When it comes to making the perfect chicken breast—juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside—your air fryer is your best ally.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating crispy air fryer chicken breast that’s not only delicious but also healthy, thanks to minimal oil use.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the Coating:
- 1 large egg beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Optional Add-Ons:
- Substitute almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Begin by prepping your chicken breasts. Pat them dry using a paper towel to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
- Slice the chicken breasts horizontally if they are too thick, ensuring even cooking. You can also use a meat mallet to gently pound them into an even thickness of about ½ inch.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Rub this spice mixture generously over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring an even coating.
Step 3: Set Up a Breading Station
- Arrange three shallow bowls for the breading process:
- One with all-purpose flour
- One with a beaten egg
- One with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese (if using)
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip it into the egg, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Finally, press it into the panko mixture, patting gently to ensure an even, thick coating.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a brush of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. If needed, cook in batches.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Flip and Continue Cooking
- Flip the chicken breasts and spray lightly with cooking oil.
- Continue air frying for an additional 8–10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), as measured with a meat thermometer.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
- Slice and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded chicken for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air circulation is key to achieving crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: These create a crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Monitor cooking time: Air fryer models vary, so check your chicken a few minutes early to prevent overcooking.
FAQs:
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier. Adjust the cooking time slightly based on thickness.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
3. How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Give it a try !