Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast (Quick & Healthy Recipe!)
Looking for the best way to make crispy air fryer chicken breast? This easy recipe delivers golden, crunchy chicken in just 20 minutes—perfect for healthy weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Fast & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes, start to finish.
- Healthier: All the crunch of fried chicken, but cooked with little oil.
- Versatile: Simple to customize with your favorite seasonings.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or spray)
- 1 cup dried breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Pro Tip: Slice chicken into thinner cutlets for faster, even cooking. For extra crispy texture, use panko breadcrumbs.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Prep Chicken: Slice breasts into ½-inch cutlets for even cooking.
- Coat: Toss chicken with olive oil. Mix breadcrumbs and seasonings in a shallow bowl. Press chicken into breadcrumb mix, coating both sides.
- Air Fry: Arrange in air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Chicken is done when internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving—this keeps it juicy!
Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; work in batches if needed.
- Spray breaded chicken lightly with oil for a golden crust.
- Check temp with a meat thermometer for safety and juiciness.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to keep it crispy.
Variations & Substitutions
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast Low Carb
- Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
- Quick & Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast Meal Prep
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast Keto
- Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
FAQs
How can I change the flavor?
Swap seasonings for Italian, Mexican, or Asian-inspired spices.
Can I use alternative coatings?
Yes! Almond flour, crushed nuts, or cornflakes all work—just watch for faster browning.
How do I cook thicker chicken breasts?
Butterfly or pound to even thickness; increase air fry time to 15–18 minutes if needed.
What to Serve With Crispy Chicken Breast
Serve with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, garlic potatoes, or slice for sandwiches and wraps. It’s a versatile main dish!
If you try this crispy air fryer chicken breast recipe, leave a comment or tag me on Instagram! Your feedback inspires more tasty recipes.
Printed Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken & Oil
- 2 large chicken breasts sliced into ½-inch thick cutlets
- 1 tbsp oil olive, canola, or vegetable
Coating & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried chili powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Place sliced chicken cutlets in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Mix to coat evenly.
- In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs with paprika, chili powder, pepper, garlic, onion powder, cayenne (if using), and salt.
- Press each cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides. Shake off excess and place in air fryer basket.
- Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through after 7 minutes.
- Remove and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
