Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast Recipe
This Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional fried chicken by using an air fryer for a perfectly crispy and juicy result in under 15 minutes. It's an easy, low-calorie meal ideal for quick weeknight dinners with minimal oil and maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5-6 ounces each) or 4 thin sliced chicken breasts
Breading
- 2 cups seasoned parmesan breadcrumbs (or make your own: 2 cups breadcrumbs + 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese + 2 tablespoons dried parsley + salt and pepper)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- Olive oil spray (non-aerosol), for extra crispy chicken
- Optional toppings: shredded parmesan cheese, lemon, parsley, red pepper flakes, hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breast: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise like a book to create two thinner pieces from each breast. Pat dry with a clean towel and pound with a meat mallet if needed to even out thickness for uniform cooking.
- Coat the chicken: Place the seasoned parmesan breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, kosher salt, and black pepper. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Repeat for all pieces.
- Preheat and prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and help achieve a crispy crust.
- Cook the chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Spray the top of each piece with olive oil spray. Cook for 6-7 minutes, then flip each piece carefully, spray the other side, and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when done.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow to rest for at least five minutes to retain juiciness. Slice and garnish with optional toppings such as a squeeze of lemon, shredded parmesan, parsley, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Flip and spray the chicken halfway through cooking to achieve an extra crispy crust.
- For homemade parmesan breadcrumbs, combine 2 cups breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 2 tablespoons dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
