Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast Recipe
This Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. It delivers perfectly crispy and juicy chicken in under 15 minutes using an air fryer, requiring minimal oil and producing a crunchy golden crust with a tender interior. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe combines simple ingredients like boneless skinless chicken breast, Parmesan breadcrumbs, eggs, and a light spray of olive oil for that irresistible texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Healthy Dinner Ideas
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5–6 ounces each, sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 cutlets)
Breading
- 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
Other
- Olive oil cooking spray (non-aerosol), for crispiness
Optional for extra flavor
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then slice each breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thin, even cutlets. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken pieces between plastic wrap or parchment paper if needed, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Prepare the breading: In one shallow bowl, place the Parmesan breadcrumbs. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs with salt and pepper. Season the breadcrumb mixture if not using pre-seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well. Repeat until all pieces are coated.
- Preheat and prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Air fry the chicken: Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving 1-2 inches between pieces. Lightly spray the top of the chicken with olive oil spray. Cook for 6-7 minutes, then carefully flip each piece over, spray the other side with olive oil spray, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Optionally, sprinkle with freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra salt and pepper, or your choice of toppings like shredded Parmesan, red pepper flakes, parsley, or hot sauce. Slice and serve over a fresh salad or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.
- Flip chicken halfway through cooking and spray with olive oil for the crispiest crust.
- To make your own Parmesan breadcrumbs: mix 2 cups breadcrumbs with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, use an air fryer set at 350°F for a few minutes or microwave until warmed through.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Optional ingredients like hot sauce, lemon, and red pepper flakes can be added after cooking to enhance flavor.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts; adjust cooking time accordingly and no need to slice them in half.
Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, breaded chicken, crispy chicken, healthy fried chicken, air fryer recipes, low calorie chicken, quick chicken dinner
