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Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast

This crispy air fryer breaded chicken breast is golden, crunchy, and incredibly juicy inside. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then cooked in the air fryer, it's an easy high-protein dinner with all the crispiness of fried chicken without the extra oil. Perfect for busy weeknights and ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: dinner, lounch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional
  • Lemon wedges for serving, optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry. If they are thick, pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
  3. In one shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
  4. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Brush the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil.
  6. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
  7. Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken with cooking spray.
  8. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
  9. Air fry for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken and spray the top lightly with cooking spray.
  10. Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the coating is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  11. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook evenly.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for the crispiest coating.
  • Spray the breading lightly with cooking spray to achieve a golden finish.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to keep the breading crispy.