What makes air fryer breaded chicken a good choice?
Cooking Breaded Chicken saves time because the appliance heats up much faster than a standard oven. The hot air circulates around the meat to create a golden crust that stays crunchy. It is a cleaner process with very little mess to tidy up afterwards. This approach is ideal for anyone wanting a lighter version of a classic fried dish.
How to make air fryer breaded chicken
Prepare chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into even strips or bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel to help the coating stick better. Lightly whisk the egg in a small bowl until it is smooth.
Coat pieces: Mix the breadcrumbs with the paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Dip each piece of chicken into the whisked egg and let any excess drip off. Roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture until every side is fully covered.
Arrange basket: Place the coated pieces into the basket in a single layer. Make sure there is space between the pieces so the air can flow freely. Lightly spray or drizzle the tops with a little olive oil to help them brown.
Cook chicken: Set the temperature to 200C and cook for 12 minutes. Turn the pieces over halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even crunch. Check that the Breaded Chicken is cooked through and piping hot before serving.
Extra tips for air fryer breaded chicken
For the best Breaded Chicken, try using Panko breadcrumbs as they provide an extra level of crunch. If the crumbs look dry during cooking, a small extra spray of oil will help them turn golden brown. Do not overcrowd the basket or the chicken will steam rather than fry. You can add dried herbs like oregano or parsley to the breadcrumbs for more flavour.
Make sure the chicken pieces are roughly the same size to avoid some being overcooked while others are still raw. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 75C. Serving the chicken immediately helps maintain the crisp texture of the breading. Indulge in your Breaded Chicken while it is fresh.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also try
air fryer parsnips,
air fryer sweet potato fries or
air fryer empanadas.