Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Breast Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to make perfectly crispy chicken without the hassle of actually frying it, and more importantly, without it being dry, this air fryer chicken breast recipe is what you need! I have a recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets that many of you have enjoyed. But I will admit it can be a little tricker cooking chicken breasts rather than nuggets simply because of the dry-out factor. However, this air fryer chicken recipe is practically foolproof and so easy. You and your family are going to love the lightly crispy and crunchy exterior and the perfectly moist and juicy interior of these chicken breasts. I incorporated a bit of lemon zest in the flour mixture that I dredge the chicken in before air frying it so there’s a hint of lemon flavor to it which my daughter just loves. Best of all, this air fried chicken is fast to make. In less than 15 minutes, it’s done, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. Also for anyone who loves Parmesan cheese, make sure to check out this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken recipe which is very similar, but with the addition of Parm!
Ingredients in Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breasts
There are only a handful of ingredients needed to make breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts All-purpose flour Salt Pepper Lemon zest Eggs Panko breadcrumbs
How to Make Crispy Chicken in an Air Fryer
Making easy, crispy chicken breasts in your air fryer is so easy. Follow these simple and straightforward steps and you’ll have finger-licking chicken: Step 1: Combine the flour, salt, pepper, and lemon zest in a shallow bowl. Step 2: Whisk the eggs together in another bowl. Step 3: Add the panko to another separate bowl. Step 4: Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it in the eggs, and then press it into the panko. Step 5: Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray as well as the chicken breasts. Step 6: Cook it at 375F for 6 minutes and then flip it over. Step 7: Spray the other side with cooking spray and cook it for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until done. Step 8: Repeat the whole process with the second breast (sliced into two halves). And serve!
What Size Chicken Breasts Should I Use?
You can use any size chicken breasts you want for air fryer crispy chicken breasts but cooking time will vary depending on size. I tend to use large chicken breasts that I get from the butcher and then slice them in half lengthwise, creating two thinner filets. I prefer to use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can experiment with thighs and with skin-on chicken.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Cook Times
Here are the cook times for thin sliced chicken breasts in the air fryer (my preference), as well as smaller chicken breasts that remain unsliced.
Medium-sized chicken breasts: Cook for about 12 to 14 minutes total, flipping once midway through. Smaller chicken breasts: Cook for about 10 minutes total. Larger or thicker chicken breasts: Cook for approximately 12 to 16 minutes.
How to Tell When Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breasts Are Done
Chicken is considered done when it reaches 165F. However the internal temperature will continue to rise as it rests so I take my chicken out when it’s 155 to 160F.
What Kind of Air Fryer Is Best?
I use a Cosori model that I’ve had for a few years. I like that the basket is larger than other models. That being said, even with an “extra large” basket, you can really only cook 2 average breasts or 2 thin-sliced breast filets (from 1 thick large chicken breast) at a time. Extra breasts will have to cook as a second round. The worst thing you can do with an air fryer is crowd it. The food doesn’t get crispy and steams rather than “fries,” which is contrary to the goal!
Can I Make Crispy Chicken Breasts Without an Air Fryer?
Of course you can make crispy chicken breasts without an air fryer. After all, an air fryer is really just a mini convection oven. So if you have a convection oven, start putting it to use! Follow my same dredging and breading technique with the panko bread crumbs that I use in this crispy air fryer chicken. Then bake your chicken at 425F convection for about 15 minutes, or until it’s done. This Baked Parmesan Panko Chicken is a great recipe to try. And kids and adults alike will love these Baked Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard. If you are looking for something more juicy than crispy, my Perfect 20-Minute Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts are, well, perfect!
What to Serve with Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
We all know that chicken breasts pair well with just about any side dish from salads to a steamed or roasted vegetable, potatoes, or rice. I have a recipe for Beurre Blanc Sauce which is also excellent drizzled over your air fryer chicken breasts.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Breasts
Air fryer crispy chicken breasts are best hot and fresh right out of your air fryer. They will be the crispiest at that point. However, if you do have extra chicken, it will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Take note though that leftover chicken won’t have the same fried chicken crispiness and bit of crunch.
How to Reheat Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer
I recommend setting the chicken breasts out at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to warm up slightly, then cook in a 350F air fryer for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll want to flip the chicken halfway through. This will reheat the breaded chicken breasts and also crisp them up slightly, although they’ll never be as crispy as when you first prepared them.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Breast
Panko breadcrumbs: Make sure to use panko breadcrumbs or Japanese-style breadcrumbs, and not traditional breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are essential to helping your chicken crisp up so don’t skip them. I have lots of recipes that use panko breadcrumbs so make sure to check those out if you’re wondering what to do with the rest of your box. Spray the basket and chicken breasts: When you’re getting ready to air fry your chicken, make sure you spray the basket well with cooking spray. I use olive oil cooking spray. And spray the chicken breasts themselves. This small amount of oil really helps the chicken crisp up as well as take on a nice golden fried chicken appearance. Alternatively, you can use an olive oil mister if you have one. Make sure not to overcook your chicken: Air frying will give you the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of actual fried chicken. However, it’s not a miracle worker. If you overcook your chicken, it will still be dry and tough. If you don’t know how to guess or judge when chicken is done, a digital cooking thermometer is essential. Chicken is done at 165F however as I mentioned, I pull mine between 155 and 160F since there is carryover cooking. Let the chicken rest: After you pull your crispy chicken breasts out of your air fryer, let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps keep the natural juices in the breasts giving you moister chicken all around.
More Easy Chicken Recipes:
Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken – Coated in a mixture of panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, this “fried” chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy, tender, and moist inside! It’s EASY, ready in 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights, and a healthier way to indulge in fried chicken! Oven-baking instructions also provided. Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets — These EASY air fryer nuggets are coated in a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan, which makes them EXTRA flavorful and SO CRISPY!! Dip them in this 30-second homemade honey mustard sauce for a guaranteed family FAVORITE!!
Baked Parmesan-Crusted Chicken — This Baked Parmesan-Crusted Chicken tastes like it’s been deep fried, but it hasn’t! Even better, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and is easy to whip up at the last minute.
Baked Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard — These chicken nuggets are coated in a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan, which makes them extra flavorful and crispy! Dunk them in homemade honey mustard or your dipping sauce of choice.
Perfect 20-Minute Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts — Super juicy, flavorful, EASY, and tender baked chicken breasts that are ready in 20 minutes and made on ONE sheet pan!! Nothing complicated or fussy about this PERFECT chicken that everyone LOVES!!
20-Minute Baked Cilantro Lime Chicken Breasts – Super juicy, EASY, tender chicken that’s ready in 20 minutes and made on ONE sheet pan!! Bursting with robust Mexican-inspired lime cilantro flavors that will make this an automatic family FAVORITE!!
Spiced Brown Sugar Chicken and Sweet Potatoes — An EASY sheet pan meal that’s ready in 30 minutes and loaded with layers of flavors from the spice rub, which features a mixture of chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, and more!!
Sheet Pan Baked Italian Chicken and Vegetables — Fast, EASY, one pan recipe that’s full of FLAVOR from balsamic, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and basil!! The chicken is so tender, juicy, and moist!!
Lemon Dijon Chicken Skillet — Tender, juicy chicken with a scrumptious sauce made with lemon butter, Dijon mustard, and a splash of wine for extra flavor!!
