Air Fryer Breaded Chicken: Timing For Perfect Crispy Results

Cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, crunchy, and healthy meal. It's also a great option for those who are short on time or don't want to deal with the mess of deep frying. With an air fryer, you can have juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken that's crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside in under half an hour.

How long breaded chicken in an air fryer?

How to bread chicken for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, giving it a crispy texture without the need for deep frying. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bread chicken for air frying:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin cutlets. This will help the chicken cook more quickly and evenly. You can also use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the chicken to an even thickness.

Step 2: Drizzle with Oil

Place the chicken in a bowl and drizzle with oil olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Ensure that the chicken is well coated. This step will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken and create a crispy texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow dish, mix dried breadcrumbs with your desired seasonings. You can use plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, which are larger and crispier. For whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko, you may need to dip the chicken in egg first to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Seasonings can include:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Thyme

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken in the breading mixture, ensuring that it is well coated and there are no excess breadcrumbs. You can also sprinkle the chicken with a pinch of salt before breading to enhance the flavour.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). You can switch on the air fryer about 5 minutes before cooking to ensure the chicken does not dry out.

Step 6: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket, ensuring that the pieces do not overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Step 7: Cook the Chicken

Air fry the chicken for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. For thinner cutlets, 10-12 minutes should be sufficient. For larger or thicker breasts, cook for 12-16 minutes.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

To check if the chicken is done, use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the chicken to make sure it is cooked through.

Tips:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure proper air circulation.
• Always flip or shake the basket during cooking to ensure even cooking.
• For gluten-free breading, use certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Gluten-free breading options

If you're looking for gluten-free breading options, there are several alternatives you can try. Here are some methods to achieve that crispy, golden texture while adhering to your dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs

Gluten-free breadcrumbs are readily available at most grocery stores. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can make your own at home using gluten-free bread. Simply pulse or blend gluten-free bread slices into coarse or fine crumbs, depending on your preference. Add some olive oil and salt to taste, spread the seasoned crumbs on a baking sheet, and bake until golden brown. These homemade breadcrumbs will add a delightful crispiness to your air-fried chicken.

Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for breading chicken, but they are typically made with white bread containing gluten. However, you can find gluten-free panko options from brands like Ian's. This variety of breadcrumbs will give your chicken a lighter, airier texture.

Gluten-Free Flour

Gluten-free flour can be used as the first layer of coating for your chicken. It provides a base for the eggs to adhere to and results in a thicker coating. There are various gluten-free flour blends available, such as Bob's Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour or their all-purpose gluten-free flour.

Spices and Seasonings

While not a breading option, spices and seasonings play a crucial role in enhancing the flavour of your chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or even taco seasoning for a spicy kick. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste as well.

Egg and Milk Mixture

Before dipping your chicken into the breadcrumbs, you can prepare an egg and milk mixture for the second layer of coating. This combination helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken and creates a thicker, crispier texture.

With these gluten-free breading options, you can still enjoy delicious, crispy chicken from your air fryer while accommodating your dietary restrictions.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for breaded chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of the air fryer. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74-75°C) to avoid food poisoning.

For example, if you are cooking chicken tenderloins, they will take around 12 minutes to cook through. On the other hand, larger pieces of chicken such as chicken breasts will take longer, around 15-20 minutes. It is recommended to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and crispness.

To get the best results, it is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket and leave some space between each piece of chicken. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly and ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Additionally, preheating the air fryer for about 5-10 minutes before adding the chicken can help ensure that the chicken does not dry out during cooking. The ideal temperature for cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer is around 390-400°F (200°C).

What temperature to cook at

The temperature you cook your breaded chicken in the air fryer at will depend on the type of breading you use. For example, if you use panko breadcrumbs, you'll need to cook your chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 14-16 minutes. However, if you use whole wheat or plain breadcrumbs, you should cook your chicken at 390°F (200°C) for 6-11 minutes.

If you're using frozen breaded chicken, the temperature remains the same as fresh breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C). However, the cooking time will be slightly longer, at 16-18 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.

Additionally, when breading your chicken, it's crucial to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated and that there is no overlap between the pieces in the air fryer basket. This will ensure that the heat is distributed evenly and that your chicken cooks through properly.

Finally, 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 crispness on both sides.

How to cook from frozen

How to Cook Frozen Breaded Chicken in an Air Fryer from Frozen

Cooking frozen breaded chicken in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a meal. It is also a convenient way to cook frozen food without defrosting it first. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen breaded chicken in an air fryer straight from frozen.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Remove the frozen chicken breast fillets from their packaging. There is no need to thaw the chicken before cooking. You can use any brand of frozen breaded chicken for this recipe.

Step 2: Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Place the chicken fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving spaces between them. Do not overcrowd the air fryer, as this will affect the cooking process and the chicken may not cook evenly.

Step 3: Set the Air Fryer Temperature and Time

Set the air fryer temperature to between 350-400°F (175-200°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, but it typically takes around 15-20 minutes. For thicker chicken breasts, you may need to add a few extra minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and cook the chicken. There is no need to preheat the air fryer beforehand, and you do not need to add any extra oil spray.

Step 5: Flip the Chicken

After about half of the cooking time has passed, flip the chicken breasts over to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Check the Internal Temperature

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). If the chicken has not reached this temperature, continue cooking and check the temperature again in a few minutes.

Step 7: Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This helps ensure the juices are distributed and the chicken stays moist.

Tips:

• You can use any type of frozen breaded chicken for this recipe, including tenders, wings, or drumsticks.
• For a crispy exterior, you can spray the chicken with a light coating of cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer.
• Avoid stacking or overlapping the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process helps ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
• Different brands of frozen breaded chicken may have slightly different cooking times and temperatures, so adjust as needed.
• You can serve the chicken with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, or rice.

Frequently asked questions