Name: Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-491759H48M47S
Total time: PT-491759H48M47S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5-6 ounces each, sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 cutlets); 2 cups seasoned Parmesan breadcrumbs (or homemade: 2 cups breadcrumbs + ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese + 2 tablespoons dried parsley + salt and pepper); 2 large eggs; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; Olive oil cooking spray (non-aerosol), for crispiness; Shredded Parmesan cheese (for topping); Lemon wedges (for sprinkling after cooking); Fresh or dried parsley; Red pepper flakes; Hot sauce (to drizzle after cooking); Additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning

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Introduction

This crispy air fryer breaded chicken breast recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. It delivers a perfectly golden and juicy result in under 15 minutes, making it an easy and delicious meal for any day of the week.

The image shows a breaded fried chicken breast, golden brown and crispy on the outside, placed on a flat surface with a white marbled texture. Next to the whole piece, there are several slices of the chicken arranged in a row, showing the inside which is white and tender. The crispy coating has a rough texture with some darker toasted spots, contrasting with the smooth, light-colored meat inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5–6 ounces each) – or 4 thin sliced chicken breasts
2 cups seasoned parmesan breadcrumbs – or make your own (see notes)
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Olive oil spray (non-aerosol) – for extra crispy chicken
Optional seasoning: shredded parmesan cheese, lemon, parsley, red pepper flakes, hot sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the chicken by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you have 2 pieces from each breast. Pat dry with a clean towel. Pound with a meat mallet if needed to ensure even thickness.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper. Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing the coating firmly into the chicken.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and spray the basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Spray the top of the chicken lightly with olive oil spray.
Step 4: Cook for 6-7 minutes, then carefully flip each piece, spray the other side with olive oil spray, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is golden and crispy.
Step 5: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and additional seasoning if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use organic, free-range chicken breasts for better flavor and texture.
Make your own parmesan breadcrumbs by mixing 2 cups breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated parmesan, 2 tablespoons dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
Press the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken to help the coating stick and become crispier.
Flip the chicken halfway through cooking and spray both sides with olive oil for an extra crispy crust.
Try seasoning the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; no need to slice them in half.
Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes after cooking for a spicy kick.

Storage

Allow cooked chicken to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap each piece individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat refrigerated or thawed chicken in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through to retain crispiness.

How to Serve

The image shows a crispy fried chicken breast on a white marbled surface. The chicken is golden brown with a crunchy, uneven texture on the outside. Below the whole piece are several slices of the same chicken, revealing the juicy white meat inside with a thin crispy crust around each piece. A woman's hand is not visible, the focus is fully on the chicken pieces. The arrangement is simple, highlighting the contrast between the crunchy outside and tender inside of the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How do you keep air fryer breaded chicken breast moist and juicy?

Slice the chicken breasts evenly and pound if needed to ensure uniform thickness. Check the chicken’s temperature around 8 minutes, continuing to cook until it reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

How do you prevent breading from falling off during cooking?

Dry the chicken well before breading, season the breadcrumb mixture instead of the chicken itself, and press the breading firmly onto the chicken. Space pieces evenly in the air fryer basket and spray with olive oil spray to help the coating stick better.