These crispy air fryer chicken breasts are juicy and full of flavor, making them a perfect weeknight meal. You get a golden, crunchy coating without all the oil!
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside? I like to pair mine with a simple salad or some steamed veggies for a tasty dinner.
Making these is so easy! Just season the chicken, pop it in the air fryer, and wait for that delicious smell to fill your kitchen. Quick, simple, and oh-so-satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can use thighs if you prefer dark meat, but cooking times may vary since they’re thicker.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps the coating crisp up. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil or melted coconut oil work well too.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a nice crunch, but feel free to swap it for whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if you have dietary restrictions.
Seasonings: The spices add depth to the chicken. Adjust them based on your taste—try adding cayenne for heat, or use your favorite spice blend!
How Do I Get That Perfectly Crispy Coating?
Getting that crispy coating is all about how you prepare the chicken and the air fryer. First, make sure your chicken is dry. Patting it with paper towels helps the flour stick better!
- After applying oil, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture thoroughly. Press down slightly to help it stick.
- Preheat the air fryer; this ensures you get a nice crunch right away.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket! Give each piece room to breathe so they cook evenly.
- Spray a light coat of cooking spray on both sides to promote browning and crunch without all the oil.
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy. Enjoy!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- For Cooking:
- Cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes of cooking time. You’ll have delicious, crispy chicken breasts ready in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because it helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispy texture.
2. Mix the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs (if using). This mixture will be the flavorful coating for our chicken!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in to coat them evenly. Then, dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture. Press lightly to make sure the coating sticks well to the chicken!
4. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
5. Air Fry the Chicken:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer without overlapping. This will allow the hot air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
6. Cooking Process:
Air fry the chicken breasts for 10 minutes. Carefully flip them over, spray the other side lightly with cooking spray, and continue to cook for another 6-8 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps keep the chicken juicy. After resting, slice and serve hot with your favorite sides such as salads, veggies, or rice.
Enjoy your crispy, juicy chicken breasts with all the flavor and less oil!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture. Just be aware that they may take a little longer to cook, so check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Use Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Both options will work, but the texture may vary slightly from the original recipe.
Can I Prepare the Chicken the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and leave it coated in the flour mixture in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before air frying to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes to keep them crispy!
