Crumb Chronicles - Crisps Are the New Breadcrumbs

Who said chicken strips need to be basic? You don’t need eggs, flour, or even breadcrumbs. All you really need is a good bag of crisps and your Mini Prep Pro or Electric Spice Grinder.

It's time to ditch the usual coating and raid the snack cupboard instead. Same method, totally different vibe - depending on the crisp.

The method is simple and stays the same no matter what crisps you use. Once you’ve got it down, you can switch up the flavours depending on what you fancy or what’s in the cupboard. Think cheesy, spicy, smoky, salty… all with a golden, crunchy finish in your Air Fryer.

Perfect for a quick tea, picky kids, or something a bit fun for the weekend.

Basic Method (Works with Any Crisps)

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • Crisps, blitzed into fine crumbs
  • Salt & pepper
  • Optional seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic granules, onion powder, dried herbs
  • Spray oil

Steps:

  1. Crush the Crisps: Add your chosen crisps to your mini prep pro or spice grinder. Blitz until they resemble fine breadcrumbs. Pour into a shallow bowl and stir in seasonings.
  2. Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the chicken strips with the mayonnaise until evenly coated. This helps the crumbs stick and keeps the chicken juicy.
  3. Crumb It: Press each mayo-coated strip into the crushed crisps, turning to coat thoroughly.
  4. Air Fry: Arrange chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil. Cook at 180°C for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying the other side. They should be golden and cooked through (internal temp: 75°C).
  5. Serve: Dish up hot with your favourite sides or dips. That’s it!

Flavour Ideas & Pairings

Wotsit

Crunchy Wotsits

Flavour: Cheesy, fun, and bold

Great with: Chips and beans, or tucked into a soft white bap with a bit of brown sauce or ketchup

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Bacon Frazzles

Flavour: Smoky, salty, nostalgic

Great with: Mash, peas and proper gravy – like a posh chicken nugget dinner

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Cornflakes

Flavour: Classic crunch

Great with: Homemade coleslaw, oven chips, and a splash of salad cream if you're feeling retro

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Pretzel-Crumb

Flavour: Hearty, salty snap

Great with: New potatoes, steamed greens, and a mustardy mayo on the side

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Flamin’ Hot Doritos

Flavour: Spicy, cheesy heat

Great with: Cooled down with a dollop of plain yoghurt, served alongside couscous or a crunchy salad

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Ritz Crackers

Flavour: Buttery and rich

Great with: Buttered veg and roasties, or a crisp lettuce salad with a sharp dressing

This is more than a snack hack - it’s a whole new way to do chicken. Keep the base, change the crisp, and you’ve got endless easy meals with minimal effort.

Ideal for lazy evenings, fussy eaters, or when you want to impress without the stress!