Air-Fryer Breaded Chicken: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, crispy meal. It's a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses less oil and fat, and it's also a convenient option as there's no need to heat up the oven. The key to getting juicy, tender chicken is to use thin slices of chicken breast and to ensure there is good air circulation around the chicken while it cooks. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the meat and the temperature of your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 10-15 minutes for the chicken to cook through.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Breaded Chicken in an Air Fryer:

Oil and breadcrumbs

To cook breaded chicken in an air fryer, you'll need to use oil and breadcrumbs. This will give your chicken a crispy texture and seal in the moisture, keeping it juicy.

Firstly, you can use oil to coat the chicken before applying the breadcrumbs. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. You can use a variety of oils, such as olive, canola, or vegetable oil. Drizzle or spray the oil directly over the chicken and use your hands to ensure the chicken is well-coated.

The oil will also help to create a crispy texture when the chicken is cooked in the air fryer. You can also spray the chicken with oil during the cooking process to ensure even browning and to prevent the breading from burning.

When it comes to breadcrumbs, you can use any type of breadcrumbs you like. However, fine breadcrumbs are easier to coat the chicken with and create a better texture. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Season your breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. Mix the breadcrumbs with seasonings in a shallow dish, then coat each piece of chicken, ensuring it's well-covered and there are no excess breadcrumbs.

You can also add grated cheese, such as Parmesan or pecorino romano, to your breading mixture for extra flavour. Alternatively, you can skip the breadcrumbs altogether and just use seasoned flour or a mixture of flour and eggs for the coating.

Temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken and the thickness of the meat. It is recommended to always preheat the air fryer and to cook chicken at 380°F. For thin strips of chicken, cooking takes around 10 minutes. For thicker pieces, start with 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, and then check the internal temperature. The chicken is cooked when it hits 160°F.

For chicken tenderloins, one source recommends cooking at 425°F for 12 minutes, then lowering the temperature to 400°F and cooking for another 3-4 minutes. However, this source also notes that the cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and recommends using a thermometer to check the internal temperature. Another source recommends cooking chicken tenderloins at 350°F for 14 minutes, then flipping and cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for white meat and 175°F for dark meat.

To get a crispy texture, it is important to use a small amount of oil to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. One source recommends preheating the air fryer to 390°F and cooking the chicken until it is crispy and golden. Another source recommends cooking at 400°F for 7-8 minutes. It is important to note that different air fryers may run hotter or colder, so the temperature and timing may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Chicken preparation

For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice the chicken breasts into thin, even strips. The thinner the strips, the quicker the chicken will cook. You can also use chicken tenderloins.

If you have time, brine the chicken before breading. Dissolve two tablespoons of salt in two cups of room-temperature water. Leave the chicken in the brine for at least 15 minutes, or up to six hours in the fridge. Then, rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.

To prepare the breading, mix your chosen seasonings with breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. You can use dried or fresh herbs and spices, such as oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or chili powder. For a simple option, just use salt and pepper. For gluten-free chicken, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Coat the chicken pieces in the breading mixture. Make sure the chicken is well-covered and shake off any excess breadcrumbs. You can use the traditional method of egg and flour to help the breadcrumbs stick, or simply use a little oil.

Spray the air fryer basket with oil or non-stick spray. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces don't touch. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Breading methods

The traditional way of breading chicken is to use the egg and flour method. First, dip the chicken in egg with some milk or half-and-half, then coat it in flour. You can also add seasoning to the flour to enhance the flavour. However, this method can be messy and may not cook through in an air fryer, resulting in floury spots.

A popular alternative is to use breadcrumbs. First, coat the chicken in oil, then cover it in seasoned breadcrumbs. You can also add grated cheese to the breadcrumbs, such as Parmesan or pecorino. This method is less messy and cooks well in an air fryer, creating a crispy texture.

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also make your own Parmesan breadcrumbs by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and adding grated Parmesan cheese.

To get the breading to stick to the chicken, you can use buttermilk. Soak the chicken in buttermilk, then dip it in the flour or breadcrumbs. This will give the chicken a classic fried tenderness.

To cook the chicken, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the chicken in the basket, ensuring the pieces do not touch, and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F-175°F.

You can also bake the chicken in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Place the chicken in an oven-proof dish and bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, then turn them over and cook for a further 4-5 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Breaded chicken cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

Sauces

A sauce can add moisture and extra flavour to your breaded chicken. Try serving it with a cooling yogurt sauce, a tangy ranch dip, or a smoky BBQ sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, make a homemade Yum Yum sauce, the kind typically served at hibachi restaurants.

Cheese

For an indulgent twist, add some grated cheese to the breading. Finely grate some Parmesan or pecorino romano and mix it into the breading for a savoury kick. Alternatively, you can add cheese after the chicken is cooked. Try topping it with marinara sauce and sliced mozzarella, then put it back in the air fryer to warm through and melt the cheese.

Sides

Serve your breaded chicken with a crunchy chopped salad for a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken. If you're looking for something more substantial, roasted potatoes or fries are always a delicious option. For a heartier meal, serve the chicken over a bed of teriyaki stir-fried vegetables.

Breadcrumbs

While plain breadcrumbs are classic, you can elevate your breaded chicken by using seasoned breadcrumbs or even gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a finer crust, opt for fine breadcrumbs instead of coarse panko. If you're feeling creative, make your own breadcrumbs by blending leftover bread, such as turkey stuffing mix, into a coarse crumb.

Spices

Don't be afraid to experiment with spices in your breading. Try mixing in some ranch or BBQ seasoning for a unique flavour profile. If you like it spicy, add more chilli powder or dried chilli flakes. Other spices to consider include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt.

Breading Techniques

For a traditional breading, you can use the egg and flour method, dipping the chicken in egg before coating it in flour. However, if you want to simplify the process, you can skip the egg and flour and just use seasoned breadcrumbs. Brining the chicken beforehand will also add flavour and ensure it cooks evenly. To brine, dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 2 cups of room-temperature water, let the chicken sit in this solution for at least 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before breading.

With these serving suggestions, you can customise your breaded chicken to your taste preferences and create a delicious and crispy meal using your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions