Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Breasts
User Reviews
4.5
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Breasts
Description
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Breasts involves slicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thinner halves to create even, smaller filets. The breasts are dredged in a flour mixture seasoned with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest for brightness. After the flour, the chicken is dipped in beaten eggs, then pressed into panko breadcrumbs to form a crispy coating. Spraying with olive oil ensures a browned, crunchy exterior in the air fryer.
The cooking process uses an initial 6 minutes of air frying at 375°F, flipping and spraying midway to crisp both sides evenly. The internal temperature is recommended to reach between 155°F and 165°F with carryover cooking as the chicken rests, ensuring juiciness. The result is a crunchy textured coating with tender interior.
This approach allows for a crisp chicken without deep frying, ideal for a lighter yet satisfying dish. The lemon zest in the flour mixture introduces a subtle citrus aroma that complements the crispy crust.
Cooking time varies by the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, so monitoring internal temperature ensures proper doneness. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, though other cuts may be experimented with cautiously regarding timing.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast sliced in halve lengthwise (to create 4 thinner-cut breast filets; or 4 smaller breasts, large, thick, boneless, skinless
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- lemon zest from 1
- 2 egg beaten, large
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat a large air fryer (or similar brand and model) to 375F.
- In a shallow dish or bowl, add the flour, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and stir to combine; set aside.
- To a separate medium bowl, add the eggs and whisk to combine; set aside.
- To a separate shallow bowl or dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge two of the chicken breast filets in the flour mixture, dip through the eggs, and then press into the panko making sure it adheres well.
- Spray the basket of your air fryer with olive oil cooking spray (or use an olive oil mister), add the 2 breasts, and spray each of them on their exposed surface.
- Close the lid and air fry the chicken for 6 minutes.
- Open the machine, flip the chicken over using tongs, spray the exposed surface with olive oil cooking spray, cover, and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until done. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165F. Tips - I pull my chicken out at 155 to 160F because the internal temp will continue to rise due to carryover cooking, even out of or off the heat source. If you are unsure and can't "tell" when chicken is done by a visual once-over, avoid guessing and use a digital cooking thermometer.
- Repeat steps 5 through 8 with the two remaining breast filets.
- After chicken has been air fried, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into it so the natural juices stay inside. Serve with a salad, vegetables, rice, potatoes, Beurre Blanc sauce, or your favorite side or sauce. Chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to 4 months. Note that leftover chicken will not retain the same crispy fried texture that is has when it's hot and fresh.
Notes
- Slice larger chicken breasts lengthwise for even cooking and to create thinner filets.
- Cooking times vary with chicken size; smaller breasts cook faster, while thicker ones take longer.
- Remove chicken at 155–160°F internal temperature to allow carryover cooking for juicy results.
- Boneless, skinless breasts are preferred for this recipe, but thighs or skin-on pieces can be tested carefully.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 519 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 519kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 73g | 24% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Cholesterol | 144mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 1202mg | 50% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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