Air Fryer Chicken: Breaded Perfection In Minutes

Making breaded chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, tender, and juicy chicken. It's also a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken as it uses less oil. The key to getting the perfect breaded chicken is to use seasoned breadcrumbs and thinly sliced chicken breast. The chicken cooks in minutes and is best served with a side of potatoes or a crunchy salad.

How to bread the chicken

There are two ways to go about breading your chicken. The first is to use seasoned dried breadcrumbs with a drizzle of oil. The second is the traditional egg and flour method.

If you're going with the first option, you'll want to start by slicing your boneless skinless chicken breasts into thin cutlets. This will help the chicken cook faster and more evenly. Drizzle and coat the chicken with oil, then prepare your breading/coating by mixing breadcrumbs with your desired seasonings in a semi-shallow dish. You can season with anything you like, but some suggestions include chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

Once your coating is ready, coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in the bread crumbs, shaking off any excess. It's important that the chicken is well-coated to get that crispy texture.

If you opt for the traditional egg and flour method, you'll want to start by dipping your chicken tenderloins into a bowl of beaten egg, shaking off any excess, and then dipping them into a mixture of breadcrumbs and oil, ensuring they are evenly and fully covered.

For either method, it's crucial to season the coating well, as this is where most of the flavour comes from. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the breading for extra zing.

Once your chicken is breaded, you can place it in the air fryer basket, making sure the pieces don't touch so that air can circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

What temperature to cook at

The optimal temperature to cook breaded chicken in an air fryer depends on the type of chicken and the desired level of crispiness. For breaded chicken tenderloins, it is recommended to cook them at 380°F. Start with 10 minutes, flip them halfway, and check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

For breaded chicken breasts, preheat your air fryer to between 390°F and 400°F. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, but on average, it should take around 10-15 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking and crispiness. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

It's important to note that air fryer models may vary, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing accordingly. Always ensure that your chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving.

When to flip the chicken

Flipping the chicken is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and that both sides become crispy and golden. Depending on the model of your air fryer, the size of the chicken pieces, and their thickness, the time to flip the chicken will vary.

For example, if you are cooking chicken tenderloins in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook them for about 10 minutes, flip them halfway, and then cook for another 2 to 5 minutes. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked through and that both sides are crispy.

If you are cooking chicken breasts, the timing will be slightly different. You should air fry the chicken for 4 minutes on the first side, then flip it and continue cooking for 2 to 5 additional minutes, depending on the size and model of your air fryer.

It is also important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket. If your basket is too small to fit all the chicken pieces in a single layer without overlapping, it is better to cook the chicken in batches. This will ensure that the hot air circulates evenly around each piece of chicken, resulting in a crispier final product.

Additionally, different air fryer models may run hotter or colder than others, so it is important to adjust the temperature and timing accordingly. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F for the chicken to be considered cooked.

In summary, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process is crucial for achieving evenly cooked and crispy chicken. The exact timing will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, and your personal preference for doneness.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for breaded chicken in an air fryer depends on the type of chicken and the size of the pieces. For example, chicken tenderloins will take less time to cook than chicken breasts. Chicken breasts that are sliced thinly will also cook faster than thicker pieces.

Most recipes recommend cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer for around 10-15 minutes at a temperature of between 350°F and 400°F (175°C and 200°C). It is important to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer—chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F-165°F (74°C-75°C). You can also cut into the chicken to check that it is no longer pink inside.

What to serve with the chicken

Now that you've made your breaded air fryer chicken, you might be wondering what to serve it with. Here are some ideas:

Potatoes

Air fryer chicken breast and potatoes is a classic pairing. You could try instant pot mashed potatoes or crock pot baked potatoes.

Roasted Vegetables

Take advantage of your oven and make a batch of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or broccoli.

Sautéed Veggies

If you don't want to turn on the oven, you can sauté some veggies like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, or carrots.

Slaw

A healthy coleslaw or Asian cabbage slaw would be a great side dish for your chicken.

Dipping Sauce

Serve your chicken with a dipping sauce like Greek yogurt ranch dip or barbecue sauce.

Condiments

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

Macaroni and Cheese

Try a lightened-up ultimate creamy mac and cheese—it's sure to be a hit!

Asparagus and Mushrooms

These veggies would make a great side dish for your chicken.

Oven-Baked Fries

Who doesn't love some crispy oven-baked fries?

Middle Eastern Batata Harra

This tasty dish would be a great addition to your meal.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes

These would be a delicious and indulgent side.

Salads, Rice, Veggies, Wraps, and Sandwiches

Your chicken would also go well with salads, rice dishes, veggies, wraps, or sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions