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

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, juicy chicken with minimal oil. To make breaded chicken in an air fryer, you'll need to coat chicken breasts or tenders in a breading mixture, spray them with cooking spray, and cook them in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

- Chicken breasts or tenders

- Breadcrumbs (fine breadcrumbs or panko)

- Spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper)

- Olive oil or cooking spray

- Optional: eggs, flour, parmesan cheese

Method:

1. Prepare the chicken by slicing chicken breasts into thinner cutlets or using chicken tenders.

2. Create your breading mixture by combining breadcrumbs and your choice of spices in a shallow bowl. If using eggs and flour, whisk the eggs in a separate bowl, and place the flour in another bowl.

3. Coat the chicken pieces in the breading mixture. If using the egg and flour method, dip the chicken in the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breading mixture.

4. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil.

5. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. You may need to cook in batches.

6. Spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil.

7. Cook at 375-400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Enjoy your crispy, juicy air-fried chicken!

How to bread the chicken

There are two ways to bread chicken for the air fryer: the traditional egg and flour method, or the simpler breadcrumbs and oil method.

For the first method, you will need to dip the chicken pieces in beaten eggs and then coat them with breadcrumbs. This creates a crispy outer layer.

The second method involves drizzling oil over the raw chicken and coating it with seasoned dried breadcrumbs. The oil helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, creating a crispy texture.

If you opt for the first method, you can use any type of oil, but olive oil is recommended. For the second method, use olive, canola, or vegetable oil.

Make sure to season the coating, as this is where most of the flavour comes from. You can also add grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for a super golden and crispy coating.

If you have time, it is recommended to brine the chicken beforehand. Brining makes the chicken super tender and juicy. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 2 cups of room-temperature water and let the chicken sit in the solution for at least 15 minutes. Rinse with fresh water and pat dry before breading.

Tips for Perfectly Breaded Chicken

• Use good quality breadcrumbs and season them well.
• Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken after dipping it in the egg.
• Dry the chicken breast with a paper towel before dipping it in the egg and breadcrumbs.
• Space the chicken out in the air fryer and spray the coated chicken with olive oil spray to help the breadcrumbs stick.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Chicken is considered done when it reaches 165°F, but you can take it out at 155°F as the temperature will continue to rise.

How long to cook the chicken for

The cooking time for your breaded chicken in the air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken breasts you use, as well as the type of air fryer you have.

For thin, sliced chicken breasts, cook for about 10–12 minutes. Smaller chicken breasts will take around 10 minutes, while larger or thicker breasts will require more time, around 12–16 minutes.

You can also check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked. Chicken is considered done when it reaches 165°F, but you can take it out when it's between 155–160°F as the internal temperature will continue to rise as it rests.

What temperature to cook the chicken at

The optimal temperature to cook breaded chicken in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken breast and the type of air fryer being used. For example, a 4-ounce chicken breast will take 10-12 minutes, while an 8-ounce chicken breast will take 14-16 minutes or longer. It is important to note that the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is cooked properly.

When cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer, it is recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Additionally, it is suggested to spray the basket and the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil to help the breading stick and create a crispy texture.

It is also worth mentioning that different air fryer models may have varying temperature settings, so adjusting the temperature accordingly is essential. It is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer model.

How to store and reheat the chicken

Storing your breaded chicken is an important step to ensure it stays fresh and edible. If you're planning to store your chicken, it's best to let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Consume it within 3 to 4 days; it's best to eat it as soon as possible after reheating.

When reheating your breaded chicken in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 360°F to 390°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces don't overlap. Reheat for 5 to 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through for even cooking. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F.

You can also reheat breaded chicken in a lightly greased pan over medium heat. It is also suitable for serving at room temperature on top of salads.

What to serve the chicken with

Now that you've made your juicy, crunchy, and perfectly cooked air-fried chicken, it's time to think about what to serve it with. Here are some ideas for sides and condiments to accompany your delicious breaded chicken:

Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or Crock Pot Baked Potatoes are classic pairings with chicken. For something a little different, try Parmesan Potato Wedges, which can be dipped in ketchup or ranch dressing. Crispy Smashed Potatoes are another great option, offering both crispness and creaminess.

Roasted Vegetables

Take advantage of your oven being free and roast up some Brussels sprouts or broccoli.

Sautéed Veggies

If you don't want to turn the oven on, sautéed Brussels sprouts, cabbage, or carrots are a great option.

Slaw

A healthy, tangy coleslaw or an Asian cabbage slaw will provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Dipping Sauce

Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip and Barbecue Sauce are always winners.

Condiments

Pickled onions are especially tasty with all-American classics like fried chicken.

Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the perfect textural contrast to crunchy chicken.

Bread

Buttery biscuits are a savoury match for breaded chicken, or try some honey cornbread.

Salads

A fresh cherry tomato salad or a crunchy lemon-pesto garden salad will complement the chicken.

Beans

Green beans are delicious with fried chicken, and you can eat them with your fingers too! Baked beans are another option, especially if you like to dip your chicken in barbecue sauce.

Squash

In the winter, embrace the cosy with some thymed zucchini or pattypan squash.

Other Ideas

Other sides to consider include collard greens with bacon, cucumber salad, or Mexican street corn.

There are plenty of options to choose from, so you can mix and match to create the perfect meal!

Frequently asked questions