They have a deliciously crispy outside with a tender and juicy inside and make a super easy weeknight meal that is a family favorite. We find these Air Fryer Chicken Breasts perfect for a night when we have a lot of activities. You can prep ahead and cook them as you need them or you can cook them all in advance and they reheat amazingly. I love this recipe because the chicken cooks in the time I would need to heat my oven, it is freezer friendly, and it is a lighter and easier version of a traditional fried chicken breast.
This recipe comes to together with 7 basic ingredients. I wrote this recipe for 1lb of chicken so you can easily convert it to the size your family needs. I usually make close to 3lbs and use the leftovers for weekend lunch sandwiches. This recipe is based off my baked crispy chicken. If you prefer to do this all on a sheet pan you can (see below for cooking instructions).
Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken
- To save time buy thinly sliced chicken.
- Cooking time varies depending on how many pieces of chicken are in the basket and how thick they are.
- Do not crowd the basket – I have to do this in batches which is why I usually make this on nights my children are eating at different times because of activities.
- Add other spices to change the flavor; paprika, cumin, Italian seasoning, old bay….
- Add shredded parm for an extra cheesy taste.
Storage Tips
- They will last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
- To reheat, just place in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave but it won’t be as crispy!
- You can FREEZE!
- Option 1: Freeze before you cook. Individually wrap each chicken breast in plastic wrap and place in a bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for 2-3 months. Cook them straight from frozen. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes and then cook for 15-20 minutes on 400 (option to flip halfway through).
- Option 2: Freeze cooked. Individually wrap each chicken breast in plastic wrap and place in a bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for 2-3 months. Cook them straight from frozen. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes and then cook for 8-10 minutes on 400 (option to flip halfway through).
Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breasts
Yield: 3-4 people
Ingredients:
- 1lb chicken breasts (thinly sliced or you can slice yourself see step 1)
- 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
- 1/3 cup plain bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan or romano cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (may have a little extra which you can use to drizzle over the chicken instead of spraying it)
Instructions:
- If your chicken breasts are thick, slice in half through the middle like you would butterfly the chicken breasts only you go all the way through to make two thinner breasts.
- Measure and pour the olive oil in a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish mix together the breadcrumbs, salt, and parmesan cheese.
- Bread the chicken – one at a time, dip the chicken breasts in the olive oil and then dredge through the breading mixture making sure the chicken is coated evenly. Continue to bread each chicken breast.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Oil the basket – brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Air fry the chicken – place breaded chicken in air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 12-16 minutes or until no longer pink in the middle and an instant read thermometer reads 165°F. I prefer to flip the chicken halfway through but if you have a lot of other things going on you do not have to. The timing will depend on how thick your chicken is and how many pieces are in the basket.
- Rest – allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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