Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast (Print Version)

Golden, crispy chicken breasts with a savory panko-Parmesan coating. Air fried to perfection in under 30 minutes for a lighter take on the classic favorite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (5-6 oz each)

→ Breading Station

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs beaten
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1 tsp paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Cooking Oil

10 - Olive oil spray or neutral cooking spray

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If thicker than 3/4 inch, pound to even thickness using meat mallet.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: flour in first, beaten eggs in second, panko-Parmesan-garlic-paprika-salt-pepper mixture in third.
04 - Coat each chicken breast in flour shaking off excess, dip in egg wash, then press into panko mixture ensuring complete coverage.
05 - Lightly spray both sides of breaded chicken with olive oil spray.
06 - Place chicken in single layer in air fryer basket without overlapping. Air fry at 400°F for 7 minutes.
07 - Flip chicken breasts, spray lightly with oil again, and continue air frying at 400°F for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The breading gets perfectly crispy without a drop of frying oil
  • You'll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes start to finish
  • The chicken stays incredibly juicy inside while developing that gorgeous golden crust
02 -
  • Don't skip pounding the chicken to even thickness—uneven pieces lead to dry ends and undercooked centers
  • Crowding the air fryer basket will make the breading soggy instead of crispy
  • Letting the chicken rest after cooking prevents all those wonderful juices from running out onto the plate
03 -
  • Let the breaded chicken sit for 10 minutes before air frying—this helps the coating adhere better
  • If the breading starts getting too dark before the chicken is done, tent loosely with foil

Go Back