Air-Fryer Breaded Chicken: Cooking Time And Tips

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook chicken, and they can produce a similar taste and texture to deep-fried food without the need for a deep fryer. Breaded chicken in an air fryer is easy to make, uses less oil, stays juicy and tender, and is a perfect weeknight dinner option. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the type of air fryer used, but on average, it should take around 10-15 minutes to cook breaded chicken in an air fryer.

How to bread the chicken

There are two main ways to bread chicken: the traditional egg and flour method, or a simpler method using oil and breadcrumbs.

The Traditional Method

• Set up three bowls for the breading: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
• Season the flour and breadcrumbs with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice.
• Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge the chicken in flour and shake off the excess.
• Dip the chicken in the egg mixture, tapping gently on the side of the dish to remove the excess.
• Add the chicken to the breadcrumbs and press gently until the crumbs adhere.
• Repeat with the remaining cutlets.

The Oil and Breadcrumbs Method

• Mix dried breadcrumbs with your chosen seasonings in a semi-shallow dish.
• Drizzle oil over the chicken and distribute it evenly with your hands so that the chicken is well-coated.
• Coat each chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring there are no excess breadcrumbs.

Tips for Perfect Breaded Chicken

• Always season the coating, as this is where most of the flavour comes from.
• If you're using the traditional method, you can brush the chicken with mayonnaise or olive oil instead of egg to help the breading stick.
• For extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs (also known as Japanese breadcrumbs).
• If you have time, brine the chicken before breading to make it super tender and juicy.
• If you're cooking multiple pieces of chicken, don't overcrowd your air fryer basket, as this will create a steaming effect instead of a crispy one.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for breaded chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size and type of your air fryer, the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, and your personal preference for how cooked you like your chicken.

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 390°F and 400°F. One source suggests cooking at 380°F.

Cooking times vary from around 10 to 15 minutes, but this will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. A good rule of thumb is that the bigger the chicken breast, the longer the cooking time. For example, one source recommends the following cooking times:

• 4-ounce chicken breasts: 10-12 minutes
• 6-ounce chicken breasts: 12-14 minutes
• 8-ounce chicken breasts: 14-16 minutes (or longer if they are larger)

However, another source recommends cooking two 6-ounce chicken breasts for 10-12 minutes.

It's important to ensure that your chicken is cooked through. You can check this by using a meat thermometer—chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. One source recommends checking the internal temperature after 8 minutes and then continuing to cook as needed. Another suggests checking after 10 minutes. Flipping your chicken halfway through the cooking time will help to ensure even cooking.

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

To make breaded chicken in an air fryer, you will need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil or another oil of your choice (such as canola or vegetable oil)
• Breadcrumbs (preferably fine breadcrumbs, not panko)
• Spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt, and pepper)
• Cooking spray
• Eggs (optional)

Preparation

• Slice the chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets/pieces. This will help the chicken cook faster and more evenly. You can use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the chicken.
• Drizzle or rub oil on the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated.
• Prepare the breading/coating by mixing the breadcrumbs with your chosen spices/seasonings in a shallow bowl or dish.
• Dip or coat each chicken piece in the breading mixture, ensuring they are well coated and there are no excess breadcrumbs. You can also dip the chicken in beaten eggs before coating them with breadcrumbs for a crispier outer layer.
• Preheat your air fryer to around 390°F (200°C).
• Place the breaded chicken pieces into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the chicken for around 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
• Check that the chicken is cooked by using a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can cut into the chicken to check that it is cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• It is recommended to brine the chicken beforehand if you have time. Brining helps to tenderize the meat and keep it juicy.
• If you want to add extra crispiness, spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil spray before and during cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this may create a steaming effect instead of crisping the chicken.
• Always flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Ensure the chicken is completely covered in breadcrumbs to seal in moisture and keep it juicy.

Air fryer preparation

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

The first step is to prepare the chicken by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin cutlets. This will help the chicken cook faster and more evenly. You can also use thinly sliced chicken breasts if you prefer.

Step 2: Bread the chicken

There are two main ways to bread the chicken: the egg and breadcrumb method, or the flour, egg, and breadcrumb method. For the egg and breadcrumb method, dip the chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then coat them with breadcrumbs. For a more substantial coating, use the flour, egg, and breadcrumb method by coating the chicken with flour, dipping it in beaten eggs, and finally coating it with breadcrumbs.

If you want to add extra flavour, you can season the breadcrumbs with spices such as chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs or use Parmesan breadcrumbs for a crispier and golden coating.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). You can switch on the air fryer about 5 minutes before cooking to ensure the chicken doesn't dry out.

Step 4: Place the chicken in the air fryer

Lay the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil spray.

Step 5: Cook the chicken

Cook the chicken at 390°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Check the doneness of the chicken by cutting into a small piece or using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it with your favourite sides, such as potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad.

Tips:

• It is recommended to brine the chicken beforehand if you have time. Brining helps keep the chicken moist and juicy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Always flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.

Serving suggestions

Breaded chicken cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions to complement the juicy, tender, and crispy texture of the chicken:

Salads and Vegetables

• Serve the chicken on a bed of arugula, dressed with olive oil, lemon, and parmesan cheese. This combination provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the breaded chicken.
• For a healthy and tasty option, pair the chicken with a crunchy chopped salad. The crispiness of the salad will complement the breaded chicken perfectly.
• Air-fried green beans make a great side dish, offering a nutritious and flavorful addition to the meal.
• Roasted cauliflower rice with chickpeas is a low-carb option that will complement the chicken.
• For a fun and healthy option, try a crispy chickpea kale Caesar salad. The crispiness of the chickpeas will pair well with the breaded chicken.
• Air fryer broccoli is another healthy and delicious option to accompany the chicken.

Starchy Sides

• Oven-baked fries are always a classic choice to serve with chicken. They provide a crispy and satisfying contrast to the tender chicken.
• For a Middle Eastern twist, try serving Batata Harra, a spicy potato dish that will add a kick to your meal.
• Cheesy mashed potato cakes offer a comforting and indulgent side dish to balance out the crispiness of the chicken.
• Air fryer potatoes are a perfect pairing for breaded chicken, especially if you're looking for a classic comfort food combination.
• For a heartier option, serve the chicken with rice. This can be plain rice or a flavored variety such as Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash.

Sauces

• A homemade Yum Yum sauce, similar to the sauce found in hibachi restaurants, will add a tangy and creamy dimension to the dish.
• Homemade ranch sauce is always a crowd-pleaser and can be made even more indulgent by adding paprika, cayenne, and hot sauce to create a cayenne ranch sauce.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try a zesty romesco sauce or a classic pesto sauce for a fancy twist.
• For a simple and classic option, serve the chicken with BBQ sauce. This combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Yogurt sauce or ranch dip will add a creamy and cooling element to the dish, balancing out the crispiness of the breading.

Frequently asked questions