Air Fryer And Panko: A Perfect Match?

Panko breadcrumbs are a great way to get crispy chicken without the need for deep-frying. You can use them in an air fryer to make juicy and tender chicken breasts or tenders with a crunchy coating. This is a quick and easy way to cook chicken, taking less than 30 minutes, and it's a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides or in a wrap or sandwich.

Panko chicken in the air fryer: a healthy, quick, and easy family meal

Panko chicken is a delicious, healthy, and quick meal that your entire family will love. This recipe is super versatile and can be served as a cutlet, in a sandwich, wrap, or on a salad. It can be served with a side of spinach quinoa salad, vegetables, or air-fried potatoes.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Oregano
• Basil
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Marinara sauce
• Cheese (provolone or mozzarella)

Method:

• Cut the chicken breasts in half to get thin slices.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Mix together the panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and garlic powder in a shallow plate.
• Whisk the eggs in a separate shallow dish.
• Dip the chicken in the eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are covered.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches.
• Cook at 375°F/190°C for 6 minutes, then flip the chicken over.
• Top each breast with a spoonful of marinara sauce and cheese, then cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.

Tips:

• To get the breadcrumbs to stick better, use eggs instead of milk.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can pan-fry the chicken in an oil-coated skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side, then place in the oven at 425°F/220°C for 15-20 minutes.
• To reheat, place in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes to crisp up the chicken again.

Enjoy your healthy, crispy, and juicy panko chicken!

How to make panko chicken in the air fryer

Panko chicken is a delicious, healthy, and quick meal that can be made in an air fryer. It is a great alternative to deep-fried chicken, as it is almost oil-free and much healthier. 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
• Salt and pepper
• Other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, paprika, etc.
• Cooking oil spray
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, flour, milk/egg wash, mayonnaise, mustard

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts to get thinner slices, ideally around 1/4 inch thick. You can butterfly or pound the chicken to get the desired thickness. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, as this will help the breadcrumbs stick better. You can also season the chicken with salt and pepper or other spices of your choice.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations

Set up three dishes for the breading process: one with flour, one with an egg wash, and one with the panko breadcrumbs. You can season the flour and breadcrumbs with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you want a thicker coating, you can also dip the chicken in milk or egg wash and then flour again before moving to the breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken and coat it with flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg wash, and finally, coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, making sure to press down so that the breadcrumbs adhere well. Use tongs to keep your fingers clean during this process.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking oil. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip the pieces over, spray with oil again, and cook for another 5-7 minutes. The chicken is ready when it is golden brown and cooked through. You can check this with an instant-read thermometer (internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C) or by cutting into the centre to ensure the meat is white with no pink.

Step 5: Serve and Store

Panko chicken goes well with various sides, such as mashed potatoes, salad, rice, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it as a sandwich or wrap. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.

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 freeze, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and foil and store for up to three months.

When reheating, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until heated through. For best results, place on a wire rack to allow air circulation and maximum crispiness. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 375°F for about four minutes to restore crispness.

It is worth noting that panko chicken will likely not retain its crispness after being stored, but it will not get too soggy either.

The best breadcrumbs for air fryer chicken

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, juicy chicken without the need for deep frying in oil. The circulating heat of an air fryer means you can achieve the same level of crispiness as deep-fried chicken, while the inside stays tender.

Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for air fryer chicken. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb made from crustless white bread that is baked using an electric current. They create a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs and are readily available in most supermarkets. Panko breadcrumbs are also a good gluten-free option.

Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Parmesan breadcrumbs are another option and are said to make the coating even crispier and golden. You can also add grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Other Options

There are several other options for breading chicken in an air fryer, including:

• Cornflakes
• Almond flour
• Pork rinds or cracklins
• Potato chips
• Corn chips
• Shake 'n Bake
• Mayo and breadcrumbs with parmesan
• Flour and egg

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken

For the best results, it is recommended to:

• Use thin chicken breasts, or slice thicker breasts in half lengthwise to create cutlets.
• Use cooking spray or olive oil spray to coat the chicken and help the breadcrumbs stick.
• Season the breadcrumbs with spices such as oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent steaming instead of crisping.

How to get panko to stick to chicken

Panko chicken is a delicious, healthy, and quick meal that can be cooked in an air fryer. Here are some tips to ensure the panko sticks to the chicken:

Dry the Chicken

Use a paper towel to pat the chicken breast dry before coating it with the panko breadcrumbs. This will help to ensure that the panko sticks to the chicken and creates a crispy texture.

Use Eggs

After drying the chicken, dip it in a bowl of whisked eggs. This will act as a glue to help the panko stick to the chicken. You can also use milk, but eggs tend to work better.

Combine Panko with Other Ingredients

To enhance the flavour and crispiness of the panko coating, you can mix the panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to combine these ingredients well and transfer them to a shallow plate or dish for easier coating.

Press Down on the Panko

When coating the chicken with panko, use your palms to press down gently. This helps to ensure that the panko adheres well to the chicken and creates an even layer.

Allow the Coating to Set

After coating the chicken with panko, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. This will help the panko to set and stick to the chicken better during cooking.

Spray with Oil

Once the chicken is coated with panko and placed in the air fryer, spray the top side with a neutral cooking oil spray (avocado oil or canola oil are recommended). This will help to ensure that the panko doesn't dry out and will add to the crispiness.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the panko sticks well to your chicken and creates a delicious, crispy texture when cooked in the air fryer. Enjoy your healthy and tasty meal!

Frequently asked questions