Are you looking to learn how to cook breaded chicken in an air fryer? You’re in the right place! This article will guide you through the simple steps to create a delicious and healthy meal with air fryer chicken.
We’ll walk you through what ingredients to use, how long to cook it for, and provide some tasty accompaniments that make this mouth-watering dish complete.
So grab your cooking gear, and let’s get started!
How To Cook Breaded Chicken In An Air Fryer
Ingredients To Make Breaded Chicken
These are the ingredients needed to make breaded chicken in the air fryer:
- Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Two eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko crumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
See also: How To Cook Boneless Pork Chops In Air Fryer?
Instructions To Prepare The Breaded Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast into two thinner pieces so they cook faster and more evenly in the air fryer; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl or plate; whisk together the eggs in another shallow bowl or plate until fully combined.
- Put the breadcrumbs (or panko) on a third shallow bowl or plate; mix gently with your hands to break up any clumps that might be present before using them later for coating the chicken pieces.
- Working one at a time, dip each piece of chicken into the flour first, then coat it completely with egg mixture.
- Finally, press both sides of each piece firmly onto the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated on both sides (you may need to pat some extra crumb if needed).
Air Fryer Breaded Chicken
COSORI Air Fryer (Check Price On Amazon)
Now it’s time for cooking! Take the ingredients you have prepared before and follow this straightforward instruction for cooking delicious breaded chicken in your air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8 minutes and flip them over halfway through cooking time. Check on your chicken pieces to see if they are cooked through, but note that smaller/thinner chicken breasts might need less time.
- Continue cooking until fully done (internal temperature should be 165°F).
- Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and enjoy warm!
See also: How To Cook Battered Fish In Air Fryer?
What To Serve With Air Fryer Breaded Chicken?
There are many ways to serve your breaded chicken. There is no right or wrong. Everyone has different tastes. The suggestion below is what we recommend.
- Mashed potatoes: Serve the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, adding a little butter and herbs for extra flavor.
- Roasted vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to accompany your air fryer breaded chicken.
- Sweet potato fries: A delicious side dish of sweet potato fries will go perfectly with this meal! Top them off with some fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Salad: For a healthy option, why not serve a simple green salad on the side? You could use mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese for extra zing!
- Grilled corn: Grill up some ears of corn on the cob in your air fryer alongside the chicken to make it even more filling and flavorful!
Recommended Tools To Make Air Fryer Breaded Chicken
Air Fryer
An air fryer is a kitchen device that circulates hot air around food to cook it without extra oil, giving the food a crunchy texture similar to deep frying.
When shopping for an air fryer, look for one with adjustable temperature and timer settings, as well as enough capacity to fit your desired amount of food.
Tongs
A good pair of tongs is essential when cooking with an air fryer because they help you turn over and adjust items in the basket without burning yourself or dropping them into the bottom of the appliance.
Look for a set with soft tips to easily grab small pieces of food without tearing them apart. Additionally, ensure they have comfortable handles and are heat-resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 Celsius).
Baking Sheet/Tray
To prepare your breaded chicken before placing it in the air fryer, you’ll need a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will also help prevent sticking once cooked in the appliance itself.
When choosing either item, consider how much room you have inside your oven or on countertops. If space is limited, opt for smaller trays that won’t take up too much room but still provide enough area to spread ingredients evenly before cooking.
See also: How To Cook Bagel Bites In Air Fryer?
Storage Tips For The Leftover Air Fryer Breaded Chicken
When storing air fryer breaded chicken in a refrigerator, make sure you use an airtight container with a lid that seals completely shut so that no foreign particles can enter and contaminate your food.
This will also help prevent odors from seeping into other foods stored inside your fridge.
If you plan on freezing your leftovers instead of consuming them immediately, wrap them tightly in freezer bags or aluminum foil before placing them into a sealed container.
This helps minimize contact with oxygen, which could cause freezer burn if exposed too long.
Lastly, always clearly label each package with its contents and date of storage, so you know what’s inside without having to open every single one!
See also: How To Cook Baby Back Ribs In Air Fryer?
How To Preheat The Frozen Breaded Chicken In The Air Fryer?
The best way to preheat frozen breaded chicken in an air fryer is to set the temperature to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook for around 5-7 minutes, then turn over the chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure that your chicken is cooked through while still being crispy on the outside.
When preheating frozen breaded chicken in an air fryer, it’s important to note that you should never overcrowd the basket as this can lead to uneven cooking and soggy results due to steam buildup during cooking.
It’s also important not to add too much oil as this can create smoke, burnt bits, and a greasy final product.
Make sure all pieces are evenly spaced with some space between them so they can crisp up nicely without sticking together or becoming overly greasy.
Finally, ensure all pieces are fully submerged in oil before starting the timer; otherwise, they won’t get crispy enough!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Cook Frozen Breaded Chicken Patties In Air Fryer?
Frozen breaded chicken patties should be cooked in an air fryer for about 10-12 minutes at 400°F.
How Long To Cook Frozen Breaded Chicken In Air Fryer?
Frozen breaded chicken takes about 15-20 minutes to cook in an air fryer.
Does Breading Work In An Air Fryer?
Yes, breading can be used in an air fryer. Air fryers use hot air for cooking food quickly and evenly, so the breading will crisp up nicely.
Why Is Breaded Chicken Not Crispy In Air Fryer?
Breaded chicken may not be crispy in an air fryer because the breading is too thick, it needs to be preheated properly, or the temperature of the air fryer is set too low.
Why Does The Breading Fall Off Chicken Air Fryer?
The breading on the chicken can fall off when cooked in an air fryer if it is not properly prepared.
To prevent this, make sure the chicken pieces are completely coated with a thin layer of oil before adding the breading and that the breading is firmly pressed onto the surface of each piece.
Conclusion
Cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer is a quick, easy, healthy meal for the whole family.
This delicious dish will become a staple of your weekly cooking routine thanks to its minimal preparation time and great flavor!
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have this nutritious dinner on the table in no time.
Enjoy!