These air fryer chicken planks are inspired by the popular Long John Silver’s dish, offering a crispy and flavorful alternative to traditional frying. Made with simple ingredients, they are easy to prepare and perfect for a quick meal.
The recipe uses an air fryer to achieve that golden-brown crunch while keeping the chicken juicy inside. You can serve these planks with your favorite dipping sauces for a satisfying meal.
Introduction to Air Fryer Chicken Planks
Air fryer chicken planks are a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering a crispy texture without the need for deep frying. This method not only reduces the amount of oil used but also ensures that the chicken remains juicy on the inside.
Inspired by the popular Long John Silver’s style, these chicken planks are perfect for a quick meal or a satisfying snack. The air fryer provides a golden-brown finish that is both appealing and delicious.
Ingredients for Success
To create these tasty chicken planks, gather a few simple ingredients. You’ll need chicken breast cut into planks, buttermilk for marinating, and a mix of seasonings that includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
All-purpose flour serves as the coating, giving the chicken its signature crunch. A light spray of cooking oil helps achieve that perfect golden color in the air fryer.
Preparation Steps
Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. This step is essential for tenderizing the meat and infusing flavor.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the coating by mixing flour with the spices. This blend will provide a flavorful crust that complements the chicken beautifully.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Once the chicken is marinated, remove it from the buttermilk and dredge each plank in the seasoned flour mixture. Ensure an even coating for the best results.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the coated chicken planks in a single layer in the basket. A light spray of cooking oil will help them crisp up nicely. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
After cooking, let the chicken planks rest for a few minutes. This brief pause allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Serve the chicken planks hot, accompanied by a small bowl of tartar sauce for dipping and lemon wedges for a zesty kick. The combination of flavors makes for a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal.
Nutrition and Enjoyment
These air fryer chicken planks are not only delicious but also relatively healthy. With approximately 250 calories per serving, they offer a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making them a great option for a main course.
Enjoy these crispy chicken planks as a fun meal that brings the taste of a classic favorite right to your kitchen, all while keeping things light and easy!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Planks Recipe

These chicken planks are marinated in a seasoned batter and cooked in an air fryer for a healthier version of the classic dish. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into planks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Cooking spray or oil for spraying
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken planks in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Prepare Coating: In another bowl, mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each plank in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Place the coated chicken planks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking spray or oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the chicken planks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g