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

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook a healthy, tasty, and quick meal. They can be used to cook a variety of foods, including chicken steaks. The time it takes to cook breaded chicken steaks in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steaks and the power of the air fryer. On average, it takes around 8-15 minutes to cook breaded chicken steaks in an air fryer. The ideal temperature to cook chicken steaks in an air fryer is 360°F/ 180°C to 400°F.

How to bread chicken

Breaded chicken is a versatile dish that can be served as an entrée, the base for chicken Parmesan, on a salad, or in a sandwich. There are several ways to bread chicken, and the method you choose will depend on the type of crust you want. Here is a simple technique that will help you bread chicken like a pro.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or mayonnaise

Optional ingredients for more flavour:

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest

Utensils

• Cutting board
• Plastic wrap
• Meat tenderizer or rolling pin
• Shallow dishes
• Skillet
• Paper towels

Step-by-Step Guide

Butterfly and pound the chicken breasts into thin cutlets. This will ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Arrange the cutlets in a single layer on a plastic wrap-covered cutting board. Cover with another layer of plastic wrap and pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Remove the top layer of plastic wrap and season the cutlets with salt and pepper.

In three separate shallow dishes, add flour to the first, beat eggs lightly in the second, and combine breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in the third dish. Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge it in flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture and gently tap the side of the dish to remove the excess. Finally, add the cutlet to the breadcrumb mixture and press gently until the crumbs adhere. Repeat this process for all the cutlets.

Line a rimmed baking sheet or large plate with paper towels. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the breaded cutlets and fry until deep golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes per side. Drain the fried cutlets on the paper towel-lined plate.

Your juicy and crispy breaded chicken is now ready to be served!

How long to cook chicken in an air fryer

The cooking time for chicken in an air fryer depends on the type of chicken, the size of the chicken, and the desired level of doneness.

Air Frying Breaded Chicken Breasts

For breaded chicken breasts, it is recommended to air fry at a temperature between 360°F and 390°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will result in golden and crispy chicken that is juicy and tender on the inside. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the model of the air fryer.

Air Frying Unbreaded Chicken Breasts

For unbreaded chicken breasts, air fry at a temperature between 390°F and 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Air Frying Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak, also known as country fried steak, is typically made with cube steak, a cut of beef that has been flattened and tenderized. To cook chicken fried steak in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 370°F and cook the steak for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping and spraying with oil halfway through. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F.

Tips for Air Frying Chicken

• It is important to preheat the air fryer before cooking chicken, especially when using a breaded coating.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked through.
• For juicy and flavorful chicken, brine the chicken beforehand by soaking it in a saltwater solution for at least 15 minutes.
• When breading chicken, use a dry hand for the dry ingredients and a wet hand for the wet ingredients to prevent a sticky mess.

How to make unbreaded chicken in the air fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). While that is heating up, season your chicken breasts with your preferred herbs and spices. You could try salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or perhaps fajita seasoning or taco seasoning.

Next, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You don't want them to be touching. If your air fryer sticks, spray it with oil first.

Cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, flipping the breasts over halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This cooking time is based on 4-5oz chicken breasts, so adjust accordingly if your chicken breasts are larger.

Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.

How to brine chicken

Now, onto the brining!

Brining is a technique where chicken or other meat is soaked in a brining solution before cooking. This process adds moisture, flavour and tenderness to the meat. The salt in the brine solution causes the muscle fibres of the chicken to relax, allowing water to be absorbed. The salt also breaks down the protein structure of the chicken, enhancing its tenderness.

To make a basic brine, you will need:

• Kosher salt
• Granulated sugar
• Water

You can also add other ingredients such as:

• Brown sugar or honey
• Herbs
• Lemons or oranges

For a more savoury brine, you could include:

• Dried sage
• Dried basil
• Garlic
• Peppercorns
• Bay leaves

How to Make the Brine

To make the brine, start by dissolving the salt and sugar in the water. Whisk the mixture until the salt and sugar have fully dissolved. You can then add any other ingredients you wish to include.

Brining the Chicken

Once your brine is ready, place the chicken in a bowl and pour the brine on top. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, but no more than six hours.

Before cooking the chicken, be sure to rinse it and pat it dry.

Tips

• Do not reuse the brine as it can contain harmful bacteria from the raw chicken.
• It is important to refrigerate the chicken during brining to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Brining may affect cooking time as it alters the protein structure of the chicken.

How to reheat chicken fried steak in the air fryer

Reheating chicken fried steak in an air fryer is a great way to get that 'fresh out of the oven' taste and avoid sogginess. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation

Before reheating, ensure your chicken fried steak is stored correctly. Leftovers should be placed in an airtight container and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheating

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F or 375°F. While some sources suggest that preheating is not always necessary, it is recommended for chicken and steak to ensure your meat is piping hot.

Next, place your chicken fried steak in the air fryer basket. If you are reheating multiple steaks, ensure they are not overlapping. You may wish to spray the bottom of the tray with a little cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Reheat for 3-5 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your steak. Thicker cuts may require an additional 1-2 minutes. Flip the steak halfway through cooking for even heating.

Check that your steak is done by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F/ 74°C to be safe for consumption.

Once the steak is warmed through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

For extra crispness, separate the steak from the gravy before reheating and heat the gravy separately. You can also flip the steak halfway through cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken fried steak is often served with gravy. You can also serve it with fries or a salad for a hearty meal.

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three to four days.

To reheat, place the steak in the air fryer at 360°F / 180°C for 5-minute intervals until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C.

Frequently asked questions