Air Fryer Crispy Pubstyle Chicken the Fakeaway Champ

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken The Fakeaway Youll Love

By Chef BakerAugust 25, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a quick, easy, and healthy dinner? Are you craving that pub-grub vibe without the guilt? This chicken in air fryer recipe is your answer! Honestly, it's like a "fakeaway" miracle, delivering crispy, delicious chicken faster than you can say "fish and chips.

Brief Overview

Inspired by the classic British pub favorite, this recipe brings golden goodness to your table. This Air fryer fried chicken recipe will be ready in no time.

It's easy peasy, even if you're a total novice in the kitchen. We are looking for just 35- 40 minutes.

This recipe yields four generous servings.

Main Benefits

This Air fryer chicken breast is lower in fat than traditional fried chicken. But with all that crispy, crunchy goodness, you know? It's perfect for a relaxed family dinner or even a cheeky mid-week treat.

What makes this recipe special? It's the perfect balance of speed, health, and seriously satisfying flavor. A brilliant Dinner Air Fryer Ideas !

Ready to try? Let's dive into what you'll need!

Ingredients and Equipment

Air fryer chicken nuggets are delicious, but we're going up a level! Gather your ingredients, grab your air fryer , and let's get cooking.

Air fryer chicken thighs are delicious but this is something special. You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts and panko breadcrumbs.

You'll also need eggs, flour, and some key spices.

Ingredients & Equipment

Want dinner air fryer ideas ? This crispy chicken in air fryer recipe is perfect. It's like a pub classic, made healthier and quicker. Honestly, it is great with chips!.

Main Ingredients

Here’s what you need. Forget those soggy air fryer chicken nuggets and air fryer chicken tenders . We are making a real meal!.

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut into 1 inch (2.5cm) cubes. Make sure it is uniform size.
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dredging.
1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder.
1 teaspoon (5ml) onion powder.
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika.
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) cayenne pepper. This is optional. Add for a kick.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper. To taste, of course.
2 large eggs, beaten.
1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs. These are Japanese. They give extra crispiness.
Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil).

Quality matters, especially with the chicken. Get fresh chicken. It should look pink and firm. Not slimy or smelly, you know?

Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens. Think pub vibes. It's a pretty good way to add flavor into crispy air fryer chicken breast , air fryer chicken thighs and even air fryer fried chicken .

Our combo is garlic, onion, and paprika. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth. A little cayenne is optional. It gives a subtle heat. No cayenne? Use chili flakes instead.

For extra flavour, add dried herbs. Thyme or rosemary are good choices.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy kitchen. This recipe uses basic tools. We want easy supper ideas quick air fryer meals!.

Air fryer. Obviously.
3 shallow dishes or bowls. For the breading.
Meat thermometer. Optional. But recommended. Chicken must reach 165° F ( 74° C) .

Don't have shallow dishes? Use plates or bowls. No meat thermometer? Cut into a piece. If it is white, it is done!.

This recipe is one of the quick easy healthy air fryer recipes . Get ready for some amazing air fryer chicken wings !.

Alright, let's talk cooking methods , particularly, getting perfectly crispy chicken in air fryer . Honestly, forget slaving over a hot stove. The air fryer is a total game changer.

Prep Steps: Setting Yourself Up for Air Fryer Success

First things first, essential mise en place . Get your chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs, cubed) ready. Then, measure out your flour, spices, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.

Trust me, a little prep goes a long way.

For time saving organization tips , set up a breading station. I'm talking flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. This stops you faffing around.

Speaking of being clever, don't skip patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Dry chicken equals crispy chicken . Finally, just a quick safety reminder .

Always wash your hands after handling raw chicken .

step-by-step: Air Fryer Pub-Style Magic

Cut chicken into 1 inch cubes, then pat dry.
Mix ½ cup flour with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and ¼ tsp cayenne (optional). Season with salt and pepper.
Dip each cube in the seasoned flour, then beaten egg (2 large), and finally 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs.
Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C).
Lightly spray the basket. Arrange chicken in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fry for 10- 12 minutes . Flip, then cook another 10- 12 minutes .
Ensure the internal temp reaches 165° F ( 74° C). A meat thermometer is handy for this.
Serve straight away and enjoy your Chicken in the air fryer

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Air Fryer Game

Want that proper pub-style crunch? Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before air frying. This ensures golden brown perfection.

Common mistake? Overcrowding the air fryer . Doing so leads to sad, steamed chicken . Another one to avoid? Using soggy breadcrumbs. Fresh, dry panko is your best bet.

You can prep the breaded chicken ahead of time. Just pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before cooking.

Dinner Air Fryer Ideas are easy with this. You can also turn these into Air fryer chicken nuggets or Air fryer chicken tenders.

These are Quick Easy Healthy Air Fryer Recipes .

Chicken in the Airfryer is a fantastic choice, and it’s also a crowd pleaser. Making your life easier and yummier at the same time! You'll never look back after trying this.

These are also Easy Supper Ideas Quick Air Fryer.

I've made this so many times, and honestly, it's foolproof. Even my picky eater loves it! Plus, clean-up is a breeze.

So ditch the takeaway and give this air fryer gem a go. You won't regret it. These Crispy air fryer chicken breast versions are also perfect to add with a salad.

You can also use Air fryer chicken thighs and Air fryer fried chicken for variations. Air fryer chicken wings are also delicious in air fryer.

Recipe Notes

This air fryer chicken nuggets recipe is proper easy. Trust me, even I can't mess it up! Seriously, sometimes cooking feels like navigating a minefield, but this recipe? Smooth sailing.

Here's what I’ve learned making it, plus some extra bits.

Nailing the Presentation and Pairing Like a Pro

Serving Suggestions:

Right, so you've got your crispy chicken in air fryer . How do you make it look swanky? For plating, think pub vibes.

A pile of golden air fryer fried chicken on a wooden board looks great! Serve with some proper chips, maybe a dollop of mayo.

For sides, creamy coleslaw is always a winner. Or, if you're feeling fancy, try pea and mint puree. As for drinks, a cold beer or a sparkling lemonade does the trick.

Storage Solutions

Storage Tips:

Got leftovers? Unlikely, but hey, it happens. Pop your crispy air fryer chicken breast in the fridge. Make sure it's in an airtight container.

It'll be good for about 3 days. Freezing is an option, but the breading might get a bit soft when you reheat it.

Still tastes great though! For reheating, the air fryer is your best bet. A few minutes will crisp it up again.

Remixing

Variations:

Want to mix things up? If you're avoiding gluten, swap the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. Easy peasy! For a seasonal twist, try adding some chopped fresh herbs to the breadcrumbs in the summer.

Think basil or parsley. Also you can swap ingredients to air fryer chicken tenders or air fryer chicken thighs

Health Conscious Considerations

Nutrition Basics:

Let’s be real, it’s still fried chicken. But, using the air fryer means less oil than deep frying. Each serving has around 350 calories, 35g of protein, 15g of fat, and 20g of carbs.

It's a decent source of protein.

Dinner Air Fryer Ideas , or easy supper ideas quick air fryer , are a game changer. Quick easy healthy air fryer recipes , or chicken in the airfryer offer a fast and healthier twist on a classic.

You could even try making air fryer chicken wings with this method!

Honestly, this recipe is a winner. It's quick, easy, and tastes amazing. Get stuck in and let me know what you think!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this chicken in air fryer recipe?

While it's best to use thawed chicken for optimal cooking and even breading, you can cook frozen chicken in the air fryer. However, you'll need to increase the cooking time significantly and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Also, be sure to check the chicken periodically, as it may release excess moisture, which can prevent the breading from getting crispy. For best results, plan ahead and thaw your chicken first you'll get that proper "fakeaway" experience!

How do I keep the breading from falling off my air fryer chicken?

Breading falling off is a common air fryer woe! The key is ensuring the chicken is properly dry before breading pat it down with paper towels. A good breading technique is also crucial: make sure you are coating the chicken well with the flour and eggs before the breadcrumbs, pressing the panko firmly to adhere.

Also, a light spray of cooking oil before air frying can help the breading crisp up and stay put.

What's the best temperature and time for cooking chicken in air fryer?

For this recipe, we recommend preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). The chicken will then cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, air fryers can vary, so always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Remember, every air fryer is a bit different, so think of this as a starting point!

Can I make this air fryer chicken ahead of time? How do I store it?

You can definitely prep the chicken ahead of time! Bread the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. For cooked chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain some crispiness.

Just remember, it won't be quite as good as fresh from the fryer but still a tasty leftover option.

Is air fryer chicken healthy? What about the nutritional information?

Air frying is generally considered a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses significantly less oil. While this recipe isn't exactly a salad, it's a great way to enjoy a pub-style treat with less fat.

Our estimated nutritional information per serving is around 350 calories, 35g protein, 15g fat, and 20g carbohydrates, but this can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. By making this "fakeaway" at home, you control the ingredients and avoid the extra salt and oil often found in restaurant versions.

What dipping sauces go well with this air fryer chicken?

The possibilities are endless! For a true pub experience, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and sweet chili sauce are classics. A creamy garlic mayo or a spicy sriracha mayo would also be delicious. Don't forget about traditional British favorites like HP Sauce or even a curry sauce for dipping!

Get creative and find your perfect match after all, it's your "fakeaway" experience!