Are you a fan of Chicken Fries but want to make them at home with a healthier twist? Look no further than your air fryer! With this simple recipe using ground chicken, you can make delicious and crispy copycat Burger King Chicken Fries without deep frying.
Why You’ll Love Chicken This Way
- Quick. Ready in under 30 minutes (minus chill time) with the help of your air fryer!
- Easy. Mix together the filling, shape, chill, batter, and cook. Only a few easy-to-follow steps for a family-friendly bite.
- Low Carb . Using almond flour makes them a great choice for anyone that lives a gluten-free or low carb lifestyle.
- High Protein . Meet your daily protein goals with ease! These copycat Burger King chicken fries pack an impressive 27 grams of protein per serving!
With this easy and delicious recipe, you can make healthier chicken fries at home using ground chicken and your air fryer. So give it a try and enjoy a crispy and flavorful bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground chicken - Using ground chicken for these air fryer chicken fries provides a similar texture to the chicken fries you’ve had at Burger King or another fast food chain.
- Almond Flour - A breading made out of almond flour makes these both gluten free and low carb.
- Parmesan cheese - Use the cheap powdered kind in the green can for a more authentic texture to the breading.
- Eggs - This helps the flour stick to the ground chicken while cooking in the air fryer.
- Cooking spray - Helps the breading crisp up in the air fryer since you’re not using a ton of oil to deep fry them.
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
How To Make Chicken Fries
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Take a handful of the ground chicken mixture and shape it into a long, thin stick, similar to the shape of a French fry. Place them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 20 minutes to help them firm up.
- Whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip the chilled chicken fry into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat it well.
- Roll the chicken fry in the flour mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
- Place the chicken fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
- Lightly spray the chicken fries with cooking spray.
- Cook the chicken fries in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping them over halfway through cooking and spraying with additional cooking spray.
Variations
- Make them spicy. Like your meals spicy? You can either add some cayenne pepper to the almond flour mixture or add some hot sauce to the eggs before you batter your chicken.
- Double it up. If you and your family love this chicken, double the recipe so you have extras to reheat in a pinch!
- Make them extra crispy. If you want extra breading on your chicken, you can air fry the tenders for half of their cooking cycle, and then bread the undercooked chicken with another layer of egg and flour batter. Then return the chicken to the air fryer basket and cook for the remainder of the time.
What To Serve With Them
Chicken fries are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. They’re easily one of our best air fryer chicken recipes .
When planning a meal around them, there are many side dishes that pair well with this crispy and flavorful dish. Here are a few things I love to serve with them:
- Potato Wedges - Chicken fries are essentially chicken-shaped French fries, so it’s only natural to pair them with actual fries! Make a big batch of crispy French fries in your air fryer to complement the chicken fries.
- Salad - A light and fresh salad can be a great counterpoint to their rich and savory flavors. Try a Caesar salad, garden salad, or spinach salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese - For a more indulgent side dish, serve chicken fries with creamy and cheesy mac and cheese. The combination of crispy chicken fries and gooey mac and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Roasted Vegetables - Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts are a healthy and delicious side dish that complements crispy chicken fries. Simply toss the veggies with some olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them in the oven until tender and golden brown.
- Dipping Sauces - Of course, you can’t forget about the dipping sauces! Serve chicken fries with your favorite dipping sauces like Big Mac Sauce , Baja Sauce , BBQ Sauce, Spicy Mayo , or keep it simple with some Ketchup.
Whether you’re serving chicken fries as an appetizer or a main course, these side dishes and dipping sauces will help round out the meal and make it a memorable and delicious experience.
How Long Do They Last?
Homemade chicken fries can last for up to 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
To ensure their freshness and safety, store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Them
If you have leftovers that you won’t be able to eat within 3-4 days, you can freeze them for later. To freeze chicken fries, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours until they are firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat them, simply cook them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are hot and crispy.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Tandoori Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Thai Peanut Chicken
Chicken Fries | Copycat Burger King Chicken Fries
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 pound ground chicken
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 2/3 cup Superfine Almond Flour
- ▢ 1/4 cup powdered Parmesan cheese
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Paprika
- ▢ 1 Eggs
- ▢ Cooking Spray
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Take a handful of the ground chicken mixture and shape it into a long, thin stick, similar to the shape of a French fry. Place them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 20 minutes to help them firm up.
- Whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip the chilled chicken fry into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat it well.
- Roll the chicken fry in the flour mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
- Place the chicken fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
- Lightly spray the chicken fries with cooking spray.
- Cook the chicken fries in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping them over halfway through cooking and spraying with additional cooking spray.
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And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .
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Chicken Fries | Copycat Burger King Chicken Fries
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2/3 cup Superfine Almond Flour
- 1/4 cup powdered Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1 Eggs
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Take a handful of the ground chicken mixture and shape it into a long, thin stick, similar to the shape of a French fry. Place them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 20 minutes to help them firm up.
- Whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip the chilled chicken fry into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat it well.
- Roll the chicken fry in the flour mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
- Place the chicken fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
- Lightly spray the chicken fries with cooking spray.
- Cook the chicken fries in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping them over halfway through cooking and spraying with additional cooking spray.
Chicken Fries | Copycat Burger King Chicken Fries https://twosleevers.com/chicken-fries/
Palak Paneer is a creamy Indian spinach curry made with fresh spinach, paneer, onion, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and warm spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric. It’s quick and works well for a low carb vegetarian weeknight dinner, since it can be ready start to finish in about 20 minutes. Unlike traditional palak paneer recipes that require extra steps like blanching and separately building the sauce, this version is a simple pour and cook method that you finish by pureeing right in the pot with an immersion blender.
Why This Indian Recipe Is So Good
- Pour and Cook - dump everything in and cook. Finish by pureeing with an immersion blender .
- Low Carb - Only 8 net carbs per serving.
- Vegetarian - a delicious meatless option.
- Fast - Ready start to finish in 20 minutes.
I have instructions for how to make this in the Instant Pot as well as a slow cooker, so feel free to make it whichever way you prefer.
What Is Paneer?
Paneer is a fresh cheese common in Indian cuisine . It is a non-melting cheese made by curdling milk with an acid, like lemon juice. You can even make homemade paneer .
What Is The Difference Between Saag Paneer and Palak Paneer?
Saag . It’s not some exotic, hard to find ingredient. Believe it or not, saag simply means a mixture of spinach and collard greens.
However, for this saag recipe , I used only spinach. This makes it more of a Palak Paneer recipe instead of a Saag Paneer recipe .
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 teaspoons Oil - Used to sauté the aromatics and spices, helping them release their flavors and form the flavorful base of the dish.
- 5 cloves Garlic - Adds pungent, savory depth and enhances the earthy flavor of spinach. Garlic is essential to the signature taste of palak paneer.
- 1 tablespoon Ginger - Provides warmth and zest with a slightly peppery bite, balancing the richness of paneer and the bitterness of spinach.
- 1/2 Jalapeño Pepper, chopped – Brings gentle heat and freshness to the curry. Adjusting the amount allows control over the spice level.
- 1 Onion - Adds sweetness and body to the curry, helping to balance the stronger flavors of spinach and spices.
- 1 pound Fresh Spinach - The star of the dish. Spinach is cooked down into a smooth, creamy sauce that defines palak paneer’s flavor and texture.
- 2 Tomatoes - Provide acidity and tang, brightening the dish and balancing the richness of paneer and earthy spinach.
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin - Adds a warm, earthy, slightly nutty flavor that deepens the base of the curry.
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper - Contributes heat and a slight smokiness, balancing the creaminess of the spinach and paneer.
- 2 teaspoons Garam Masala - A key Indian spice blend that adds complexity and aromatic depth, tying all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric - Brings color and a subtle earthiness, as well as mild bitterness that complements the greens.
- 1 teaspoon Salt - Enhances all the flavors and ensures the curry is well-seasoned.
- 1/2 cup Water - Provides liquid for pressure cooking, softening the spinach and helping to blend everything into a smooth sauce.
- 1.5 cups Paneer - Cubes of soft Indian cheese that add creaminess, protein, and mild flavor. Paneer absorbs the spices from the sauce and makes the dish hearty and satisfying.
How To Make Palak Paneer
Pressure Cooker Instructions
- Set pot to sauté and when hot, put in the oil. When the oil starts to shimmer, put in the garlic and ginger and chili, and sauté for a bit.
- Dump all ingredients except paneer together and set to high pressure for 4 mins.
- When done, use an immersion blender and mush everything up into either a very smooth puree, or leave some bits un-chopped. You’ll probably have to tilt the pot a little to get your blender to work.
- Gently mix in the paneer and serve
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Cook on high for 3 hours. Push the spinach down once so all gets moist.
- When done, use an immersion blender and mush everything up into either a very smooth puree, or leave some bits un-chopped
- Gently mix in the paneer and serve
Tips And Tricks
- Now, in this recipe, you can either buy ready-made paneer at the Indian grocery store, or better still, you can make your own paneer at home by following my very simple, fail-proof homemade paneer recipe.
- You can use either fresh or frozen spinach for this. If you’re using frozen, just break up the blocks of spinach a little.
- You can also mix up greens for this, such as adding swiss chard, collard greens , or mustard greens. This would make it a saag paneer since Palak means spinach. It’s actually very tasty that way.
- There’s really only one additional step that you might consider adding, which is to sauté the ginger and garlic, and chili in oil to get the oil richly flavored.
Variations
Instant Pot Palak Paneer is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes, diets, and flavor preferences. Here are some delicious variations you can try:
- Vegan - Replace paneer with firm tofu and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy for a rich, plant-based version.
- Palak Mushroom - Swap paneer for mushrooms to create an earthy, hearty variation that’s still packed with flavor.
- Spicy - Add extra jalapeños, green chilies, or a pinch more cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
What To Serve With It
Palak Paneer is a rich and creamy dish, so it pairs best with sides that balance its flavors and soak up the delicious spinach sauce. Here are some excellent ideas for what to serve alongside it:
- Basmati Rice - The classic choice, letting the flavors of palak paneer shine.
- Naan - Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up the spinach gravy and paneer.
- Cauliflower Rice - A low-carb alternative that still absorbs the flavorful sauce.
- Chana Dal Fry - Another delicious Indian-inspired dish to serve as a sampling platter
How Long Does It Last?
Palak Paneer, when stored properly, can last for several days and still taste delicious. Once cooked, allow it to cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container.
In the refrigerator, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, with the flavors often becoming deeper as the spices meld together.
Can You Freeze Palak Paneer?
Yes, this recipe actually freezes quite well. Just make sure that you’re freezing it in small batches as opposed to one big container. That way, it will reheat faster the next time you find yourself wanting some.
Instant Pot palak paneer often turns brown because the spinach was cooked too long, overheated during pressure cooking or reheating, or blended while very hot and then simmered, which dulls the chlorophyll and shifts the color from bright green to olive brown. For a brighter Instant Pot spinach curry, keep the cook time short, puree right after cooking, avoid prolonged simmering, and add cream at the end on low heat.
To stop Instant Pot palak paneer from tasting bitter, avoid overcooking the spinach because long heat is the most common cause of bitter Instant Pot spinach curry. Use baby spinach or fresh frozen spinach, cook it briefly, puree as soon as it is done, and do not simmer it for long after blending. Balance any remaining bitterness by adding a little cream or butter, a pinch of sugar-free sweetener, or a small spoon of sautéed onions, and finish with kasuri methi and a squeeze of lemon only at the end so the flavor stays bright without turning harsh.
If your Instant Pot palak paneer puree is gritty, it usually needs a finer blend and better prep. Use an immersion blender longer or transfer the cooked spinach curry to a high speed blender, then blend until completely silky and add a splash of water or cream if it is too thick to circulate. For an even smoother Instant Pot spinach curry, sauté the onions until very soft before pressure cooking, use baby spinach or thawed frozen spinach, and strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve if you want restaurant style palak paneer texture.
To thicken Instant Pot palak paneer fast, switch to sauté and simmer uncovered for a few minutes after pureeing so excess water evaporates, which is especially helpful if you used frozen spinach. If it still feels thin, blend in a few more cooked onions or a small handful of cashews, or stir in a spoonful of heavy cream at the end for a richer, thicker Instant Pot spinach curry. Avoid adding flour or cornstarch if you want a low carb palak paneer, and add paneer after the sauce is thickened so the cubes stay soft.
More Perfect Paneer Recipes
- Make some restaurant-quality Indian peas and paneer or Matar Paneer in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
- Make this low carb quick Paneer Tikka with just a few spices, and pan-fry in ghee for a boost of fat to make this keto-friendly.
- This fantastic and supremely easy Instant Pot Vegetarian Paneer Biryani is an easy, authentic, kid-friendly, vegetarian dinner that is done in under 30 minutes.
- You’ll love how easy this Chicken Saag is to make.
Palak Paneer
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- STAINLESS STEEL MEASURING CUPS
- CUTTING BOARD
- KITCHENAID IMMERSION BLENDER
- SLOW COOKER CUISINART 3.5 QUART
Ingredients
- ▢ 2 teaspoons ( 2 teaspoons ) Oil
- ▢ 5 cloves ( 5 cloves ) Garlic , chopped
- ▢ 1 tablespoon ( 1 tablespoon ) Ginger , chopped
- ▢ 1/2 ( 0.5 ) Jalapeño Peppers , chopped
- ▢ 1 ( 1 ) Onion , chopped
- ▢ 1 pounds ( 453.59 g ) fresh spinach
- ▢ 2 ( 2 ) Tomatoes , chopped
- ▢ 2 teaspoons ( 2 teaspoons ) Ground Cumin
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ( 0.5 teaspoon ) Cayenne Pepper , (adjust as needed)
- ▢ 2 teaspoons ( 2 teaspoons ) Garam Masala
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Turmeric
- ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/2 cup ( 125 ml ) Water
- ▢ 1.5 cup ( 337.5 g ) paneer
Instructions
Pressure Cooker
- Set pot to sauté and when hot, put in the oil. When the oil starts to shimmer, put in the garlic and ginger and chili, and sauté for a bit.
- Dump all ingredients except paneer together and set to high pressure for 4 mins.
- When done, use as immersion blender and mush everything up into either a very smooth puree, or leave some bits un-chopped. You’ll probably have to tilt the pot a little to get your blender to work.
- Gently mix in the paneer and serve
Slow Cooker
Cook on high for 3 hours. Push the spinach down once so all gets moist.
When done, use as immersion blender and mush everything up into either a very smooth puree, or leave some bits un-chopped
Gently mix in the paneer and serve
Now in this recipe, you can either buy ready-made paneer at the Indian grocery store, or better still, you can make your own paneer at home by following my very simple, fail-proof homemade paneer recipe.
You can use either fresh or frozen spinach for this. If you’re using frozen, just break up the blocks of spinach a little.
You can also mix up greens for this such as adding swiss chard, collard greens, or mustard greens. This would make it more of a saag paneer since Palak means spinach. It’s actually very tasty that way.
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
Nutrition
Don’t forget to check out my otherBest-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!
Indian Instant Pot , Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy , Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot .
