This Crispy Chicken Breast made in the air fryer is a total winner! It’s juicy on the inside with a golden, crunchy outside. Plus, it’s much healthier without all the frying oil!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip this up. Just season and pop it in the air fryer—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. You’ll want to make it over and over!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Bone-in or skin-on chicken works too if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly. Thighs can also add moisture and flavor if that’s your preference!
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a great crunch. If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs will do. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or even crushed crackers can create a nice texture!
Flour: All-purpose flour is classic, but you could use whole wheat flour for a healthier choice. Gluten-free flour also fits if you need dietary substitutions.
Eggs: For a vegan option, try a mixture of ground flaxseed and water or unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps with crispness. If you want something different, avocado oil or even cooking spray can be good alternatives.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
To ensure a crispy coating, the breading technique is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with dry hands to prevent the coating from sticking to you instead of the chicken.
- Ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated in flour—this helps the egg stick.
- When dipping in the egg, let excess drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Press the breadcrumb mix onto the chicken firmly to help it adhere better.
Remember, the drizzle of olive oil on top is a game-changer for achieving that golden crust. Happy frying!
Crispy Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferably for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Extras:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need approximately 25-30 minutes from start to finish to enjoy crispy, delicious chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken gets that great crispy texture when cooking.
2. Set Up Your Dipping Stations:
Take three shallow bowls and set them up like this: in the first bowl, add the flour. For the second bowl, crack and whisk the eggs until well mixed. In the last bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring until evenly mixed. This will help flavor your chicken nicely!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Now it’s time to coat your chicken! Take each chicken breast and first dip it into the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip the floured chicken into the whisked eggs, letting any extra drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick well. This will give you that crispy coating we love!
4. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Take your coated chicken breasts and lightly drizzle them with olive oil. This will help them get that gorgeous golden color and crunchiness while cooking.
5. Air Fry the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching to allow for even cooking. Then, set your timer for 12-15 minutes. Remember to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure it gets crispy on both sides!
6. Check for Doneness:
Once the timer goes off, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C). If they need a little more time, give them an extra 1-2 minutes if necessary.
7. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in. After resting, slice the chicken, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve it with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing zing. Enjoy your crispy chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and can add extra flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through—be sure they also reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, try using crushed cornflakes, crushed crackers, or even ground oats as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Just make sure to adjust any seasonings if necessary to maintain flavor.
How to Store Leftover Crispy Chicken?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it crispy when reheating, place it back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Eggs?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water or use plain yogurt as a binding agent. This will help the breadcrumbs stick while keeping your dish delicious and crispy!
