Go Back

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This recipe guides you to create perfectly crispy and tender air-fried chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken is coated in a flavorful panko-Parmesan crust infused with lemon zest and spices, then cooked efficiently in an air fryer for a quick, delicious meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 1 day 6 hours
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine French
Servings 2 people
Calories 1197.1 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer
  • 3 Shallow Dishes (for dredging station)
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Tongs
  • 1 Instant-Read Meat Thermometer (crucial for food safety)

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 0.25 c. all-purpose flour
  • 0.75 c. panko bread crumbs
  • 0.333 c. freshly grated Parmesan
  • 2 tsp. lemon zest
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Instructions
 

  • In the first shallow dish, beat the large egg.
  • In a second shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
  • In a third shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, lemon zest, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper, mixing well.
  • Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
  • Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess.
  • Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, allowing any extra to drip off.
  • Press the chicken firmly into the panko mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes, if recommended by your model.
  • Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Air fry for 16-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For optimal crispness, ensure the chicken breasts are relatively uniform in thickness; if thick, consider pounding them slightly. A light spray of oil on the breaded chicken before air frying can enhance browning and crispiness without excessive fat. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate effectively, ensuring even cooking and a golden crust. Always check the internal temperature to 165°F (74°C) to guarantee doneness while preventing overcooking, which can lead to dry chicken. Resting the chicken for a few minutes after cooking helps redistribute juices, ensuring a more succulent result. Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the panko mixture for an extra layer of flavor.