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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe Easy Homemade 5-Step Guide

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This crispy air fryer chicken breast recipe delivers a golden, crunchy crust with juicy, tender chicken inside. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–7 oz / 170-200g each), pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm).
  2. In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb dip once more for extra crunch if desired.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place coated chicken breasts in a single layer with space between pieces. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook another 6-8 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and crust is golden brown.
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. Preheating the air fryer is key for a crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken breast, air fryer chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, quick dinner, panko chicken, air fryer recipe

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-breast-recipe-easy-homemade-5-step-guide/