If you love golden, crispy chicken but hate greasy pans, this breaded chicken breast in airfryer recipe is about to become your weeknight favorite. It’s quick, juicy, and cooked to perfection in under 20 minutes . no oil splatters, no stress.
This is one of the most popular recipes I’ve tested in my kitchen. The secret? A light breadcrumb coating and just the right amount of oil spray for crunch without heaviness.
Brand Story
Hi, I’m Yumi! I started YumiMeals after burning one too many casseroles and realizing dinner needed to be simpler, tastier, and stress-free. Every recipe is tested in my own kitchen for real people with busy weeknights, picky eaters, and limited time. My mission is to help home cooks make easy, flavorful meals using slow cookers, air fryers, and grills.without any fuss. I personally test and refine each recipe, citing trusted sources like USDA and FoodSafety.gov. My vision is simple: to make weeknight dinners consistently delicious and bring families together.no culinary degree required.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2 large | Lean, juicy protein |
| Eggs | 2 | Helps coating stick |
| Bread crumbs (panko preferred) | 1 cup | Crunchy outer layer |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup | Adds savory flavor |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Depth of taste |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | Beautiful color |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Balance and seasoning |
| Olive oil spray | Light coat | Golden crisp finish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Pound it slightly so it cooks evenly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Beat eggs in one bowl. In another, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika.
Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, then coat it fully in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make it stick.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the basket and both sides of the chicken with oil.
Air fry for 9 minutes, flip, then cook another 8–9 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
(Always confirm doneness with a food thermometer,see USDA Chicken Safety Guidelines).
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let chicken rest for 3–5 minutes to seal in the juices. Slice and serve hot with your favorite air fryer side dish.
🌿 Serving Ideas
Serve your breaded chicken breast with these tried-and-true air fryer sides from YumiMeals:
- Air Fryer Banana Chips .light, crunchy, and perfect for snacking.
- Bloomin’ Onion Recipe for Air Fryer .crispy, restaurant-style appetizer made right at home.
- Corn Ribs Air Fryer . fun, juicy twist on traditional corn-on-the-cob.
- Air Fryer Chickpeas Seasoning .protein-packed, crunchy side with endless flavor variations.
Each one complements this recipe beautifully , perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
💡 Yumi’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use thin chicken cutlets: They cook faster and stay juicy.
- Avoid over-spraying oil: A mist is enough . too much causes sogginess.
- Don’t skip the flip: Turning halfway ensures both sides get crispy.
- Rest before slicing: This locks in moisture for tender bites.
- For extra crunch: Mix crushed cornflakes with breadcrumbs.
🍽️ Air Fryer Time Chart for Chicken Breasts
| Cut | Temp | Cook Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin Cutlets | 375°F | 16–18 min | Flip halfway |
| Thick Breasts | 370°F | 18–20 min | Use meat thermometer |
| Strips or Tenders | 380°F | 10–12 min | Great for meal prep |
🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Skipping the preheat: Results in uneven cooking.
- ❌ Stacking chicken: Traps steam and prevents crispiness.
- ❌ Using too much oil: Can make coating heavy.
- ❌ Cutting immediately after cooking: Juices will run out and dry the meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes — thaw them first for best texture. Cooking frozen breaded chicken can lead to uneven crisping.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. The flavor stays amazing!
Can I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.
What dipping sauces go best?
Classic ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard all pair beautifully with this recipe.
🧾 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
🏁 Conclusion
This breaded chicken breast in airfryer recipe proves that crispy, juicy chicken doesn’t require deep frying or hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a reliable family favorite that fits into any busy weeknight schedule.
👉 Next, try these air fryer favorites from YumiMeals:
Name: Yumi Hwag
Byline: Founder & Recipe Developer, Yumimeals
Bio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]