Air fryer breaded chicken breasts are a quick and crispy way to enjoy a healthier version of fried chicken. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs/680 g total)
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets for even cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
- In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
- In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating it completely.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Repeat for all chicken breasts.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken breasts with olive oil spray.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Tips:
- Crispier Chicken: For extra crispiness, give the chicken an additional spray of olive oil halfway through cooking.
- Make Ahead: Bread the chicken the night before and refrigerate. Air fry when ready to cook.
- Flavor Variations: Add dried herbs (rosemary, thyme) or spices (cayenne, smoked paprika) to the breadcrumbs for different flavor profiles.
Enjoy your crispy, air-fried breaded chicken breasts—tender inside and crunchy outside!