These easy Cheez-It breaded chicken fingers turn a beloved snack into a crispy, cheesy chicken favorite. Ready in minutes using the air fryer, they’re crunchy on the outside and juicy inside—perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or a snack that everyone will devour.
Amazing Cheez-It Breaded Chicken Fingers
If you love Cheez-Its, this recipe is your new go-to. Crushed Cheez-It crackers make an exceptional crust that crisps beautifully and adds bold cheese flavor to every bite.
These chicken fingers work as an appetizer, main dish, or party food. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor.
Why you’ll love ’em!
- Ridiculously easy to make.
- Packed with the best cheesy flavor.
- Simple to double for serving a crowd.
- Everyone will love the Cheez-It crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples and is on the table in under 20 minutes. You’ll need:
- Chicken breast (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups Cheez-It crackers
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Cheez-It Breaded Chicken Fingers
CUT CHICKEN
Cut the chicken breast into ½-inch thick strips and set aside.
MAKE CRACKER CRUMBS
Place the Cheez-It crackers in a food processor and pulse until the crumbs resemble panko. Transfer to a large plate and stir in garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt until evenly combined.
COAT CHICKEN
Whisk two large eggs in a medium bowl. Dip each chicken strip into the egg, then press into the Cheez-It crumb mixture to coat. Arrange the coated strips on a plate.
COOK IN THE AIR FRYER
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken strips in a single layer and drizzle with ½ tablespoon olive oil.
Air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes. Flip the strips, drizzle another ½ tablespoon of olive oil, and air fry for an additional 4 minutes, until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
SERVE & ENJOY!
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy.
More of our Favorite…
Cheesy Appetizers
- The BEST Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Cream Cheese & Crab Rangoon
- Homemade Cheese Curds
- Cheese and Beef Taquitos
- Baked Mac and Cheese Cups
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries
Dipping Sauces for Chicken Tenders
These Cheez-It-crusted chicken fingers are delicious on a salad or with any of these dips:
- Ketchup
- Honey mustard
- Blue cheese
You can also pair them with BBQ or ranch for a familiar favorite.
Top Tips for Crispy Chicken Fingers
- Watch the cooking time closely—air fryers cook quickly at 400°F.
- Use original, full-fat Cheez-Its for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Try flavored or spicy Cheez-Its to add a unique kick to the crust.
FAQs
Air frying is the key. The high heat and circulating air crisp the Cheez-It crust while keeping the chicken tender.
Yes. Place raw, coated strips in the air fryer and cook according to the instructions until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 4 months. Reheated chicken won’t be quite as crispy as freshly cooked, but still tasty.
To reheat: preheat the air fryer to 350°F and warm the chicken fingers for 2–3 minutes or until heated through. For extra crispness, lightly drizzle with olive oil before reheating.
More of our Favorite…
Air Fryer Recipes
- Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla
- Cheese Empanadas
- Grilled Cheese
- Cheese Curds
- Ravioli
Cheez-It Breaded Chicken Fingers
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups Cheez-It crackers
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
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Cut the chicken breast into ½-inch thick strips. Set aside.
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Place the Cheez-It crackers into a food processor and pulse until they resemble panko. Transfer to a plate and mix in garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
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Whisk 2 large eggs in a medium bowl.
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Dip each chicken strip into the egg, then dredge in the Cheez-It crumbs and place on a plate.
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Spray the air fryer basket and place the coated strips in a single layer. Drizzle with ½ tablespoon olive oil.
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Air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes. Flip, drizzle another ½ tablespoon of olive oil, and air fry 4 more minutes until golden and cooked through.
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Serve immediately.
Tips & Notes
- Oven option: heavily spray a baking sheet, preheat oven to 350°F, drizzle ½ tablespoon olive oil on the strips and bake 8 minutes, flip, drizzle another ½ tablespoon, and bake 7 more minutes.
- For extra heat, add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the Cheez-It crumbs.
Nutrition
Calories: 745 kcal, Carbohydrates: 79 g, Protein: 39 g, Fat: 28 g, Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 0.1 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.
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