Air-Fried Chicken With Bread Crumbs: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Making chicken with breadcrumbs in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook a weeknight dinner. The air fryer requires minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken, without compromising on the crunch. The air fryer is also versatile, allowing you to use a variety of seasonings and spices to flavour your chicken. The cooking time is short, and the clean-up is minimal, making it a convenient option for a tasty meal.

How to prepare the chicken

Start by slicing the boneless skinless chicken breast into cutlets. For the chicken to cook quicker, you will need thinner strips.

Drizzle with one tablespoon of oil, and distribute with your hand so that the chicken is well coated in oil.

In a semi-shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs with all the seasonings that you’re using. This depends on your taste, but you can add chilli powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. If you like your chicken spicy, add more chilli powder or dried chilli flakes. Mix the coating.

Coat each chicken piece in the bread crumbs mixture. Make sure that the chicken is well-coated and there are no excess breadcrumbs.

Preheat your air fryer at 390°F (200°C). 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 can add more or fewer pieces at once.

Air fry for 12-15 minutes. After the first 8-10 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 5 more minutes.

Check the doneness of the chicken by using a fork and a knife and cut through a small piece to see if the meat is well cooked. You could also check using a kitchen thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the chicken, and the internal temperature of the chicken should read 165F or 75C.

How to make the breading stick

Making the breading stick to your chicken is an essential step in the cooking process. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your breading stays put:

Preparation

• Before you begin breading your chicken, pat the surface dry on both sides with paper towels. Alternatively, you can leave the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator to dry it out. This will help the flour adhere evenly to the chicken.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
• Dredge the chicken in all-purpose flour. This step helps make the chicken crispy and tender. Remember to remove excess flour before adding the egg wash.
• Dip the flour-coated chicken into a bowl of beaten eggs. You can also use buttermilk or add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or hot sauce for a kick. Ensure the eggs coat the flour thoroughly.
• Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, pretzels, or panko. Make sure the outer layer completely covers the chicken, forming a nice, thick coating. Gently pat the coating on all sides to help it adhere.
• Let the chicken rest for about 30 minutes. This cooling time will help the layers of breading ingredients solidify and adhere better after cooking.

Cooking

• Be patient and don't flip the chicken too early. Wait until a golden rim appears around the edges before turning it over to the other side.
• Ensure there is enough space in your air fryer for the chicken to cook without overlapping or overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
• After the first 7-10 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the chicken. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken.
• The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
• For an extra crispy texture and delicious flavour, drizzle a little bit of oil over the chicken before serving.

How long to cook the chicken for

The cooking time for chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. It is recommended to cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and is crispy on both sides. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

It is important to note that different air fryers may have different temperature and time requirements, so it is always good to check the instructions for your specific air fryer.

Additionally, if you are cooking multiple pieces of chicken, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can create a steaming effect instead of the desired crisping effect.

What to serve with the chicken

Now that you've made your delicious chicken with breadcrumbs in an air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with it. Here are some ideas to complement your juicy, crispy chicken dish:

Side Dishes

• Potatoes: Classic pairing. Try mashed potatoes or baked potatoes.
• Roasted Vegetables: Make use of your oven and roast some Brussels sprouts or broccoli.
• Sautéed Veggies: If you don't want to turn on the oven, sauté some Brussels sprouts, cabbage, or carrots.
• Slaw: A healthy coleslaw or Asian cabbage slaw would be a refreshing side.

Sauces and Dips

• Dipping Sauce: Greek yogurt ranch dip, barbecue sauce, or your favourite sauce.
• Condiments: Pickled onions go great with fried chicken.

Hearty Options

• Macaroni and Cheese: Try a lightened-up version or your favourite creamy recipe.
• Rice: Chicken and rice is always a great combination.
• Sandwiches: Slice up your chicken and serve it on a crunchy bun with your favourite toppings.

Salads and Greens

• Salad: Chicken goes well with many types of salads, from Caesar to BBQ chicken salad.
• Asparagus and Mushrooms: A tasty and healthy option.
• Middle Eastern Batata Harra: For a flavourful twist.

There you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a well-rounded and delicious meal. Enjoy your chicken feast!

How to store and reheat the chicken

Storing and reheating your chicken is a crucial part of the cooking process. Here is a detailed guide to ensure your chicken stays moist and crispy:

Storing Your Chicken:

It is important to store your chicken properly to maintain its freshness and quality. Place your leftover chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days. If you wish to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it in the airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Your Chicken:

The best methods to reheat your chicken without sacrificing its crispiness are using an oven or an air fryer. Here are the steps for each method:

Oven Method:

• Allow your chicken to thaw completely if it was frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place a wire rack on a baking sheet or use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This ensures proper airflow and prevents sogginess.
• Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack.
• Reheat in the oven for approximately 15 minutes. Check occasionally to avoid overcooking.
• To maintain moisture and crispness, loosely cover the chicken with aluminium foil during reheating.
• Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before consumption for food safety.

Air Fryer Method:

• Allow your chicken to come to room temperature.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F-375°F.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is not overcrowded to allow proper airflow.
• Reheat for 2-5 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through for even cooking.
• Check the internal temperature. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F.

Note: Avoid using the microwave to reheat your chicken, as it can result in soggy breading and uneven heating.

Frequently asked questions