Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Chicken Breast recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy meal made effortlessly in the air fryer. The seasoned breadcrumb coating creates a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside. It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless chicken breasts (cut into fillets or cutlets)
• 1 tablespoon oil (olive or vegetable)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• For the bread coating:
• ½ cup fine breadcrumbs (can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary restrictions)
• 1 tablespoon flour (all-purpose or almond flour for a low-carb option)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (or paprika for a milder version)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy finish.
2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, salt, and chili powder until well combined.
3. Step 3: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then lightly brush them with oil. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Coat each chicken fillet evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well.
5. Step 5: Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap.
6. Step 6: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, spray the coated chicken lightly with oil before air frying.
• Swap chili powder with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without heat.
• Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a low-carb or gluten-free alternative.
• Serve with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store any leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness without drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper coating adhesion. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid under or overcooking.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 60 reviews

This Crispy Chicken Breast recipe uses an air fryer to achieve perfectly crunchy and juicy chicken with a flavorful breadcrumb coating. Ideal for a quick, healthy meal, the air fryer cooks the chicken to golden perfection with minimal oil, making it a great low-fat option.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 large boneless chicken breasts (cut into fillets or cutlets)
• 1 tablespoon oil (olive or vegetable)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Bread Coating

• ½ cup fine breadcrumbs (can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary restrictions)
• 1 tablespoon flour (all-purpose, or almond flour for a low-carb option)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (or paprika for a milder version)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into fillets or cutlets to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.
2. Season the Chicken: Lightly brush or rub the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of oil, then sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper evenly over each piece to season the meat.
3. Make the Bread Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup of fine breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon chili powder or paprika. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well on all sides. Place the coated chicken on a plate or tray ready for air frying.
5. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for crisp cooking.
6. Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crusty golden brown.
7. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
8. Serve: Remove the crispy chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.

Notes

• Cutting the chicken into fillets ensures even cooking and crispier coating.
• You can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free options if needed.
• Adjust spices in the coating to suit your heat preference—use paprika for less spice or chili powder for some kick.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for best crispiness.
• Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.

Keywords: Crispy Chicken Breast, Air Fryer Chicken, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Quick Chicken Dinner, Low Fat Chicken