Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast (Print Version)

Crispy, golden chicken breasts with a flavorful panko-Parmesan coating, air-fried to perfection in just 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5-6 oz each)

→ Breading Station

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1 tsp paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ For Cooking

10 - Olive oil spray or neutral cooking spray

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If thicker than 3/4 inch, pound to even thickness using a meat mallet.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and panko mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
04 - Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, then press firmly into panko mixture to coat evenly on all sides.
05 - Lightly spray both sides of each breaded chicken breast with olive oil spray.
06 - Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook in batches if necessary.
07 - Cook at 400°F for 7 minutes until golden brown on bottom.
08 - Flip chicken breasts, lightly spray with oil again, and cook for 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and coating is golden and crispy.
09 - Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The breading stays incredibly crunchy while the meat stays juicy inside
  • It comes together faster than delivery and feels way more satisfying
02 -
  • Crowding the air fryer basket makes the breading soggy instead of crispy
  • Using oil spray instead of brushing oil gives you more even coverage with less mess
03 -
  • Place the coated chicken on a wire rack while you coat the rest so the bottom doesn't get soggy
  • Let the breaded chicken sit for 10 minutes before air frying for the crispiest results

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