Air-Fried Panko Chicken: A Healthy, Crispy Treat

Panko chicken is a delicious, healthy, and quick meal that can be made in an air fryer. It is versatile and can be served as a cutlet, in a sandwich, wrap, or on a salad. The dish is also relatively easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Panko chicken is also a healthier alternative to fried chicken as it requires less oil and fat. The air fryer gives the chicken a crispy texture without the need for excess oil, making it a favourite for many families.

How to make panko chicken in an air fryer

Panko chicken is a delicious, healthy, and quick meal that can be made in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make crispy and juicy panko chicken in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Milk (optional)
• Flour (oat or all-purpose)
• Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, basil)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Dipping sauces (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the chicken breasts by slicing them into thinner pieces or pounding them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
• Set up three separate bowls or plates for dredging: one with flour mixed with spices, one with whisked eggs or milk, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with spices.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
• Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the floured chicken into the egg or milk, ensuring it is evenly coated.
• Place the chicken in the panko breadcrumb mixture and coat both sides, pressing down to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (depending on the model).
• Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to allow air circulation. You may need to cook in batches.
• Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Cook the chicken for 4-8 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when fully cooked.
• Serve with your choice of dipping sauces such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, marinara, or ranch.

Tips:

• Using a wire rack in your air fryer can help keep the chicken crispy on the bottom.
• For gluten-free panko chicken, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

How to store and reheat panko chicken

Panko chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To preserve the crispy texture, let the chicken cool down completely at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before storing to prevent condensation.

To reheat, you can use an air fryer set to about 325°F for 6-8 minutes, or a preheated oven at 350°F or 400°F for about 10 minutes. You can also reheat the leftovers in a skillet or serve them cold—they're perfect for sandwiches or wraps.

How to get panko to stick to chicken

Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs made from crustless white bread. They are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a crispier texture when used for frying.

To get panko to stick to chicken, you can follow these steps:

• Prepare the chicken breasts: Slice the chicken breasts to get two thinner slices from each breast. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness throughout.
• Set up three dipping stations:

• Station 1: Place flour on a plate and add seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Station 2: Whisk an egg in a bowl and add a small amount of milk or water if desired.
• Station 3: Place panko breadcrumbs on another plate and season with salt and pepper or other spices.

• Dredge the chicken: Use tongs to coat the chicken pieces evenly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Dip in the egg wash: Fully coat the floured chicken in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Coat with panko: Using tongs, gently shake off any excess egg and coat the chicken with the panko breadcrumbs. Press down gently with your palms to help the panko adhere to the chicken.
• Refrigerate: Place the coated chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the coating to set and helps the panko stick better.
• Fry or air fry: You can now fry or air fry your chicken until golden brown and cooked through.

By following these steps, you will ensure that the panko sticks to the chicken, resulting in a crispy and delicious coating.

How to check if chicken is cooked

Panko chicken is a great dish to make in an air fryer. It's healthier than deep-frying, quicker, and there's less mess to clean up afterwards.

But how do you know when your chicken is cooked? Here are some ways to check:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the middle of the chicken to check that it's cooked. The meat should be white with no pink colour remaining.
• If you're cooking chicken strips, check that they're cooked through by inserting a knife into the thickest part of the strip. If the juices run clear, with no cloudy colour or redness, then the chicken is cooked.

It's important to ensure that chicken is thoroughly cooked before eating, to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

What to serve with panko chicken

Panko chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complement your crispy and juicy panko chicken:

Starchy Sides

• Mashed potatoes, especially when paired with the bright flavours of the panko chicken and a lemon cream sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan mashed potatoes take the classic mashed potatoes up a notch with the addition of garlic and cheese.
• Baked sweet potato slices offer a sweet and savoury contrast to the crunchy chicken.
• Smashed fingerling potatoes are a fun and flavourful way to enjoy potatoes, and they pair well with the chicken.
• Rice, especially jasmine rice with lime zest or green onion, is a great option to accompany the panko chicken.

Vegetables

• Grilled lemon pepper asparagus provides a tangy and refreshing side to balance the richness of the dish.
• Lemon-roasted broccoli is another zesty option to pair with the panko chicken, especially if you're looking for a bright and healthy option.
• A simple garlic roasted vegetable medley is always a winner and can include a variety of your favourite veggies.
• Steamed vegetables are a healthy and quick option to round out your meal.
• Oil and vinegar cucumber salad is a refreshing choice, especially during warmer months.
• Dill pea and cucumber salad is another refreshing option that brings together the crispness of cucumbers and the bright flavour of dill.
• Mediterranean Low Carb Broccoli Salad is a tasty and healthy option to accompany your panko chicken.

Other Ideas

• Panko-breaded chicken can be served with a variety of sauces, such as lemon cream sauce, ketchup, or marinara sauce.
• For a heartier meal, serve the chicken on top of greens with a Caesar dressing.
• Leftover panko chicken is delicious in sandwiches or wraps, providing a crunchy texture.

Frequently asked questions