Make Crispy Fried Chicken In Your Air Fryer

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to fried chicken that doesn't compromise on taste and texture, then air fryer chicken breast is the way to go. This method of cooking yields a juicy and tender interior, with a golden, crispy exterior—all with minimal prep and cooking time.

The key to achieving this crispy texture is to thinly slice the chicken breast into flat pieces, creating more surface area for the breading to stick to and allowing for even cooking. You can use a variety of breading options, such as flour, breadcrumbs, or a combination of both. Additionally, a light coating of oil or cooking spray helps to crisp up the exterior.

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken breast and the type of air fryer, but on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook. The ideal internal temperature for the chicken is 165°F, which can be checked using a meat thermometer.

So, if you're looking for a quick, convenient, and delicious way to enjoy fried chicken, give air fryer chicken breast a try!

How to prepare the chicken breast

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken breasts, eggs, breadcrumbs, olive oil spray, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some extra spices and herbs to taste, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, and parsley.

Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a clean paper towel. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four even-sized pieces. If the chicken pieces are uneven, place them between some plastic wrap and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound them out until they are even.

Coat the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture, and then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure they stick.

Cook the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Place the breaded chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer, spraying each piece with olive oil spray. You may need to cook the chicken in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crispy chicken, flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time and spray the other side with olive oil spray.

Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice, to taste.

Tips

• For extra crispy chicken, use parmesan breadcrumbs and spray the chicken generously with olive oil spray.
• For best results, use chicken breasts that are similar in size, to ensure even cooking.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
• The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller chicken breasts (4-ounces) will take 10-12 minutes, while larger breasts (8-ounces) may take up to 16 minutes or longer.

How to coat the chicken breast

The coating is the secret to achieving that crispy, juicy, and tender fried chicken. Here's a detailed guide on how to coat the chicken breast for your air fryer:

Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breast dry with a clean paper towel. Then, use a sharp kitchen knife to slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise, creating two even-sized pieces from each breast. This helps the chicken cook faster and stay juicy. If the pieces are uneven, place them between plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them out evenly.

Prepare the Breading

In a shallow bowl, combine the breading ingredients. For a simple breading, you can use a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. You can also season the breading with salt, pepper, and other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs like parsley. Whisk an egg in a separate shallow bowl.

Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it's well-coated. Then, dip the chicken into the breading mixture, pressing the breading onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well. Continue until all pieces are coated.

Place in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Place the breaded chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray the chicken with a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray. Note that you may need to cook the chicken in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air Fry

Cook the chicken at 390°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crispy chicken, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time, spray again with olive oil or cooking spray, and continue cooking.

Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Coating:

• Use high-quality, organic, and free-range chicken breasts if possible.
• Thinner chicken breasts cook faster and stay juicier, so slice thicker breasts in half or pound them out evenly.
• Use good-quality breadcrumbs, and season them well. Gluten-free breadcrumbs tend to get crispier in the air fryer.
• Press the breading into the chicken after dipping it in the egg to ensure it adheres well.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time and spray again with oil or cooking spray for an even crisp.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to 165°F.

Enjoy your perfectly crispy and juicy air-fried chicken!

How long to cook the chicken breast for

The cooking time for your chicken breast will depend on the size of the chicken breast and the type of air fryer you are using. It is recommended to check the internal temperature of the chicken breast to ensure it is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C.

For a 4-ounce chicken breast, cook for 10-12 minutes.

For a 6-ounce chicken breast, cook for 12-14 minutes.

For an 8-ounce chicken breast, cook for 14-16 minutes, or longer if the breasts are larger.

If you are cooking chicken breasts that are closer to the same size, they will take longer to cook. For example, if you are cooking two large chicken breasts, they will take longer than two smaller chicken breasts.

If you are using an air fryer that has a lower maximum temperature, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

It is important to note that the cooking time may also depend on the breading and coating of the chicken breast. If you are cooking breaded chicken breasts, the breading may need more or less time to cook through.

Additionally, if you are cooking frozen chicken breasts, they will take longer to cook than fresh chicken breasts.

It is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken breast with a meat thermometer to ensure that it is cooked through.

How to get crispy chicken

Getting that crispy chicken texture and taste can be achieved in several ways, and one of the most popular methods is to use an air fryer. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get that crispy chicken:

Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken dry with a clean paper towel. You can then slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise, creating four chicken pieces of even size. If the chicken pieces are uneven, place each one between plastic wrap and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound them out evenly.

Breading the Chicken

There are two popular methods for breading chicken:

• Egg and Breadcrumb Method: Dip the chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then coat them with breadcrumbs to create a crispy outer layer before frying or air-frying.
• Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumb Method: Coat the chicken pieces with flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and finally coat them with breadcrumbs for a more substantial and textured breading.

For the breadcrumbs, you can use any mixture you like. However, for the best results, use parmesan breadcrumbs or make your own by mixing breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese and dried parsley.

After breading the chicken, use your hands to press the breading into each piece to ensure it adheres well.

Cooking the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 390°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray the chicken with olive oil or cooking spray for extra crispness.

Cook the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. For thinner chicken breasts or cutlets, 10-12 minutes should be enough. For thicker chicken breasts, you may need up to 14-16 minutes.

Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispness on both sides.

Checking Doneness

The best way to know if your air-fried chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Tips for Extra Crispness

• Use parmesan breadcrumbs or add grated parmesan cheese to your breadcrumbs.
• Generously spray the chicken with olive oil spray, flip, and spray again for a golden and crunchy coating.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispness on both sides.
• Ensure your air fryer basket is clean before adding the chicken, as any residue can affect the crispness.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space out the chicken pieces to allow for proper air circulation.

Storing and Reheating

This crispy air-fried chicken is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed to your desired temperature.

How to store and reheat the chicken breast

Storing and reheating your crispy fried chicken breast is an important part of the cooking process. Here's a detailed guide:

Storing Your Chicken Breast

Before storing your chicken, it's important to let it cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make your chicken soggy. Place the chicken on a wire rack or a paper towel to cool, and avoid stacking or crowding the pieces. Once cooled, wrap the chicken pieces individually or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly to maintain food safety.

Reheating Your Chicken Breast in an Air Fryer

When it's time to reheat your crispy fried chicken breast, the air fryer is a great option. Start by preheating your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-204°C). While the air fryer is heating up, let the chicken come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent drying out the chicken. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate. Reheat for about 3-8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces and the power of your air fryer. Check on the chicken occasionally to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.

Other Reheating Methods

You can also reheat your crispy fried chicken breast in the oven or on the stovetop. For the oven method, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Reheat for about 12-15 minutes, or until heated through. For the stovetop method, heat oil in a heavy-duty pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (177°C). Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Avoid reheating fried chicken in the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy.
• Always ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming, whether it's the initial cooking or reheating.
• For even cooking and to prevent overcrowding, cook larger pieces of chicken separately from smaller pieces, such as wings, tenders, or drumsticks.
• To maintain crispiness, avoid covering the chicken with foil when reheating in the oven.

Frequently asked questions