Here’s a simple and crispy recipe for Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast—a healthier version of fried chicken that’s juicy inside, with a crunchy exterior, all made in the air fryer!
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray (for crispiness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the chicken breasts are thick, you can butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- Make the Breaded Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg, coating it completely. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- For extra crunch, repeat the dipping process (egg and breadcrumbs) for a thicker coating.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between them for air circulation.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Add Flavor Variations: You can add some dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for different flavors.
- Make It Spicy: For a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture or coat the chicken with a bit of hot sauce before breading.
- For Extra Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs and spray the chicken with a bit of olive oil before cooking for an extra crispy texture.
This Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast is a simple and healthy option that’s quick to prepare and tastes amazing with your favorite dipping sauces or a side of veggies!