Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast Extra Crispy Wellplated Com

With fried chicken, to me even mediocre isn’t worth it.

It needs to be crunchy outside with well-seasoned breading that is present but not overpoweringly thick.The meat must be juicy.It must never be greasy. In fact, you should almost forget that it is fried.

While I love tackling homemade versions of my favorite indulgent foods, deep frying is a line I haven’t crossed. It sounds like a hot mess and a splurge I prefer to save for when I’m out to eat. (Hence we are a Baked French Fry kind of household). Thanks to the air fryer (this is the model I own and would recommend), “fried” foods are now easy and healthy to create at home!

From Air Fryer French Fries to Air Fryer Chicken Wings, this handy appliance (which is essentially a super-powered countertop convection oven) is a dream for making foods that have ultra crispy exteriors and resemble their deep-fried counterparts.This air fryer also cooks food quickly. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders and Air Fryer Chicken Breast, for example, are both ready in 8-ish minutes.

Add an easy seasoned breadcrumb coating and you have a knock off air fryer fried chicken even The Colonel would approve!

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast

Thanks to the convection power of the air fryer, hot air crisps the outside of the chicken, while keeping the interior moist. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs certainly agree!

The Ingredients

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast. The ultimate versatile and family-friendly lean protein! As this list of healthy chicken recipes proves, there’s about nothing chicken can’t do. The key is to keep it juicy, and the air fryer does just that.

Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs. For breaded air fryer chicken breast, I prefer to use more finely ground breadcrumbs (vs. larger panko breadcrumbs) because they adhere to the chicken more easily. If you’d like to use panko, you’ll need to dip the chicken in egg first so that the breadcrumbs adhere (see this Baked Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Katsu video for a step-by-step). I also like that using regular breadcrumbs means I can make this air fryer fried chicken without flour, saving myself an ingredient.Parmesan. Using half grated Parmesan and half breadcrumbs ensures the chicken tastes satisfying.Breadcrumb Seasoning. Paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne mimic many southern fried chicken recipes.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil. One perk of air fryer cooking is that very little oil is needed. I use 1 teaspoon of oil per 1/2 pound of chicken.

The Directions

What to Serve with Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Potatoes. Air fryer chicken breast and potatoes is a classic pairing. Try Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or Crock Pot Baked Potatoes for two classics.Roasted Vegetables. Take advantage of your free oven and make a batch of Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Broccoli.Sauteed Veggies. Don’t want to turn on the oven? Sauteed Brussels Sprouts, Sauteed Cabbage, or Sauteed Carrots to the rescue!Slaw. Healthy Coleslaw or Asian Cabbage Slaw would be stellar.Dipping Sauce. Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip and Barbecue Sauce are sure hits.Condiments. Pickled Onions are especially yummy paired with all-American classics like fried chicken.Macaroni and Cheese. The lightened up Ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese from my cookbook is my hands-down favorite.

Storage Tips

To Store. This recipe is best enjoyed the day it is baked, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.To Reheat. Leftover chicken can be reheated in a lightly greased pan over medium heat and is also good served at room temperature on top of salads.To Freeze. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Chef’s Knife. It’s special high-carbon blade and ergonomic handle make this a kitchen essential!Cutting Board. Thicker materials limit cuts and the built-in juice grove makes clean up a breeze.Glass Mixing Bowls. This durable, 10-piece set will last and cover all of your cooking needs.

From my Yankee kitchen, a healthy fried chicken rendition. I hope it hits the spot for you too.