Mouthwatering Crispy Golden Chicken Fried Steaks

Chicken Fried Steaks, Au Gratin Potatoes, and Bacon Balsamic Brussel Sprouts is what was in our kitchen this evening.

For YEARS (y’all will laugh when you realize I’m seriously talking about my ENTIRE life) I’ve tried to master the PERFECT chicken fried steak. I’ve always gotten so frustrated with the breading not sticking and basically making more of a mess than a dinner. Pizza usually gets ordered. BUT NOT TONIGHT. I know my grandpa Jimmy would be so proud of this (he always made the best) and that’s all that really matters to me. So of course I had to share what I learned. I hope your kitchen turns out less messy than mine.😂🥰🤩

WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE STEAKS:

• 4 (1/2 lb) beef steaks

• 2 cups flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 3/4 tsp salt

• 1-1/2 cups buttermilk

• 1 egg

• 1 TBS hot sauce (or to taste)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 cups shortening for frying (only needed if frying in a skillet - not needed if air frying)

STEPS TO PREP:

1. Place the 2 cups of flour in a shallow bowl and add the baking powder, baking soda, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper and salt in a separate shallow bowl. Stir in the buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, and garlic.

2. Dredge each steak (DRY — WET — DRY) first in the flour, then in the batter, and again in the flour. Pat the flour onto the surface of each steak so they are completely coated with dry flour. Dredging in the correct order is KEY!

This is where I have messed up in the past! If you dredge the wrong way (wet—dry—wet) the breading will fall right off during frying!

AIR FRYING STEPS:

1. After dredging — Spray one side of steak with Pam cooking spray (this is what helps it brown)

2. Place sprayed side of steak down in Air Fryer

3. Spray the other side (top) of the steak with cooking spray also and air fry at 360 degrees for 10 minutes!

4. Flip Steak Over and Cook for additional 7 minutes still at 360 degrees!

5. After that’s done one more time lightly spray one side with cooking spray and Flip Over then lightly spray other side with cooking spray and Turn Air Fryer up to 390 degrees cook for additional 5 minutes!

6. Then you’re done! WooHoo!!
   

👆🏼Above is after only 10 minutes in the air fryer!👆🏼

👇🏼Below is after completing all three rounds of air frying!👇🏼

PAN FRYING STEPS:

1. Heat the shortening in a deep cast-iron pan or heavy skillet to 325 degrees.

2. Fry the steaks until evenly golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side.

3. Place fried steaks on a plate with paper towels to drain.

And you can be done here if you choose but if you’re like me you like gravy with your chicken fried steaks! I’ll post those steps below!🤤🤤

CONTINUE FOR GRAVY STEPS:

1. Take a slotted spoon and collect all of the solid remnants that are in the oil and place in a bowl.

2. Drain the fat from the skillet, reserving 1/4 cup of the liquid.

3. Return the remnants to the skillet with the reserved 1/4 cup of oil.

4. On medium, whisk the remaining flour (only add a little at a time so it doesn’t just clump up) into the oil.

5. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to release solids into the gravy.

6. Stir in the milk, raise the heat to medium, and bring the gravy to a simmer, cook until thick, 6 to 7 minutes.

7. Season with salt and pepper.

8. Spoon the gravy over the steaks to serve. (Not pictured!)

I would say that this recipe is worth every minute spent on it. I know my Grandpa Jimmy would have been impressed with the meal I cooked tonight. That alone is enough for me. Drop a comment when you’ve tried it to let me know what you think!🤩🥰