Air-Fried Panko Chicken: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Panko chicken is a delicious, healthy, and quick meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. This easy recipe is super versatile and can be used in wraps, salads, sandwiches, and more. It is also a great option for those who enjoy fried chicken but not the process of deep-frying it. Panko chicken is cooked to juicy and crispy perfection with less fat and oil than the traditional fried version.

Preparing the chicken

Next, you'll prepare the egg wash. Crack two eggs into a bowl and beat them thoroughly. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off.

Finally, prepare the breading. Mix Panko breadcrumbs with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Roll the chicken pieces in the breading until they are thoroughly coated.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or oil, and cook at 350-400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown.

Coating the chicken

Next, you will need to coat the chicken in the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally the panko mixture. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in each step and allow any excess to drip off. You can use tongs or your hands for this step, but be sure to fully dry the chicken with a paper towel if you use your hands.

Finally, place the breaded chicken into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or oil, and it's ready to be cooked!

Cooking the chicken

Panko chicken is a delicious, juicy, and crunchy dish that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking the chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts to get two thinner slices from each breast. If you cannot find thin chicken breasts, you can also butterfly or pound the meat to about 1/4 inch thickness. This step ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming too dark before it is fully cooked.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Stations

You will need three stations for dredging the chicken:

• Station 1: Combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. You can also add other spices like paprika or ground mustard to this mixture.
• Station 2: In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, egg, salt, and pepper. You can also add milk or buttermilk to this mixture if desired.
• Station 3: In a separate container, mix the panko breadcrumbs with spices like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken and coat it with the flour mixture (Station 1), shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the mayo-egg mixture (Station 2), and finally, coat it with the panko breadcrumbs (Station 3). Use tongs to turn the pieces and coat them evenly, keeping your fingers clean.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F. Place the breaded chicken pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. Spray the tops with cooking spray or oil, and air fry for about 4-8 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

For a crispier texture, you can also double-dip the chicken by dipping it back into the egg mixture and then the breadcrumbs again before placing it in the air fryer.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After air frying, the chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. To check, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, cut into one piece to ensure the meat is white with no pink remaining.

Once your chicken is cooked, you can serve it with various sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or marinara. Enjoy your delicious, crispy panko chicken!

Storing and reheating the chicken

Storing and reheating your panko chicken is a straightforward process.

Storing:

First, allow your chicken to cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should last for 3-4 days.

Reheating:

The best ways to reheat your chicken are in an air fryer or oven. Reheating in the microwave is not recommended as it will make the chicken soggy.

If you are using an air fryer, place the chicken inside and heat for 2-3 minutes at 360°F (180°C) until heated through.

If you are using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat for 15 minutes, or until the skin is hot and crispy. Flip the chicken and heat for another 5-10 minutes.

It is important to ensure that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming it. This is the temperature at which any harmful bacteria are eliminated.

Serving suggestions

Panko chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in several ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Main Course

You can serve panko chicken as a main course with a variety of side dishes. Some options include:

• Spinach quinoa salad
• Air-fried potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Rice
• Roasted cauliflower with Parmesan
• Mediterranean low-carb broccoli salad
• Cauliflower tater tots
• Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
• Baked Sweet Potato Slices
• Oil and Vinegar Cucumber Salad
• Smashed Fingerling Potatoes and White Cabbage Salad
• Air-fried vegetables like broccoli or asparagus

In a Sandwich or Wrap

Panko chicken also works well in a sandwich or wrap. You can add some sauce, such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, marinara, hoisin, ranch, honey, or honey mustard.

As a Salad Topping

For a lighter option, you can use panko chicken as a topping for a salad. The crunch of the chicken will add a nice texture to your greens.

With Dipping Sauces

If you cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, you can serve them with dipping sauces on the side. Some sauce options include:

• Honey mustard
• Ketchup and mayonnaise
• Fry sauce (a mixture of mustard and mayo or ketchup and mayo)
• Ranch

Frequently asked questions