Best 8 Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breasts Recipes

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If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook juicy and crispy fried chicken breasts, an air fryer is the perfect appliance for the job. With its ability to circulate hot air around the food, an air fryer can cook chicken breasts to perfection in a fraction of the time it takes to fry them in oil. Plus, air-fried chicken breasts are much healthier than their traditional counterparts, as they contain less fat and calories. In this article, we'll provide you with a foolproof recipe for air fryer fried chicken breasts, as well as some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results every time.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN



Air Fryer Fried Chicken image

Making fried chicken in an air fryer is a revelation. You can achieve a crispy crust and juicy interior without all the steps of deep-frying. A soak in seasoned buttermilk adds extra flavor-as little as 1 hour will make a difference, but overnight is even better. Because of the capacity of a standard air fryer, we cook the chicken in batches. You can rewarm the first batch in a 250-degree oven for 10 minutes if you'd like to serve it all hot at once.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups buttermilk
6 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
6 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Olive oil cooking spray

Steps:

  • Combine the buttermilk, garlic, 1 tablespoon salt and 2 teaspoons pepper in a large resealable plastic bag or container. Add the chicken pieces, seal and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to overnight, turning the bag once or twice.
  • When you are ready to cook the chicken, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a shallow bowl or dish. Stir well with a fork to combine. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the buttermilk mixture from the bag over the flour and toss well to create small lumps throughout.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade. Spray the basket of a 3.5-quart air fryer with olive oil cooking spray and preheat to 360 degrees F.
  • Dredge 3 thighs and 3 drumsticks in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Place the pieces in the preheated air-fryer basket, skin-side up without touching. Spray the chicken generously with the cooking spray and air fry until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is crisp and deep golden, about 27 minutes. Check on the chicken halfway through to spray any spots that still look floury with more cooking spray and flip the drumsticks only.
  • When the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and season lightly with salt. Repeat the dredging and air-frying process with the remaining chicken. if you like, rewarm the first batch in an oven at 250 degrees F for 10 minutes before serving.

EASY AIR-FRIED CHICKEN BREAST



Easy Air-Fried Chicken Breast image

Easy air fryer chicken recipe for one that can easily be scaled up for more people.

Provided by Anonymous

Time 28m

Yield 1

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (8 ounce) chicken breast
2 teaspoons olive oil
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat an air fryer to 360 degrees F (182 degrees C).
  • Brush both sides of the chicken breast with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on one side. Set chicken breast, seasoned side down, into the air fryer basket and sprinkle the other side with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Air-fry for 9 minutes, flip, and cook until chicken breast is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 9 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Transfer chicken breast onto a plate and loosely cover with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 479.3 calories, Carbohydrate 13.7 g, Cholesterol 129.2 mg, Fat 29.6 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 37.8 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 418.2 mg

AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN BREAST



Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast image

This air fryer fried chicken breast recipe without flour is ultra crispy thanks to whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and little oil.

Provided by Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Categories     Main Course

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (plus additional to taste)

Steps:

  • Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise so that you have 6 long, narrow pieces total. Pound each piece to an even 1/2-inch thickness (I like to stretch a piece of plastic wrap over the top first to keep things tidy). Place the pounded chicken in a bowl.
  • Drizzle the chicken with the olive oil and toss to coat.
  • In a wide, shallow bowl (a pie dish works well), combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, and salt until evenly blended.
  • Coat each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, patting as necessary so that it adheres.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F. Coat the basket with nonstick spray, then arrange the chicken in the basket in a single layer (you will likely need to cook the chicken in two batches. If desired, keep the first batch warm in a 250 degree F oven while you finish the second).
  • Air fry the breaded chicken breast on the first side for 4 minutes. Slide out the basket, flip the chicken, then continue cooking for 2 to 5 additional minutes, depending upon the size of your chicken and your air fryer model. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and the crumbs should look golden brown (I typically remove my chicken at 160 degrees F, as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests). Enjoy hot.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 of 4, Calories 234 kcal, Carbohydrate 8 g, Protein 28 g, Fat 10 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 78 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, UnsaturatedFat 6 g

AIR-FRYER SOUTHERN-STYLE CHICKEN



Air-Fryer Southern-Style Chicken image

I call this America's best-loved air fryer chicken. The secret is in the breading, which makes the chicken super moist and flavorful, herby and golden brown. -Elaina Morgan, Rickman, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 50)
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 large egg, beaten
1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up
Cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat air fryer to 375°. In a shallow bowl, mix the first 7 ingredients. Place egg in a separate shallow bowl. Dip chicken in egg, then in cracker mixture, patting to help coating adhere. In batches, place chicken in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket, spritz with cooking spray., Cook 10 minutes. Turn chicken and spritz with cooking spray; cook until chicken is golden brown and juices run clear, 10-20 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410 calories, Fat 23g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 135mg cholesterol, Sodium 460mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 36g protein.

AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN



Air Fryer Fried Chicken image

Plan ahead for this crispy air fried chicken. The seasonings are a starting point; add less salt if desired.

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Fried Chicken Recipes

Time 8h35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ pounds bone-in chicken pieces, with skin
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons garlic salt
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 ⅔ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried basil
⅓ teaspoon dried oregano
cooking spray

Steps:

  • Combine buttermilk, hot sauce, and salt in a large gallon-sized resealable bag. Add chicken and knead well to ensure chicken is coated with marinade. Marinate chicken in the fridge, 8 hours to overnight.
  • Combine flour, sweet and smoked paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, salt, pepper, cumin, thyme, basil, and oregano in a second gallon-sized resealable bag. Shake to combine. Drain chicken from the buttermilk and add to the dry mix. Shake to coat.
  • Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Spray chicken with cooking spray. Air fry for 20 minutes, turning at the halfway mark.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 291 calories, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 60.7 mg, Fat 10.8 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 23.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 1820.2 mg, Sugar 4.3 g

AIR FRYER SOUTHERN-FRIED CHICKEN



Air Fryer Southern-Fried Chicken image

Nothing beats crispy, savory southern-fried chicken-especially when it has less fat than the deep-fried version. Try this Air Fryer Southern-Fried Chicken recipe for a fresh take on tradition.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 2h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup buttermilk
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb total)
3/4 cup Gold Medal™ All-Purpose Flour
Cooking spray

Steps:

  • In small bowl, mix Seasoning Mix ingredients.
  • In shallow bowl, mix buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mix. Cut chicken breasts in half crosswise, and add to buttermilk mixture. Turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, cut 8-inch round of cooking parchment paper. Place in bottom of air fryer basket. Spray with cooking spray.
  • In shallow bowl, mix flour with remaining 1 tablespoon seasoning mix. Remove 4 pieces chicken from marinade, keeping remaining chicken refrigerated, and dredge the 4 pieces in flour mixture.
  • Place coated chicken on parchment in air fryer basket. Spray top of chicken with cooking spray.
  • Set to 325°F; cook 10 minutes. Turn chicken; spray tops with more cooking spray, and cook 8 to 12 minutes longer or until chicken is cooked through (at least 165°F). Keep warm. Repeat with remaining chicken, and discard any remaining marinade and flour mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 280, Carbohydrate 14 g, Cholesterol 110 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 41 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 2 Pieces, Sodium 720 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g

AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREASTS



Air fryer chicken breasts image

Use an air fryer to create this tempting dish of tender chicken breasts coated in garlic, sweet paprika and herbs. Mix up the spices for interest or keep it plain if you prefer

Provided by Samuel Goldsmith

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 chicken breasts
½ tbsp rapeseed oil
1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp garlic granules
1 tsp smoked sweet paprika
2 tsp mixed herbs
½ tsp pepper
steamed rice and greens such as broccoli or green beans or a green salad, to serve (optional)

Steps:

  • Coat the chicken in the oil and set aside. In a bowl, combine the salt, garlic, paprika and mixed herbs with a good grinding of black pepper, then scatter onto a plate.
  • Roll each oiled chicken breast in the seasoning and put in your air fryer basket. Cook at 180C for 18-20 mins, turning after 10 mins. To check it is cooked, pierce the chicken with a knife at the thickest part to see if the juices run clear. Or insert a temperature thermometer and it should read 70C. Serve with rice and greens or a salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215 calories, Fat 7 grams fat, SaturatedFat 2 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 1 grams carbohydrates, Fiber 0.5 grams fiber, Protein 38 grams protein, Sodium 1.38 milligram of sodium

CRISPY AIR-FRIED CHICKEN



Crispy Air-Fried Chicken image

This is super and makes a juicy and delicious chicken. The basting mixture is a win and adds an excellent flavor to the crispy skin. You can modify this for a whole bird, you will need to add more cooking time and you are going to want to truss your chicken to make sure the legs and wings are tucked in. (Google it, it's way easier than you think.)

Provided by FrackFamily5 CA->CT

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Fried Chicken Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried marjoram
½ teaspoon ground sage
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 (8 ounce) bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves
¼ cup coconut oil, at room temperature
2 tablespoons dry sherry
2 tablespoons lime juice

Steps:

  • Mix paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, marjoram, sage, pepper, and nutmeg together in a small bowl. Spread spice rub on all sides of chicken breasts and under the skin.
  • Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Mix coconut oil, sherry, and lime juice together in a small bowl; set aside.
  • Place chicken, breast-side down, in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. Brush chicken with reserved basting oil. Flip chicken, reduce heat to 360 degrees F (182 degrees C), and cook for another 15 minutes. Baste chicken again with remaining oil and cook until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 6 to 12 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 436.1 calories, Carbohydrate 4 g, Cholesterol 127.5 mg, Fat 25.7 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 45.7 g, SaturatedFat 15.2 g, Sodium 735.4 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

Tips:

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This will make the cooking process faster and easier.
  • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness: This will help them cook evenly.
  • Season the chicken breasts with your favorite spices: Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  • Dredge the chicken breasts in flour: This will help the breading stick to the chicken.
  • Dip the chicken breasts in eggs: This will help the breading adhere to the chicken.
  • Coat the chicken breasts in bread crumbs: You can use regular bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, or even crushed crackers.
  • Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket: Make sure there is enough space between the chicken breasts so that they can cook evenly.
  • Cook the chicken breasts at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes: Or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  • Serve the chicken breasts immediately: With your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion:

Air fryer fried chicken breasts are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and they can be made in a fraction of the time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make air fryer fried chicken breasts that your whole family will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give air fryer fried chicken breasts a try.

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