Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast Crispy GuiltFree

Recipe Introduction: Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast

Quick Hook

Fancy some proper good air fryer fried chicken breast , but wanna be good? I hear ya! This recipe delivers on all the crispy air fryer chicken breast goodness with none of the guilt.

Brief Overview

Fried chicken is a soul food classic. It's originated from the American south and is now loved worldwide. This is an easy recipe and takes about an hour, including marinating, and yields 4 servings of deliciousness.

Main Benefits

This healthy air fryer chicken breast recipe cuts down on fat without sacrificing flavour. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

This recipe gives you that incredible air fryer southern fried chicken breast recipe taste.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each)
• 1 cup buttermilk (240ml)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, like Frank's RedHot, 15ml)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5g)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (192g)
• 2 teaspoons paprika (10g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5g)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (5g)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (2g)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, 2.5g)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5g)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (30g, optional, for extra crispiness)
• Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil preferred)

Let's get cracking!

Okay, let's get this sorted, shall we? This is not your average greasy spoon breaded chicken in the air fryer .

We're talking juicy, tender chicken. It's got a crispy air fryer chicken breast coating that will make you wonder why you ever bothered with the deep fryer.

The Secret's in the Prep

Time to whip up some , good as gold! Seriously, though, don't skip the buttermilk marinade. It's what makes the moist air fryer chicken breast possible.

And pounding the chicken to an even thickness? Crucial. Trust me on this one.

Breaded Chicken: The Air Fryer Way

Now for the fun part: the breading. Mix up all those lovely spices. How to make breaded chicken in air fryer ? Simple! Flour, egg, then panko (if you're feeling fancy).

Lightly spray with oil, and you're ready to air fry to perfection. Make sure you check the air fryer chicken breast internal temperature with a thermometer.

We're aiming for 165° F ( 74° C) .

Buttermilk Marinade Magic

Don't underestimate the power of a good marinade, Especially for air fryer chicken breast buttermilk marinade ; It not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with flavor.

For an extra kick, add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture. It won't make the chicken spicy.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket

Give those chicken breasts some space to breathe! Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy exterior.

It’s best to cook them in batches to ensure each piece gets that golden-brown perfection.

Optional: Serve it and Enjoy!

Once your air fryer recipes chicken breast is cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. I like mine with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, but coleslaw or a fresh salad works wonders too.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast Crispy GuiltFree Recipe Card

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Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each)
• 1 cup buttermilk (240ml)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, like Frank's RedHot, 15ml)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5g)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (192g)
• 2 teaspoons paprika (10g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5g)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (5g)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (2g)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, 2.5g)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5g)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (30g, optional, for extra crispiness)
• Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil preferred)

Instructions:

• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
• Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
• In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
• In another shallow dish, lightly beat the eggs.
• Remove chicken breasts from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each breast in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg wash, and finally, coat with panko breadcrumbs (if using). Press gently to ensure the breading adheres.
• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer (do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary). Spray the tops of the chicken breasts with cooking spray.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the breading is golden brown and crispy.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving the air fryer fried chicken breast.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350-400

Fat:10-15g

Fiber:1-2g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Southern

Ingredients & Equipment: Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast Edition

Okay, let's get this sorted, shall we? Before we dive into making some seriously good air fryer fried chicken breast , let's make sure we've got everything we need.

No one wants to be halfway through and realize they're missing something crucial, you know? Been there, done that.

Main Ingredients: The Golden Ratio

• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each). Quality matters here! Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale or slimy.

  Honestly, splurging a little on good chicken makes a HUGE difference.

• Buttermilk Marinade: 1 cup buttermilk ( 240ml ), 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, 15ml ), 1 teaspoon kosher salt ( 5g ), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ( 2.

  5g ). That buttermilk marinade? It's the secret. It tenderizes the chicken and gives it that classic Southern tang.

• Breading Station:

  • Flour Power: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ( 192g )
  • Spice is Nice: 2 teaspoons paprika ( 10g ), 1 teaspoon garlic powder ( 5g ), 1 teaspoon onion powder ( 5g ), 1 teaspoon dried thyme ( 2g ), 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, 2.5g ), 1 teaspoon kosher salt ( 5g ), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ( 2.5g )
  • Egg-cellent: 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
  • Crunch Factor: 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, 30g , for extra crispiness)
  • The Slick Stuff: Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil preferred)

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You

This is where you can really make it your own. Feel free to tweak the spices to your liking. A little extra paprika for smokiness? Go for it! Want a spicy kick ? Add a pinch more cayenne.

For flavor enhancers, garlic and onion powder are essential. They add a savory depth that's hard to resist.

If you're missing thyme, a pinch of oregano or marjoram will do in a pinch. Experiment and see what you like! Quick Substitution options: If you don’t have Buttermilk, try using regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Sweetheart

• Air Fryer: Obviously! That's how we're making this healthy air fryer chicken breast recipe .
• Two Shallow Dishes: For breading. Pie plates work great if you don't have anything fancy.
• Whisk: For the marinade.
• Meat Mallet: Optional, but helpful for even thickness. Honestly, pounding the chicken is a good way to get out some aggression too, haha!
• Instant-Read Thermometer: Crucial for making sure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Don't skip this step!

Right, now that we've got our kit sorted, we can move on to the fun part: actually making this air fryer breaded chicken breast .

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast: Crispy & Guilt-Free!

Okay, let's get this sorted, shall we? Craving that crispy, golden-brown fried chicken goodness? But without the deep-fry guilt? Honestly, same! This air fryer recipe delivers all the flavor and texture you love.

It has a fraction of the fat. Think Sunday supper, but faster. It's also healthier! It also perfect to make some healthy Air Fryer Recipes Chicken Breast !

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Boss

First things first. We need to get everything ready. This is our essential mise en place. It saves time later.

First, pound those chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly. Next, mix up your marinade. It's buttermilk, hot sauce (if you're feeling brave!), salt, and pepper.

Pop the chicken in. Make sure it's totally covered. Now, stash it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Or even better, a couple of hours!

Time to whip up some air fryer goodness! We have to keep safety in mind! Wash your hands. Avoid cross-contamination.

And always, always check the internal temperature. We want 165° F ( 74° C) . No one wants dodgy chicken!

Step-by-Step Process: Crispy Perfection

1. Get Ready: Preheat your air fryer to 375° F ( 190° C) .
2. Bread It Up: Mix flour, spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne – optional!), salt, and pepper in a dish.
3. Egg It: Lightly beat two eggs in another dish.
4. Breaded Chicken In The Air Fryer: Dip each chicken breast in the flour, then egg, then (optional) panko breadcrumbs. Press the breading on.
5. Air Fry Time: Spray the air fryer basket. Place chicken in a single layer. Don't overcrowd!
6. Spray Again: Lightly spray the chicken tops with cooking spray.
7. Cook: Air fry for 8- 10 minutes per side. Until it hits that magical 165° F ( 74° C) .
8. Rest: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips: Good as Gold!

Want extra crispy? Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray. It helps it brown beautifully! Don't skip the resting time.

It keeps the chicken juicy. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed. It’s important for proper air circulation.

This makes the chicken crispy. I also suggest to try making the air fryer chicken breast buttermilk marinade .

Here's a common mistake to avoid. Overcooking the chicken. Use a thermometer. It's your best friend. Got leftovers? This Crispy air fryer chicken breast will be good to go for 3 days if you save properly.

Honestly, making air fryer fried chicken breast is a total game-changer. It's healthier. It is also faster. And it tastes amazing! Give it a go, you won't regret it.

Also you can start a collection of Air Fryer Recipes Chicken Breast .

Recipe Notes for Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast

Okay, let's get this sorted, shall we? This air fryer fried chicken breast recipe is pretty straightforward. Honestly, it's almost foolproof.

Still, a few pointers can elevate your bird from "good" to "OMG, this is amazing!" Time to whip up some , good as gold!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, you know? Don't just chuck that crispy air fryer chicken breast onto a plate. Think about it! A dollop of creamy mash, some vibrant green beans, and a sprig of parsley.

Boom! Restaurant-worthy. For drinks, iced tea or a crisp lager goes down a treat. Don't forget that air fryer chicken breast buttermilk marinade helps keep it super tender, so even picky eaters will love it.

You can even try cutting it up and adding it to a salad for a healthier option.

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep your moist air fryer chicken breast tasting good, wrap it well. Pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing? Absolutely! Wrap tightly in foil, then a freezer bag. It will last for up to 2 months. Reheating is a breeze.

Back in the air fryer at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 5- 7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy air fryer chicken breast again.

Variations: Mix It Up

Want to make it your own? Go for it! For a dietary twist, try gluten-free flour. Works a treat! Want a healthy air fryer chicken breast recipe ? Great choice!

Spice it up with extra cayenne. Swap thyme for rosemary in the winter. Simple swaps for seasonal flavors.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Let's be real, air fryer recipes chicken breast are a win because they use way less oil. You're looking at roughly 350-400 calories per serving.

Plus, a whopping 40-45 grams of protein! It's a guilt-free way to enjoy that air fryer southern fried chicken breast recipe flavor.

Remember to use an air fryer chicken breast internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) for safety.

Honestly, making breaded chicken in the air fryer is a game changer. Don't be scared to experiment with spices and seasonings to find your perfect flavour profile for air fry breaded chicken breast .

Now get in the kitchen and give it a go. I know you will nail it!