Air Fryer Breaded Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient, healthier alternative to deep frying, and they're great for cooking breaded chicken. The air fryer's small size means it cooks food faster than an oven, and it's also easier to clean. Breaded chicken in an air fryer will be golden and crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside.

How to bread chicken

Breaded chicken is a great option for a quick, easy and tasty meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bread chicken:

Prepare the chicken

Start by drying the chicken breast with a clean paper towel. Then, slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise with a sharp kitchen knife, creating two even-sized pieces of chicken. If the chicken pieces are uneven, place them between some plastic wrap and pound them with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they are even.

Combine the breading ingredients

In a shallow bowl, combine the breading ingredients. You can use either the egg and breadcrumb method or the flour, egg and breadcrumb method. For the former, dip the chicken pieces in beaten eggs and then coat them with breadcrumbs. For the latter, coat the chicken pieces with flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and then coat them with breadcrumbs.

Coat the chicken

Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture and then in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated and that there are no excess breadcrumbs. If you are using the flour, egg and breadcrumb method, dip the chicken in the flour mixture, then the egg, and then the breadcrumbs.

Place the chicken in the air fryer

Lay the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Spray the chicken with a light coating of olive oil spray.

Air fry the chicken

Cook the chicken at 390°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Halfway through the cooking time, use kitchen tongs or a spatula to flip each piece of chicken.

Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. You can sprinkle it with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon for extra flavour.

Tips for crispy and juicy chicken:

• Use high-quality, organic and free-range chicken breasts
• Slice the chicken breasts in half to ensure even cooking and faster cooking time
• Use good quality breadcrumbs that are seasoned well
• Press the breading into the chicken after dipping it in the egg
• Use a wire rack in your air fryer, if possible, to promote crispiness

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for breaded chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size and type of air fryer you have, the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, and whether you are cooking other ingredients alongside the chicken.

Most sources recommend cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer at a temperature between 390°F and 400°F. One source recommends cooking at 350°F, but this is the only source that suggests a temperature this low.

Cooking times vary from 10 minutes to 25 minutes. If you are cooking chicken breasts, thinner cuts of meat will take less time to cook than thicker cuts. One source recommends cooking chicken breasts for 10-12 minutes, while another recommends 12-15 minutes. If you are cooking chicken tenders or chicken strips, these will take less time to cook than chicken breasts. One source recommends cooking chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, while another recommends 10 minutes.

If you are cooking chicken thighs, these will take longer to cook than chicken breasts. One source recommends cooking chicken thighs for 12-14 minutes, while another recommends 14-16 minutes.

If you are cooking a whole chicken that has been cut into 10 pieces (2 breasts, 2 wings, 2 legs, and 2 thighs), one source recommends cooking for 14 minutes, then flipping the chicken and cooking for a further 10-12 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 165°F. One source recommends an internal temperature of 175°F for dark meat.

It is also important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. The chicken pieces should not overlap, as this will prevent air from circulating around them. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Some sources recommend flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.

If you are cooking other ingredients alongside the chicken, such as potatoes, these will affect the cooking time and temperature.

Chicken preparation

Preparing chicken for the air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here are the steps you need to follow to get delicious, juicy, and tender chicken:

Step 1: Brining the Chicken (Optional)

Brining is an optional step, but it can help make your chicken juicier and more flavourful. To brine the chicken, dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 2 cups of room temperature water. Let the chicken sit in this saltwater solution for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time. If you want to brine for longer, you can leave it in the fridge for up to 6 hours. After brining, rinse the chicken with fresh water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Slicing the Chicken

For even cooking and to ensure your chicken stays juicy, it's best to slice the chicken into thinner pieces or cutlets. You can do this by placing the chicken breast on a cutting board and slicing it in half lengthwise. If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, you can place them between plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them out until they are even.

Step 3: Dredging and Coating the Chicken

There are two popular methods for coating your chicken:

Method 1: Egg and Breadcrumb Method

• Dip your chicken pieces in beaten eggs.
• Then, coat them with breadcrumbs. This will give your chicken a crispy outer layer.

Method 2: Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumb Method

• Coat your chicken pieces with flour.
• Dip them in beaten eggs.
• Finally, coat them with breadcrumbs for a more substantial and textured breading.

If you're using the egg and breadcrumb method, you can also drizzle oil directly over the chicken and coat it with seasoned dried breadcrumbs. Make sure to season your coating well, as this is where most of the flavour comes from. You can also add oil to the breadcrumbs and drizzle it over the chicken to help them stick and create a crispy texture.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 375°F and 400°F. Some recipes suggest a higher temperature of 415°F for a crispier chicken. Preheat for about 3-5 minutes before cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Place your chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. For even cooking, you may need to cook your chicken in batches. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the model of your air fryer. Use tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken carefully.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the air fryer a few degrees early, as the temperature will continue to rise while it rests.

Tips for Crispy and Juicy Chicken:

• Choose high-quality, organic, and free-range chicken breasts if possible.
• Thinly slice your chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
• Use good quality breadcrumbs that are seasoned well. Gluten-free breadcrumbs tend to get crispier in the air fryer.
• Press the breading into the chicken after dipping it in the egg to ensure it sticks.
• Flip your chicken halfway through cooking to prevent it from drying out and to get an even cook.
• Don't overcook your chicken, as this will result in dry meat.

Air fryer preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the boneless skinless chicken breast into thin cutlets. For even cooking, you want the chicken breasts to be thinner, so they cook faster and stay juicy. If the chicken breasts are uneven, place each piece between sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they are of even thickness.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken (Optional)

For extra flavour and tender meat, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for 5 to 10 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This step is optional but will add moisture to the chicken and help the breading adhere.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

You can bread the chicken using either of the following methods:

• Egg and Breadcrumb Method: Dip the chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then coat them with breadcrumbs.
• Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumb Method: Coat the chicken pieces with flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and finally coat them with breadcrumbs for a thicker, more textured breading.

Make sure to season the coating generously, as this is where most of the flavour comes from. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and flavour.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F. The ideal temperature will depend on your air fryer, but this step is important to ensure the chicken doesn't dry out.

Step 5: Transfer Chicken to Air Fryer

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Then, spray or drizzle the outside of the breaded chicken with cooking spray or oil. Place the chicken in the basket, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken

Air fry the chicken at the chosen temperature (between 380°F and 400°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. After the first 7 to 10 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the chicken. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes. The chicken is done when it turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat.

Tips for Success:

• Use an oil spray or a light drizzle of oil to help the breading stick to the chicken and create a crispy texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process for more even browning.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
• If you notice any dry spots or floury patches on the chicken during cooking, spray them lightly with oil to ensure they crisp up.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy air fryer breaded chicken!

Reheating and storage

The best way to reheat breaded chicken is to use an air fryer. This method is quick and easy, taking less than 10-15 minutes. It will also reheat the chicken pieces evenly and keep their crispy skin.

To reheat breaded chicken in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C.
• If desired, spray or brush the chicken with a bit of oil for extra crispiness.
• Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not piled on top of each other. Work in batches if necessary.
• Reheat for 5-7 minutes for tenders, 5-7 minutes for wings, and 8-10 minutes for larger pieces like breasts or thighs. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should be 165°F/74°C when perfectly cooked.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute before serving.

When reheating breaded chicken in an air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. It is also important to let the chicken come to room temperature before reheating, which will help it heat through without drying out.

If you have leftover breaded chicken that you want to reheat later, it is important to store it properly. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate the chicken within 2 hours and consume it within 3-4 days.

Do not reheat the chicken more than once, as this increases the risk of foodborne illness.

Frequently asked questions