Breaded chicken in the Air Fryer: easy and ready in 20 minutes

Name: Breaded chicken in the air fryer: easy and ready in 20 minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 1 chicken fillet (approx. 180 g); salt; pepper; garlic powder; any other seasonings you like; 1 egg; all-purpose flour (or starch); panko (or breadcrumbs); olive oil (for spraying)

Breaded chicken in the air fryer: easy and ready in 20 minutes

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Main Dish

Very Easy

25 min

1136 Kcal

You know that breaded chicken cooked in the air fryer that's crispy on the outside and super juicy on the inside? Well, we made it, and it turned out perfectly! No deep-frying, no mess, and ready in no time: in less than 20 minutes, you'll have golden-brown chicken that's so good you'll want more. And the best part? It's lighter, but doesn't sacrifice any flavor! If you like practical recipes and want to jazz up weeknight dinner or serve a quick appetizer with friends, give this breaded chicken a try. It's sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

1 chicken fillet (approx. 180 g)

Seasonings:

salt
pepper
garlic powder
any other seasonings you like

For breading:

1 egg
all-purpose flour (or starch)
panko (or breadcrumbs)
olive oil (for spraying)

Preparation

Preparation5 min

Cook time20 min

Season the chicken fillet (whole or cut into pieces) with salt, pepper, garlic powder and any other spices you like.

In the deep dish, beat 1 egg. Put the wheat flour in the first shallow dish. In the second, add the panko (or breadcrumbs).

For breading:
First, coat the chicken in flour. Then dip it in the beaten egg. Finish by coating it with panko (or breadcrumbs). Don’t forget to press lightly so the coating sticks well.

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F/200°C for 3 minutes.
Place the breaded chicken in the basket and spray with a little oil. If you left the chicken fillet whole, cook it for 10 minutes at 200°C. Turn it over and cook for another 8 minutes, or until golden brown. If you cut it into pieces, reduce the total cooking time to 10–15 minutes.

Your breaded chicken is ready. Enjoy.

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FAQ ❓

Do I need to preheat the air fryer to make breaded chicken?

Yes, it’s recommended to preheat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes before adding the breaded chicken. This helps ensure the coating gets crispy and evenly browned without drying out the meat. The initial burst of heat also helps set the outer coating, keeping the chicken juicy inside. If your air fryer has an automatic preheat function, simply activate it. Otherwise, just let it run empty at the desired temperature for a few minutes.

How can I make breaded chicken crispier in the air fryer?

For extra-crispy breaded chicken in the air fryer, the secret lies in two things: how you prepare the coating and how you cook it. Use panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a lighter, crispier coating. Before breading, pat the chicken dry with paper towels and, if you like, spray a little olive oil over the breaded pieces once they’re in the basket. This helps them brown and crisp up. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer—the hot air needs to circulate freely!

Can I use frozen chicken for breading in the air fryer?

It’s not ideal. The chicken should be completely thawed for the coating to adhere properly and for the best results in the air fryer. Frozen chicken releases a lot of water during cooking, which can make the coating soggy and affect its crispiness. Also, the coating won’t stick well to frozen chicken. It’s best to thaw the chicken in the refrigerator or using the microwave, then proceed with the recipe.

How long does air-fried breaded chicken keep?

- If the breaded chicken is already cooked in the air fryer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you’ve breaded the chicken but haven’t cooked it yet, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you prefer to freeze it, it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How can I keep the coating from sticking to the air fryer basket?

A simple tip is to lightly grease the basket with oil or use perforated parchment paper made for air fryers. This helps prevent the breaded chicken from sticking and keeps the coating intact. Another tip is not to turn the chicken too soon: wait until the underside has set and browned before turning it. Turning it too soon can make the coating fall apart. If you use parchment paper, make sure it has holes to allow the hot air to circulate!

What type of coating works best in the air fryer?

Panko breadcrumbs are the best option for the air fryer, as they get crispy without absorbing much fat. You can also use finely rolled oats, ground flaxseed, or even sliced almonds for a healthier or gluten-free version. The important thing is for the coating to have some texture and allow hot air to circulate between the pieces. For the coating to adhere perfectly, use the classic three-step method: all-purpose flour, beaten egg, and finally, the crunchy coating of your choice.

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Seasonings:

For breading:

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