Easy Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast – 15 Minutes

This air fryer breaded chicken breast recipe is a healthier way to enjoy fried chicken without any deep frying in oil. It comes out perfectly crispy on the outside and moist and juicy on the inside in less than 15 minutes, thanks to the air fryer.

You are going to become obsessed with this incredible air fryer breaded chicken breast. It is unbelievably golden and crispy, not to mention one of the juiciest chicken breast recipes ever.

Getting any chicken, like these air fryer chicken nuggets, or air fryer chicken tenders to result in juicy chicken without drying out is no easy feat. But thanks to the air fryer it is easier than ever!

This air fryer chicken recipe is the best way to enjoy fried chicken without any guilt because it is cooked without any deep frying.

It is made with protein-packed, lean, boneless chicken breast, coated in a flavorful parmesan breadcrumbs mixture, and air fried until perfectly moist, and juicy. The end result is air fryer chicken that is fantastically flavorful, appetizing, and delicious. 

If you prefer parmesan chicken then you will love this healthy air fryer chicken parmesan. 

Don’t have an air fryer? Try these oven-baked chicken cutlets. 

Why you’ll love this air fryer chicken breast recipe

• Wonderfully juicy flavorful chicken breast with a gorgeous golden crispy crust.
• Breaded chicken breast that tastes fried but without all of the oil, deep frying, and flour. 
• When you are craving fried chicken, you can make this recipe in minutes and it is much lighter and healthier.
• It stores and reheats great!
• Quick cook time – ready in 15 minutes.

Recommended Tools

Here is a list of tools I recommend using when making this recipe.

• Air Fryer – I used the Ultrean air fryer when I created this recipe. Now I have the Instant Vortex 6-quart air fryer, which I recommend. It is a bit larger, easy to use, and clean!
• Measuring cups – accurately measure out the breadcrumbs and parmesan, if using.
• Measuring spoons – accurately measure the salt and pepper and any other spices you may want to add for even more flavor.
• Shallow bowls/trays – I love these for dredging any type of protein.
• Kitchen tongs – so you can easily remove the cooked chicken breasts from the air fryer.
• Air Fryer liners – this helps keep your air fryer cleaner when cooking foods coated in a breading, cutting down on cleaning time.

*Make sure you check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of recipe ingredients, detailed instructions, and nutritional information. 

Ingredients for crispy air fryer chicken breast

• Chicken breast – try to find nice, plump boneless skinless chicken breasts that are organic and pasture-raised, if possible. I used 2 (6 oz) chicken breasts that I sliced in half to make cutlets. You can also buy thinly sliced chicken breast and use those in this recipe. It’s up to you.
• Eggs – you will need 2 large eggs to help the breading stick to the chicken. You can also use milk if you need to keep this recipe egg free.
• Breadcrumbs – you can use any breadcrumbs mixture you like. Use parmesan breadcrumbs for the best results. See the recipe tips below for how to make them yourself.
• Olive oil cooking spray – helps make the chicken super crispy and golden. Make sure to use non-aerosol cooking spray. You can also use a little bit of olive oil and just drizzle it over the chicken before you cook it.
• Salt and pepper – used to season the chicken and breading for even more flavor.

Other optional ingredients to add more flavor

• Parmesan cheese – if you are not using parmesan breadcrumbs.
• Parsley – dried or fresh will work.
• Red pepper flakes – for a nice spicy kick.
• Hot sauce – to sprinkle on after the crispy chicken is cooked.
• Lemon – another option to sprinkle on the chicken once it is done for a fresh, zippy finish.

Best ways to bread chicken

Here are two main ways to bread chicken that I think work the best!

1. Egg and breadcrumb method: Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then coat them with breadcrumbs for a crispy outer layer before frying or baking. As I did in this recipe.
2. Flour, egg, and breadcrumb method: Coat chicken pieces with flour, dip them in beaten eggs and finally coat them with breadcrumbs for a more substantial and textured breading before cooking. Like I did with these Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets.

How to make breaded chicken breast in the air fryer

1. Prep the chicken. Dry the chicken breast by patting it dry with a clean paper towel then slice it in half lengthwise with a sharp kitchen knife creating 4 chicken pieces that are even in size. 
2. Coat the chicken breast filets. Combine the breading ingredients in a shallow bowl and whisk the eggs in another separate shallow bowl. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture then in the breadcrumb mixture and set aside. 
3. Cook the chicken. Place the breaded chicken into the preheated air fryer in a single layer, spray the chicken with a light coating of olive oil spray, and cook it at 390 degrees F for 11-12 minutes until golden brown. Per the recipe card below. 
4. Slice and serve. Let the air fryer chicken breasts rest for a few minutes then sprinkle it with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon for more flavor. Slice and serve with your favorite quick salad or healthy side dish. 

Pro Tip! Use parmesan breadcrumbs and a little olive oil spray for the best results that give these crispy chicken breasts a nice crispy, golden crust that is everything.

This crispy chicken comes out so incredible with almost no oil and even makes a great recipe for meal prep.

Tips For Success

• Select nice thick, plump chicken breasts. You want to use a good thick chicken breast for this recipe since you will be slicing it in half, which will still result in crazy juicy amazing chicken. You can use store-bought raw chicken cutlets or thinly sliced chicken breast as well. 
• Any breadcrumbs will work in this recipe. You can use store-bought panko seasoned breadcrumbs, gluten-free breadcrumbs, parmesan herb breadcrumbs, or even whole wheat breadcrumbs. I recommend Parmesan breadcrumbs for the best results. To make your own parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Mix 2 cups plain breadcrumbs, with ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Dry the chicken breast well with a clean paper towel before you dredge it. This helps the breading stick to the chicken better. 
• Cook the chicken in s single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure the pieces of chicken are not overlapping. 
• Cook the chicken at medium-high heat. Cooking this chicken at medium-high heat will allow it to cook through and get super crispy on the outside while still keeping it super juicy. Flipping it halfway through the cooking time will also help it become evenly cooked on all sides. Note: Air fryer times and temps may vary. 

How Long Should you cook air fryer breaded chicken breast?

Homemade breaded air fryer chicken cutlets will take around 11-15 minutes in the air fryer. Cooking times will vary based on the size of the chicken breast that you use as well as the type of air fryer you have. I recommend checking the chicken after 10 minutes and then continue cooking it as needed. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F then it is done. Here is a cooking chart guide for cooking breaded chicken breast in the air fryer:

• 4-ounce chicken breasts: 10-12 minutes
• 6-ounce chicken breasts: 12-14 minutes
• 8-ounce chicken breasts: 14-16 minutes (or longer if they are larger)

What size chicken breasts should I use?

I used 6-ounce pieces of boneless skinless chicken breast that I sliced in half before I breaded them. It took exactly 11 minutes for it to cook perfectly. Plus it yielded a good size portion for 4 people. See the cooking times chart above for helpful guidelines.

Do I need to use oil to air-fry chicken?

This is up to you, but in my opinion, if you are making this breaded chicken breast then olive oil spray that contains much fewer calories works out just as well and results in crazy crispy and delicious chicken that tastes fried.

If you are making non-breaded boneless chicken breast in the air-fryer then you will want to use a little bit of olive oil so the chicken doesn’t dry out but still results in a nice crispy outer layer.

How will I know when the air fryer breaded chicken is done?

Most air fryer breaded chicken will take 11-15 minutes to cook perfectly. The best way to tell if the chicken is done cooking in the air fryer is to check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. Once it reaches 165 degrees F then it is done.

How can I make unbreaded chicken breast in the air fryer?

To make unbreaded chicken breast in the air fryer:

1. Start by preheating the air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breast with your preferred spices and herbs, such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place the chicken breast in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
4. Cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking times will vary based on the size of the chicken breast you are using. This cooking time is based on 4-5 ounce chicken breasts.
5. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. Enjoy tender and flavorful air-fried chicken breast!

What to serve with breaded chicken breast

This crispy chicken recipe goes well with a number of other dishes that will make it a complete meal. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Ranch Roasted Carrots – kid-friendly side
• Roasted Cauliflower Rice with Chickpeas – low-carb
• Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash – lower carb and low calorie
• Crispy Chickpea Kale Caesar Salad – for a fun healthy salad
• Air Fryer Broccoli – healthy and delicious
• Top it with some zesty romesco sauce or pesto sauce for a fancy twist!

You can also serve this breaded chicken breast over some fresh arugula dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and some shaved parmesan cheese as I did below.

Storing and reheating leftovers

This crispy breaded chicken is best if eaten right away but you can store and reheat leftovers.

• Storing – let the air fryer breaded chicken breast cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – easily reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes. It won’t be as crispy as when you first make it but it still becomes somewhat crispy and tastes AMAZING.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Amazing Air Fryer Whole Chicken
• Chicken Fajitas
• Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
• Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Other healthy chicken breast recipes

• Easy Veggie Chicken Pizza Bake
• Instant Pot Shredded Buffalo Chicken
• Healthy Chicken Parmesan
• Chicken Taco Salad

Check out all of my easy air fryer recipes on PMG!

Did you make this air fryer breaded chicken breast recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how yours turned out!

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