Air Fryer Breaded Chicken: Timing For Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make chicken that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the model of the air fryer. For example, cooking two large chicken breasts in an air fryer at 375F will take around 12 minutes, while cooking smaller breasts will take around 10 minutes. It is important to note that the air fryer should not be overcrowded, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of crisp. Additionally, the chicken should be flipped halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

How to bread the chicken

There are two ways to bread the chicken for your air fryer: the traditional way, and the breadcrumbs method.

The traditional way involves using the egg and flour method. This is the same method used to make chicken katsu or chicken parmesan. First, you dredge the chicken in flour, dusting off any excess. Then, you dip the chicken in a mixture of beaten egg and, optionally, milk or mayonnaise. Finally, you dredge the chicken in flour again, ensuring that the whole piece is evenly coated.

The breadcrumbs method is to coat the chicken in seasoned dried breadcrumbs, along with some oil drizzled directly over the chicken. This oil will help the breadcrumbs stick together and create a crispy texture.

For both methods, it is important to season the coating. This is where most of the flavour comes from. You can also experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko, potato chips, corn flakes, or even crushed-up crackers like Ritz or Saltines.

How long to cook chicken in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the type of chicken, the size of the chicken, and the desired level of doneness. Here is a detailed guide to help you cook chicken in your air fryer to perfection.

Types of Chicken

There are two main types of chicken that can be cooked in an air fryer: breaded chicken and unbreaded chicken.

Breaded Chicken

Breaded chicken is coated in a layer of breadcrumbs and seasonings, giving it a crispy texture. This method is similar to traditional fried chicken but with less oil, making it a healthier option.

To cook breaded chicken in an air fryer, start by preparing the chicken by slicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Drizzle or spray the chicken with oil, and then coat it with seasoned breadcrumbs. The exact seasonings can be customised to your taste, but common options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

Once the chicken is prepared, preheat your air fryer to 375°F to 390°F (some recipes suggest 400°F). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it, as this can affect the crispiness of the final product.

Cooking time for breaded chicken in an air fryer can vary from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. It is recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, but it can be removed from the air fryer once it reaches 160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.

Unbreaded Chicken

Unbreaded chicken is a simpler option that does not involve coating the chicken in breadcrumbs. To cook unbreaded chicken in an air fryer, start by seasoning the chicken with your desired herbs and spices. Common options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. You can also use a marinade to add extra flavour.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket, again being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, with smaller breasts taking less time and larger breasts taking more time.

As with breaded chicken, unbreaded chicken is considered done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. However, it is recommended to remove it from the air fryer once it reaches 155°F to 160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer

• Brining the chicken before cooking can help improve its texture and flavour. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution or sprinkling it with salt and letting it rest for at at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Do not overcook the chicken, as this can lead to dry and tough meat.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked to the desired level of doneness.
• If cooking multiple pieces of chicken, use the largest pieces as a guide for cooking time, as smaller pieces will cook faster.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process for even browning and cooking.

How to make crispy chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced into thin cutlets
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil, canola, or vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup of dried bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried chilli powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Method:

• Put the chicken breasts in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Make sure that they're well coated.
• In a shallow dish, mix the dried bread crumbs with the spices until well combined.
• Coat each chicken breast in the bread crumbs mixture. Make sure that the chicken is well-coated and there are no excess breadcrumbs.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). I usually switch it on about 5 minutes prior to cooking. This ensures that the chicken does not dry out.
• Transfer your chicken to the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your basket, you may be able to add more or fewer pieces at once.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes. After the first 7-10 minutes, you can open the air fryer basket and flip the chicken to the other side. Use tongs to flip the chicken as the basket can be too hot to handle. Air fry for another 3-5 minutes.
• Check the doneness of the chicken by cutting through a small piece to see if the meat is cooked. You could also check using a kitchen thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the chicken, and the internal temperature should read 165°F or 75°C.

Tips:

• If you want to add extra flavour to your chicken, try brining it before you start cooking. 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. Then, rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to cook 2-3 chicken breasts at a time.
• Always flip your chicken or shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
• If you want to add a little extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs.

What to serve with breaded chicken

Breaded chicken cooked in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy meal. It's a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are some ideas for what to serve with breaded chicken:

Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables: Take advantage of your oven being free and make a batch of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, okra, or squash.
• Sautéed veggies: If you don't want to turn on the oven, sautéed vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, or asparagus and mushrooms are a great option.
• Salads: A fresh salad can be a perfect side for breaded chicken. Try a cherry tomato salad, a cucumber salad, or a crunchy lemon-pesto garden salad. You can also add the chicken to the salad for a hearty main course.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken. Here are some ideas to try:

• Mashed potatoes: Cozy and creamy mashed potatoes are a delicious comfort food pairing with breaded chicken.
• Potato wedges or fries: Crispy potato wedges or fries are a perfect match for the juicy chicken. Try them with ketchup or ranch dip.
• Smashed potatoes: These crispy and crunchy potatoes are a fun twist on the classic potato side dish.

Dips and Sauces

• Yogurt sauce: A cool and creamy yogurt sauce can help balance out the crispy texture of the chicken.
• Ranch dip: A classic ranch dip is always a crowd-pleaser and goes well with breaded chicken.
• BBQ sauce: For a tangy and smoky flavour, serve your chicken with BBQ sauce.

Breads

• Biscuits: Buttery biscuits are a savoury match for the chicken and can be served as a side or to make sandwiches.
• Cornbread: Tender and crumbly cornbread is another classic side dish that goes well with breaded chicken. Try a honey cornbread recipe for a sweet twist.

Other Sides

• Macaroni and cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting side dish that provides a nice textural contrast to the crispy chicken.
• Coleslaw: Tangy coleslaw is a traditional side dish that surprises taste buds and brings bright notes to the meal. Try a creamy coleslaw or an Asian-inspired version.
• Rice dishes: Rice-based dishes like orzo salad, Mexican street corn bake, or rice with mushrooms can round out the meal and provide a starch option.

How to store leftover chicken

Leftover chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, at a temperature of 40°F or less. It is important to get the chicken in the fridge within two hours of it sitting at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth. You can also freeze chicken leftovers, which will last for up to four months.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooked chicken will last for three to four days in the fridge. If you're unsure whether your leftover chicken has gone bad, look out for signs such as an off-colour (dark or faded), a slimy texture, or an unpleasant smell. If the chicken has any of these characteristics, it's best to throw it out.

Tips for Storing Leftover Chicken

• Let the chicken cool down before putting it in the fridge or freezer.
• Label the container with the date, so you know when you need to eat it by.
• If you have a lot of leftovers, separate them into smaller containers to speed up cooling and make defrosting easier.
• If you're freezing chicken, press out as much air as possible from the freezer bag before sealing.
• If you're reheating chicken, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently asked questions