Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast: Crispy, Juicy, and Guilt-Free!
Recipe Introduction
Fancy some proper fried chicken, but without all the guilt? ever wondered how to make breaded chicken in air fryer ? i did! this air fryer fried chicken breast recipe is the answer! honestly, it's so much easier than you think, and you get that amazing crispy, juicy chicken.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast: Crispy Crunch without the Guilt!
This recipe is basically a healthier, modern take on southern comfort food. originating in america but now loved everywhere, fried chicken is pure joy.
Forget spending hours in the kitchen. this air fryer version cuts down on time and fat. expect about an hour total, including brining time.
This recipe makes enough for four hungry souls.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken
The biggest win? it's way healthier than traditional deep fried chicken. think: all the flavor, a fraction of the fat. it is a perfect excuse for a quick, easy, and satisfying dinner.
The juicy chicken and crispy coating are just unbeatable. plus, you know exactly what's going into it! my favourite benefit has to be that it is a healthy air fryer fried chicken, and a perfect easy air fryer chicken breast dinner!
Ready to get started? First, the magic starts with the brine. You will need: water, kosher salt, sugar, peppercorns, and garlic. Get ready for the list of ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Key to Cracking Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast
Right then, let's talk ingredients. seriously, the right stuff makes all the difference when you’re trying to nail that perfect air fryer fried chicken breast .
We're going for crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. i remember once, i rushed the shopping. honestly, the chicken was dry as a bone, lesson learnt!
Main Ingredients: Measure for Measure
First things first, for the brine you will need: 4 cups (950ml) of water, 1/4 cup (55g) of kosher salt, 2 tablespoons (25g) of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of crushed black peppercorns, and 2 cloves of smashed garlic.
For the chicken, get 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts at around 6 oz/170g each. pound them to about 1/2 inch/1.
25cm thick. this helps them cook evenly. for the breading, you’re looking at 1 cup (120g) of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if you're feeling brave), 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 large eggs beaten, and 1/2 cup (60g) of panko breadcrumbs.
Don't forget the cooking spray! olive or avocado oil works a treat.
When choosing your chicken, go for the good stuff. plump breasts, a nice pink color, and no weird smells. seriously, dodgy chicken is a no-go.
It impacts the flavor and more importantly your health.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
Paprika, garlic, and onion powder are your base here. they give that classic "fried" flavour. don’t be shy with the cayenne if you want a kick.
A bit of thyme adds a subtle herby note. trust me, it makes a difference. if you’re out of thyme, a pinch of dried oregano will do in a pinch.
It might not be the same, but it'll still add a nice touch.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You'll need an air fryer, obviously! shallow dishes or plates for the breading are handy. a large bowl for the brining is essential.
A meat mallet or rolling pin helps to get that even thickness on the chicken. an instant read thermometer is your best friend for making sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
The ideal air fryer chicken breast internal temperature is 165° f ( 74° c) .
No meat mallet? no worries! just use a rolling pin or even the bottom of a heavy pan. we're all about making it work with what you've got.
Honestly, mastering this air fryer fried chicken breast is easier than you think! especially when using a crispy air fryer chicken breast recipe .
Get Your Cluck On: Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast, The Easy Way
Honestly, who doesn't love fried chicken? the only problem? it can be a right pain to make. all that oil, the mess.
..nah mate! that is why air fryer recipes chicken breast is the way forward. but i've got a secret weapon: my recipe for air fryer fried chicken breast .
I'm telling you. this air fryer fried chicken breast recipe delivers that classic taste and crunch you crave, but without all the fuss.
Think of it as a nando's, but better because you made it yourself. fancy a go? course you do!
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential Mise en Place : Get everything chopped, measured, and ready. This makes your life so much easier.
- Time Saving Tip : Prepare the brine earlier in the day or even the night before. Just bung it in the fridge. It gives the chicken a chance to soak up the flavours! This is a moist air fryer chicken breast tip that you will thank me for.
- Safety First : Always wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken. You know, the usual.
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step
- Brine Time : In a big bowl, mix 4 cups (950ml) water, 1/4 cup (55g) kosher salt, 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar, 1 teaspoon crushed peppercorns, and 2 smashed garlic cloves.
- Chicken Bath : Submerge your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each) in the brine. Chill for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Breading Station : In one dish, mix 1 cup (120g) flour, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (if you're feeling brave!), 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In another, beat 2 eggs. In a third, put 1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat it Good : Take each chicken breast from brine, pat it completely dry, then dunk it in flour, egg, and finally, those lovely panko crumbs. Make sure it's coated well.
- Air Fry Time : Preheat your air fryer to 375° F ( 190° C) . Give the basket a little spritz with cooking spray. Pop the chicken in.
- Crispy Magic : Cook for 15- 20 minutes , flipping halfway, until it's lovely and golden and hits an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a meat thermometer to be sure! Air fryer chicken breast internal temperature is crucial, mate.
- Rest and Serve : Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before tucking in.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast
- Pound it Out : Bash your chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch/1.25cm). This helps them cook evenly.
- Don't Overload : Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, or the chicken will steam. Cook in batches if you need to.
- Spice it Up : Want a kick? Add more cayenne to the flour mixture. You could even try a healthy air fryer fried chicken version with less salt. I remember the first time I tried this. I nearly burnt the blooming things! Now I know to keep a close eye on them. You know? I learned that patience is key. How To Make Breaded Chicken In Air Fryer is all about technique.
So, there you have it! my go-to recipe for air fryer fried chicken breast . give it a bash, and let me know what you think! you can even make it air fryer fried chicken breast gluten-free if you use the right flour and breadcrumbs.
Recipe Notes for the Best Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast
Alright, so you're ready to make some seriously good air fryer fried chicken breast ? excellent! before you dive in, let's chat about a few things i've learned along the way.
Honestly, these tips can make or break your crispy air fryer chicken breast recipe , and nobody wants a soggy chicken disaster, right? we aim to nail how to make breaded chicken in air fryer the first time around!
Serving It Up Right
Presentation matters, even if it's just for you! i like to serve my air fryer fried chicken breast on a bed of creamy coleslaw.
It looks fab and tastes amazing. think about plating a sprinkle of fresh parsley can make a big difference.
For sides, how about some sweet potato fries or even good old mac and cheese? and to drink? iced tea is classic, but a cheeky pint of beer works too.
Storing Like a Pro
So, you've somehow managed to not eat all the moist air fryer chicken breast in one sitting. fair play! to keep any leftovers, pop them in the fridge in an airtight container.
They'll be good for about 3-4 days. if you want to freeze them, wrap each breast individually in cling film before putting them in a freezer bag.
This helps prevent freezer burn. reheating? the air fryer is your friend! a few minutes at 350° f ( 175° c) should do the trick.
Mixing It Up
Fancy a change? you could easily make this air fryer fried chicken breast gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs.
Easy peasy! for a bit of a kick, add some extra cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. in autumn, i sometimes swap out the panko for crushed cornflakes for a different kind of crunch.
Nutrition Snippets
Okay, so this isn't exactly health food, but it's way better than deep fried! one serving clocks in at around 350 calories, with a whopping 45g of protein.
The fat content is around 12g, which is pretty good for fried chicken. keep in mind that this is an estimate, and it depends on the ingredients you use.
Plus, cooking chicken breast in air fryer is a great way to reduce fat intake, helping you create a healthy air fryer fried chicken .
Now you are ready to turn this into the easy air fryer chicken breast dinner of your dreams!
Listen, making air fryer recipes chicken breast can be super rewarding. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my air fryer fried chicken breast is juicy and not dry like a digestive biscuit?
The key to avoiding dry air fryer fried chicken breast is the brine! Brining helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking. Also, be sure not to overcook it; use an instant read thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the air fryer immediately.
A little rest time before serving helps the juices redistribute, adding to the juiciness too.
Can I use different seasonings for my air fryer fried chicken breast recipe? What kind of variations work?
Absolutely! This recipe is a blank canvas for your flavour dreams. For a spicy kick, increase the cayenne pepper. You could also try adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavour, or Italian herbs for a Mediterranean twist. Fancy some lemon and herb?
Add lemon zest and some dried parsley - the possibilities are as endless as a Mary Berry bake off!
My air fryer fried chicken breast isn't as crispy as I'd like. What am I doing wrong?
Crispiness is all about the breading and air circulation. Ensure your chicken is thoroughly coated in panko breadcrumbs, as they provide a great crunch. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary so the chicken can evenly crisp.
Also, don't be shy with the cooking spray a generous spritz helps the breading turn golden brown and irresistible!
How long does leftover air fryer fried chicken breast last, and what's the best way to reheat it without losing the crispiness?
Leftover air fryer fried chicken breast will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. For maximum crispiness when reheating, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is an option if you are in a rush, but be warned the chicken won't be as crispy!
Is air fryer fried chicken breast actually healthier than traditional fried chicken?
Yes, air fryer fried chicken breast is significantly healthier than traditional deep fried chicken. Because you are not submerging it in oil, it contains far less fat. This leads to a lower calorie count and a reduced risk of consuming unhealthy trans fats.
Of course, it's still fried chicken, so enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet everything in moderation, as they say!
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast Crispy Juicy And
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 0g |
