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Quick & Crispy: Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast in 30 Minutes

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A finger-licking good meal that’s quick and easy to make? That’s our Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast recipe. Say goodbye to soggy breading and hello to a perfectly crispy and juicy chicken breast. With the magic of your air fryer, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

breaded chicken breast in air fryer, served on black plate

Notes: We are currently in the development and testing stage for this air fryer breaded chicken recipe. Stay tuned for more updates. If you have any tips on making this dish even better, please leave us a comment below. We appreciate your input!

Happy frying!

air fryer breaded chicken breast bite shot, with asparagus on the side

Ingredients

To make our Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breasts, you’ll need:

  • Chicken breast
  • Flour
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Egg (or buttermilk)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Spices

You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.

You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.

Possible substitutes:

If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.

Instead of chicken breast, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a different twist.

By the way, remember the cooking spray, specifically avocado oil. Avocado oil results in a crispier and more golden brown breading than other types of fat.

Recipe Video

Here’s a video of a similar recipe that we’re going for.

YouTube video

How to Cook Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast?

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients.

Gather all your ingredients and set up your breading station. You’ll need three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for the egg (or buttermilk), and one for the breadcrumb mixture.

Combine the flour and spices together. Then, mix the breadcrumbs and parmesan.

Step 2: Preheat your air fryer.

Preating Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer to 400°F (204°C).

If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.

Step 3: Bread the chicken breast.

First of all, pat the chicken breast with paper towels to dry. Next, dredge the chicken breast in a flour mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

Then, dip the dredged chicken breast into the beaten egg. Let any excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken breast into the panko breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Step 4: Air fry breaded chicken breast.

Place the breaded chicken breast in the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s in a single layer without overlapping.

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.

I used a 6-quart air fryer to test this recipe. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.

Step 5: Prepare your favorite sauce (optional).

You can prepare a tasty sauce to enhance the flavors as the chicken cooks. Try a tangy honey mustard or a creamy garlic aioli. Alternatively, you can make some chicken gravy for added creamy touch.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy your crispy air fried breaded chicken breast!

Remove it from the air fryer once the chicken is golden brown and cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Chicken Breast Breaded and your preferred sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp garden salad.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want your chicken breast to be super tender, flatten it with a meat mallet before breading. Apart from its tenderizing effect, this also helps the chicken cook evenly.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast?

When it comes to serving your delicious air fryer breaded chicken breast, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to complement your chicken and create a well-rounded meal:

Fresh Salad: A refreshing salad is always a great choice to balance the richness of the chicken. Consider a crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Add some sliced avocado or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables make a fantastic side dish that pairs perfectly with breaded chicken breast. Choose your favorites, such as roasted carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini. Season them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your preferred herbs for a delightful and nutritious accompaniment.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side with chicken. Whip up smooth mashed potatoes using butter, milk, and a sprinkle of garlic powder or herbs for added flavor. The creamy texture and savory taste will complement the crispy chicken perfectly.

Rice Pilaf: For a heartier option, serve your air fryer breaded chicken breast with flavorful rice pilaf. Prepare a fragrant rice dish with vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions. Add some toasted almonds or raisins to enhance the taste and texture.

Sauces and Dips: Classic choices like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing are always crowd-pleasers. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a tangy buffalo sauce or a creamy garlic aioli for a delicious twist.

Remember, feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences and dietary needs. The goal is to create a well-balanced and satisfying meal that complements the crispy and flavorful air fryer breaded chicken breast. 

Freezing and Storage

If you have any leftovers, store the chicken breast in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To reheat the chicken, pop it back into the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed. 

With our easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal using your trusty air fryer. The crispy coating, tender chicken, and convenient cooking method make this recipe a winner for any home cook. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The cooking time for breaded chicken breast in the air fryer is typically around 12-15 minutes at a temperature of 400°F (200°C). Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking is essential to ensure even browning. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

prep time15 minutes
cooking time15 minutes

Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast

courseDinner, Lunch
cuisineAmerican
A finger-licking good meal that's quick and easy to make? That's our Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast recipe. Say goodbye to soggy breading and hello to a perfectly crispy and juicy chicken breast. With the magic of your air fryer, you'll have a delicious meal in no time.
breaded chicken breast in air fryer, served on black plate
5 from 1 vote
number of servings2

This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.

Ingredients
 

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Avocado oil

Instructions
 

  • Get your chicken breasts ready. Flatten them with a meat mallet for even cooking. If you prefer smaller portions, you can slice them crosswise before tenderizing them.
  • Prepare breading station: Combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. In another container, mix the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Then, whisk an egg until smooth in a separate bowl.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). If your air fryer has a capacity of 4 quarts or smaller, please see the note for more info.
  • Bread the Chicken Breast: Dredge each chicken breast into the flour mixture, coating it on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. Then dip the flour-coated chicken breasts into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Lastly, transfer the chicken breasts to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken. Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly coated.
  • Air fry breaded chicken breasts for 12-15 minutes. Start by carefully placing the breaded chicken breasts in the preheated air fryer basket. Spray the top of the chicken breasts with avocado oil to help them crisp up. Flip the chicken breasts halfway and continue cooking and spray any remaining dry area. Cook until golden and crispy. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or higher.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast! Slice the chicken breasts and serve them hot. They are delicious or can be paired with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • For 4-quart air fryers and smaller, reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C). They generate more heat because of the heating element’s proximity to the food.
  • If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, set your desired temperature and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food.
  • A meat thermometer is always recommended to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked. According to the USDA, any poultry product should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or higher.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, the thickness of your chicken breast and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 1078mg | Potassium: 546mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 525IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 163mg | Iron: 3mg
Keywords: air fryer breaded chicken breast, breaded chicken breast in air fryer

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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