time: 2400 s
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 1⅔ cups (4½ oz) finely grated parmesan cheese; ⅓ cup (¾ oz) panko breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp olive oil - divided; 1 lb boneless and skinless chicken thighs - fat trimmed; ½ tsp kosher salt - plus extra to season; Freshly ground black pepper - to season; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Mayonnaise - to serve; Ketchup - to serve

Melting and toasting the parmesan cheese and then blitzing it, creates a wonderful nutty, crispy coating for these chicken fingers. You can use this coating technique for many other recipes.

40 mins total time

15 mins active time

Easy

Serves 4

Ingredients

Measurements:

Cooking spray
1⅔ cups (4½ oz) finely grated parmesan cheese
⅓ cup (¾ oz) panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
divided
1 lb boneless and skinless chicken thighs
fat trimmed
½ tsp kosher salt
plus extra to season
Freshly ground black pepper
to season
1 tsp smoked paprika
Mayonnaise
to serve
Ketchup
to serve

Instructions

1Insert the oven rack into position 2 Down. Set the oven to Air Fry, Super Convection, 350°F, for 9 minutes and press Start to preheat. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.
2Grease the roasting pan and line with parchment paper. Sprinkle the parmesan evenly over the paper and shake the pan to level. Once preheated, place the pan in the oven and air fry for 9 minutes. When the oven signals rotate the pan.
3The parmesan should be golden brown. If not, press A Bit More.
Tip: It may need a little more or a little less extra cooking time, best to keep an eye on it.
4Carefully slide the paper with the parmesan onto a wire rack and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, wipe out the roasting pan and continue to the next step.
5Adjust the oven to Bake & Roast, Super Convection, 350°F, for 3 minutes and press Start. Meanwhile, combine the crumbs and 1 teaspoon oil and rub together. Spread evenly over the base of the roasting pan.
6Place the pan in the oven and bake for 3 minutes. Halfway through cooking, stir the crumbs and continue cooking until golden.
7Cut the chicken into approximately ½-inch wide strips. Place the chicken in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and toss to coat.
8 Adjust the oven to Air Fry, Super Convection, 350°F, for 17 minutes and press Start. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.
9Once the parmesan has cooled, place in a food processor bowl and pulse until it resembles fine crumbs.
10Place the parmesan, breadcrumbs, paprika and ½ teaspoon salt in a large resealable bag, seal and shake to combine. Add the chicken to the bag and seal. Shake and press the crumbs onto the chicken until well coated. Wipe the pan clean.
11Place the chicken in a single layer, in the air fry basket.
12Move the oven rack to position 3 Down. Place the roasting pan on the rack to catch any drips during cooking. Place the basket into position 1 and air fry for 17 minutes. When the oven signals, rotate the basket and continue cooking.
13The chicken should be golden and cooked through. If not, press A Bit More.
Tip: It may need a little more or a little less extra cooking time, best to keep an eye on it.
14Serve the chicken fingers with your favorite mayonnaise and ketchup.