Introduction
These Air Fryer Chili Lime Chicken Strips are a zesty, protein-packed meal or snack with just the right amount of spice and citrusy tang. Perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, they’re great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or game-day finger food. Plus, they come together fast and require minimal oil thanks to the air fryer!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (about ½ a lime)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, extra lime wedges
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into even strips if using whole breasts.
- Marinate: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, zest, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Cook: Place the marinated chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is lightly crisp.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Description
Chili lime chicken strips are a bold and tangy twist on traditional chicken tenders. The chili brings the heat, the lime adds a fresh pop, and the air fryer crisps the edges without drying the meat. They’re a versatile option for tacos, salads, wraps, or just dipping into your favorite sauce.
Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even crispiness.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep juices sealed in.
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the chicken strips with cooking spray before air frying.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
Variations
- Spicy Honey Lime: Add 1 tsp honey to the marinade for a sweet-spicy glaze.
- Breaded Version: Coat marinated strips in seasoned panko before air frying for a crunchy coating.
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh slices for a plant-based version.
- Asian Twist: Swap cumin for ginger and add a dash of soy sauce.
Correction
If your chicken strips come out too dry, reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes or marinate longer for more moisture. If they lack flavor, increase lime zest or chili powder to intensify the taste.
Enjoy!
Serve your Chili Lime Chicken Strips with a side of avocado crema, over a salad, in tacos, or with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether it’s a healthy lunch or a crowd-pleasing party snack, this dish is sure to spice things up!