Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer Recipe

Say hello to juicy, crispy, downright irresistible Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer! This recipe takes humble chicken breasts and transforms them into a golden, crunchy masterpiece that you won’t believe came from an air fryer. With a tangy swipe of mayo, a cheesy breadcrumb crust, and barely any mess, this is a weeknight hero that delivers restaurant-worthy flavor with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, you’ll fall in love with the ease and satisfaction of Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What sets this Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer apart is how such a simple list of ingredients comes together to create a truly crave-worthy dish. Each ingredient has its role, building the foundation for perfect flavor, crispiness, and color in every bite.

• Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless breasts around 7-8 oz each for juicy, evenly cooked results.
• Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Use a top-quality mayo like Best Foods, Hellmann’s, Duke’s, or even homemade; it acts as the essential “glue” for the breading and adds flavor.
• Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs (½ cup): These bring the garlic, herbs, and crispy texture for that signature crunch on the outside.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Lends nutty, salty depth and helps create that golden-brown, cheesy crust that’s simply mouthwatering.

How to Make Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer

Step 1: Let the Chicken Breathe

Pull your chicken breasts out of the fridge about 15–30 minutes before cooking if you have a moment to spare. Letting them sit helps them lose the chill, which means they’ll cook more evenly and stay extra tender inside. Trust me, it’s a tiny step that makes a world of difference for Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer!

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Give your air fryer about 3–5 minutes to preheat at 360°F. A preheated basket ensures the chicken starts crisping up right away for the best color and texture—no soggy coatings here!

Step 3: Slather on the Mayo

Using a pastry brush (or the back of a spoon), coat both sides of each chicken breast generously with mayonnaise. This is the magic touch: mayo keeps the meat juicy, gives flavor, and ensures the breadcrumb mixture sticks beautifully.

Step 4: Breading Time

Place the mayo-slathered chicken breasts in a large gallon-size zip-top bag. Add the Italian breadcrumbs and the grated parmesan cheese. Seal the bag with air still inside, then shake it up—think “shake n’ bake” vibes. The chicken will be perfectly coated in a cheesy, herby crust without a single messy bowl to wash!

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, giving a little space between each piece. Cook at 360°F for 10 minutes, then gently flip each breast and cook for another 12–16 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness—you’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F. If you have an instant-read thermometer, now’s the time to use it!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

When the crispy coating is golden and your kitchen smells out-of-this-world, pull the chicken out and let it rest for 3–5 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute so each bite is tender and succulent. Serve your Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer whole or sliced on a bias for an elegant finish.

How to Serve Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer

Garnishes

Dress up your chicken with a flurry of fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon. These finishing touches brighten up the plate and bring extra color and pizazz to your Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer, making it even more appealing.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with all sorts of classic sides. Fluffy mashed potatoes, crisp-tender green beans, or a simple Caesar salad round out the meal and let the crispy, flavorful chicken take the spotlight. Even a pile of roasted veggies or a bed of pasta works if you’re looking for a heartier spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and layering it over summer greens for a satisfying salad, or tuck those juicy slices into a sandwich with spicy arugula and garlic aioli. For a cozy, family-style dinner, slice and fan out the chicken on a platter with dipping sauces so everyone can grab a piece. Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer is crazy versatile, so don’t be shy—make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds up well for meal prep and stays surprisingly moist, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinner the next day.

Freezing

Want to freeze? Absolutely. Cool the chicken completely, then wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. To avoid freezer burn, squeeze out as much air as possible.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer right back in your air fryer at 350°F for about 5–6 minutes. This brings back the crunch without drying out the inside. You can also reheat in the oven if you’re batch-warming, or even slice and eat cold atop a salad—it’s delicious every way.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! While this recipe is built for chicken breasts, boneless, skinless thighs work well and deliver a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time down a bit, as thighs are often thinner and may cook faster in the air fryer.

Is there a mayonnaise substitute I can use?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can step in for mayo if you prefer. They add moisture and help the breadcrumbs cling, though they’ll give a tangier flavor and a slightly different crust. The mayo really shines here, but feel free to experiment!

What if I don’t have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs?

You can use plain breadcrumbs and mix in a teaspoon each of dried Italian herbs and garlic powder. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and add herbs for extra flavor.

How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?

The most foolproof way is with an instant-read thermometer; you’re aiming for 160°F at the thickest part, letting it rest so it reaches a safe 165°F. The coating should be a deep golden color, and the juices should run clear when you slice in.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes—just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches so each Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer has space to crisp up evenly, ensuring that signature crunch in every bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s both ultra-satisfying and weeknight-easy, Breaded Chicken Breast in Air Fryer is the way to go. It brings together classic comfort and crispy goodness with barely any cleanup. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen—happy air frying!

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