Learn how to make perfectly "fried" chicken in your air fryer! Deliciously crispy on the outside while staying juicy, tender, and moist on the interior. This is the BEST guiltless fried chicken! EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table FAST!
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time12 minutesmins
Additional Time10 minutesmins
Total Time27 minutesmins
Course: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer breaded chicken breasts, air fryer chicken breast breaded, air fryer crispy chicken breast, baked chicken breast in air fryer, breaded chicken breast in air fryer, recipes for chicken breast in the air fryer, thin sliced chicken breast air fryer cook time
Servings: 4
Calories: 519kcal
Author: Averie Sunshine
Ingredients
2large thick boneless skinless chicken breastssliced in halve lengthwise (to create 4 thinner-cut breast filets; or 4 smaller breasts)*
½cupll-purpose flour
1teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
Zest from 1 lemon
2large eggsbeaten
3cupspanko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat a large air fryer (or similar brand and model) to 375F.
In a shallow dish or bowl, add the flour, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and stir to combine; set aside.
To a separate medium bowl, add the eggs and whisk to combine; set aside.
Dredge two of the chicken breast filets in the flour mixture, dip through the eggs, and then press into the panko making sure it adheres well.
Spray the basket of your air fryer with olive oil cooking spray (or use an olive oil mister), add the 2 breasts, and spray each of them on their exposed surface.
Close the lid and air fry the chicken for 6 minutes.
Open the machine, flip the chicken over using tongs, spray the exposed surface with olive oil cooking spray, cover, and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until done. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165F. Tips - I pull my chicken out at 155 to 160F because the internal temp will continue to rise due to carryover cooking, even out of or off the heat source. If you are unsure and can't "tell" when chicken is done by a visual once-over, avoid guessing and use a digital cooking thermometer.
Repeat steps 5 through 8 with the two remaining breast filets.
After chicken has been air fried, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into it so the natural juices stay inside. Serve with a salad, vegetables, rice, potatoes, Beurre Blanc sauce, or your favorite side or sauce. Chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to 4 months. Note that leftover chicken will not retain the same crispy fried texture that is has when it's hot and fresh.
Notes
*You can use any size chicken breasts you want for crispy air fryer chicken but cooking time will vary depending on size. I tend to use large chicken breasts that I get from the butcher and then slice them in half lengthwise, creating two thinner filets.I cook medium-sized chicken breast filets for about 12 to 14 minutes total, flipping once midway through. Smaller breasts will cook in about 10 minutes total whereas larger or thicker breasts will require more time, approximately 12 to 16 minutes.Chicken is considered done when it reaches 165F. However the internal temperature will continue to rise as it rests so I take my chicken out when it’s 155 to 160F.I prefer to use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can experiment with thighs and with skin-on chicken.