Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken (Print Version)

Golden, juicy chicken cutlets with a crispy breadcrumb coating, cooked quickly with an air fryer method.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 tablespoons milk
05 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (90 g)
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (40 g)
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - Olive oil cooking spray

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Place chicken breasts between parchment paper sheets and pound to 1/2-inch thickness.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with a mixture of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
04 - Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into egg mixture, then thoroughly coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
05 - Lightly spray both sides of each cutlet with olive oil cooking spray.
06 - Place cutlets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
07 - Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, flip cutlets, spray lightly again, then cook for an additional 6 to 7 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Allow cutlets to rest for 2 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're genuinely crispy on the outside with juicy chicken inside, no compromise.
  • Fifteen minutes of hands-on work means dinner is ready faster than takeout.
  • You get all the satisfaction of fried chicken without the lingering kitchen smoke.
02 -
  • Pounding the chicken to even thickness is non-negotiable—thick spots will stay juicy while thin spots cook through, leaving you with inconsistent texture.
  • Don't skip the second spray of oil before the final cook; it's the difference between crispy and merely cooked.
  • Let your breading ingredients sit in the bowl for a minute after mixing so the panko has time to absorb a tiny bit of moisture and adhere better.
03 -
  • If your air fryer basket is small, don't overcrowd—cook in two batches if needed because air circulation is what creates that golden crunch.
  • Mix a tiny pinch of baking powder into your breading mixture for extra lift and an even crispier texture that defies the word 'healthy.'
Return