Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- 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
