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crispy air fryer chicken breast

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Who doesn’t love a juicy, crispy chicken breast? But let’s face it, frying in oil can be messy, unhealthy, and time-consuming.
Enter the air fryer: your secret weapon for creating perfectly crispy chicken with minimal oil.
This recipe is for busy parents, health-conscious foodies, or anyone who craves delicious chicken without the guilt.
Get ready to impress your family or guests with this quick, easy, and flavor-packed dish!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

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.