How to make air fryer chicken breast in just 20 minutes - a healthier crispy breaded chicken that is crispy, juicy and delicious! Made with a simple breading technique that gets extra crispy in the air fryer.
The air fryer is ideal for achieving crispy and delicious food, quickly! From air fryer crispy air fryer chicken parmesan, to crispy air fryer chicken thighs, lemon pepper air fryer chicken, and this breaded air fryer chicken breast recipe - you can't go wrong!
With deliciously seasoned breading and juicy meat, this 20 minute air fryer chicken breast is beyond easy to prep. Our kids go nuts for this recipe (along with these air fryer chicken tenders), and we feel better about serving them than a processed bag of chicken nuggets!
Best of all, we're willing to bet you've never made a breaded chicken recipe that is this simple before! We are skipping the traditional flour/egg/breading routine in favor of a simpler and faster way of getting things done.
Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
- it has all the yummy flavor and crispy texture of classic fried chicken tenders, minus the oil and deep frying!
- you don't even need to turn on the oven
- it cooks the chicken through in just 6 minutes, and dinner can be on the table in just 20 minutes
Recipe Video
Wondering how this all comes together? Watch the 1-minute video below. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
Ingredient Notes
- chicken breasts - we take boneless skinless chicken breasts, and slice them in half horizontally to get two thin cutlets. You could also use this breading with boneless skinless chicken thighs, adjusting the cook time as needed (see our air fryer chicken thighs recipe!)
- bread crumbs - we tested three different types of breading and found regular breadcrumbs to have the best results (see more on that below)
- olive oil - for brushing, you could swap for avocado oil if preferred
- seasonings - we were aiming for KFC-style flavor using a blend of garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne. Feel free to omit any of these spices; note these chicken tenders are not spicy - the cayenne just adds a tiny hint of heat
Step by step directions
Prepare
Heat air fryer to 390°F / 200 °C. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to make two thin chicken breast halves from each. Brush each side lightly with olive oil.
Bread
Stir together the breading ingredients. Dredge the chicken breasts in the breading multiple times until they are thoroughly coated.
Cook
Shake off excess breading, and place in a single layer in the air fryer (2 chicken breast halves at a time). Cook for 4 minutes.
Note: depending on your air fryer model you may be able to fit more in the basket.
Flip
Flip, then cook for two more minutes. Precise cook time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, so either check with a digital thermometer that chicken has reached 165°F or cut one in half.
Testing breading options
We tested three different options for breading:
- all purpose flour ended up soggy and not great in texture
- panko gave the crispiest texture, but all the seasonings sank to the bottom of the bowl, so it was lacking in flavor
- regular bread crumbs is the winner in this recipe as it gave the best compromise between crispy texture and great flavor
Bottom line: make sure that you use regular breadcrumbs for best results with this chicken breast air fryer recipe.
Basket Versus Oven Air Fryers
This air fryer chicken breast recipe was tested in a basket-style air fryer, but you could also cook it in an oven-style air fryer. Here are the two air fryers we recommend:
- Basket Style- COSORI Air Fryer Max XL
- Oven Style- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven
Confused by all the air fryer models out there? Check out Which Air Fryer is Best for you.
FAQ
Some readers have had success with this recipe by swapping the breadcrumbs for pork rinds! We have not personally tried.
Some readers have reported back in the comments that gluten-free breadcrumbs worked great! Leave us a comment if you try this recipe with GF breadcrumbs or any other alternatives!
This recipe reheats really well, making it ideal for busy week nights or meal prep lunches. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, until heated through and breading becomes crispy again, or enjoy cold.
We haven't tried freezing this recipe, but suspect it would work well. Flash freeze breaded chicken breast (cooked or raw) on a cookie sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for longer term storage (3 months). You should be able to cook them from frozen, though we don't have precise cook times to offer you.
Storage + Reheating
- Fridge - Cool completely, then store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze- while we haven't tested this particular recipe, we've had success in freezing other breaded chicken recipes (raw or cooked). Flash freeze the breaded chicken on a baking sheet for 2-4 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for longer term storage (3 months). Cook from frozen or thaw first (we do not have precise cook times to cook from frozen).
- Reheat - Reheat in a pre-heated air fryer at 390°F/200°C for 2-3 minutes, until heated through and breading becomes crispy again!
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
20 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts roughly 2 large
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Breading
- ¼ cup bread crumbs see * note 1
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- 1/16 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare - Heat air fryer to 390°F / 200 °C. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to make two thin chicken breast halves from each. Brush each side lightly with olive oil.
- Bread - Stir together the breading ingredients. Dredge the chicken breasts in the breading multiple times until they are thoroughly coated. Shake off excess breading, and place in a single layer in the air fryer (2 chicken breast halves at a time).
- Cook - Shake off excess breading, and place in a single layer in the air fryer (2 chicken breast halves at a time). Cook for 4 minutes.
- Flip- Flip, then cook for two more minutes. Precise cook time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, so either check with a digital thermometer that chicken has reached 165°F or cut one in half.
Tips:
Video
Nutrition Information
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Bekkiboo says
I substitute rice Chex mix crushed up instead of breadcrumbs. Also you can dip it in egg instead of oil. This keeps it gluten-free (the rice Chex)
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi there, thanks for sharing your swaps for a gluten-free version! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a rating and review!
Sj says
That was absolutely lovely ! Delicious, easy and quick. Thank you for the recipe. We all enjoyed it
Denise Bustard says
Hi Sj! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed! Thanks so much for taking the time to report back 🙂
Dawn says
Can’t wait to try this! I’m new to air frying. My question is, if you can only cook two pieces at a time how do you keep the rest warm until you’re ready to serve the meal?
Denise Bustard says
Hi Dawn! That's the downside to this air fryer model. If you have a larger model, you can fit all of them in at the same time! I just invested in an Instant Pot Vortex and it's so great for this reason. The problem is if you cover the chicken, the breading will get soft. I advise serving right away.
Pam says
I Am New to the Air Fryers! I Have A Power Air Fryer Pro.
I Have Only Used it One Time,so On the Recipe Do I Do As It Recalls For, Or Do I Use A Different Setting and Do I Put on Mesh Tray, or What Kind of Basket and I put it on Bake
Denise Bustard says
Hi Pam, sorry I am not familiar with the Power air fryer and do not understand your question. Can you clarify, are you asking if you should use the bake setting? The air fryer I use (Phillips) does not have a bake option, just an air fry option.
Anthony Robles says
Very tasty! I used chicken breast cutlets. The smaller strips allow for more breading with each bite.
Oh, my air fryer is a 6qt Gourmia.
For my first batch I followed your recipe. The bread crumbs I used were Italian bread crumbs (just what I chose at the store for other recipes, that added a little extra seasoning.) Everything turned out great! Nice and moist too.
For my second batch I added a little extra garlic powder and cayenne pepper. I prefer my chicken cooked a little more and it help the breading get a bit crispier, so I cooked them for 10-11 minutes total. I flipped the chicken after 5 min then sprinkled parmesan cheese on top. Turned out great. My family's only complaint is that the food still has the smell of the air fryer. It's taking quite a long time for that to burn off, but that has nothing to do with the recipe.
I'll be making this regularly.
Thank you!
Anthony Robles says
Oh, one other thing, I just noticed your Gluten Free and Keto notes. I did make this Gluten Free!!!
The Italian bread crumbs I used are Aleia's Italian Bread Crumbs which are Gluten Free. (my wife has Celiac Disease and must eat GF)
Denise says
Hi Anthony! Thank you so much for reporting back, this is so helpful!
Frank K. says
I was wondering if you or others have tried "The Mayo~Coating" ? I have used Mayo for Oil Frying and Charcoal Grilling !! it works Great ! Tonight I am going to Make this and will try it ! It always kept the "Little Birdie Moist" and I Pre~Season the Mayo prior to the Coating , of Breadcrumbs , Panko {?} and I may also use some Chicken~Stuffing as someone else had suggested , and , Hopefully not have to ask My Wife to Please "Order A Pie Honey" I %$@#~up the Chicken Dang-It !! That will not be the Case for sure and I am Hungry now and will see what Happens , SOUNDS GREAT 4 SURE !!
Sincerely ,
Frank
Denise says
Hi Frank, I have not heard of this before! Hope you enjoyed the chicken 🙂
Judi says
I am making it with mayo right now.
Ninjette says
I got a Ninja Air Fryer for Christmas, and this is the very first thing I made in it. Came out great! My chicken breasts were on the thick side, so I had to give them another couple minutes to get them done completely. I kept a meat thermometer nearby to check. Next time I may try slicing them into thirds, not halves, to keep them thin enough. The chicken stayed juicy and flavorful, and the bread crumb-spice crust was perfection - savory with a bit of a kick. Everyone loved them and I there were no leftovers. Thank you!!
Denise says
Yay! So happy to hear this! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review. Great job on using a meat thermometer, it is the best investment I've made in my kitchen 😀
Kristi says
By chance have u tried half panko and half bread crumbs? It sometimes helps balance the spice and crunchy...I'm just curious too how it works out in the air fryer...if I have it I might try to see...thank u for ur recipe...
Denise says
Hi Kristi! I haven't tried that, but if you give it a try, I'd love to hear how it goes for you!
Brianne says
Made this tonight! It was Soo good! My daughter said it was they best chicken she ever had! It was so crispy and juicy and tasty! I did use psnko bc that's all I had and the seasoning still stuck good! And it took longer for the big pieces!
Denise says
Wow, that's so great to hear, Brianne! Glad to hear the Panko stuck OK for you 🙂
Fredric E says
How do you slice a chicken breast in half to make it thinner? What kind of knife should you use? I would think that slicing it in half would be very dangerous and one could cut oneself doing so...
Denise says
Hi Federic, I put my palm on the top of the chicken breast and use a chef's knife to cut across. You should definitely be careful when doing it.
Kristi says
U can turn a pan or plate upside down too protect ur hand while cutting too...
Shari Cooper says
I do it all the time. The sharper the knife, the easier it is. I use my hubby's fish filleting knife. Just be careful.
Andrea Roth says
It’s easier to slice chicken breasts if they are still just a. It frozen. A good sharp knife is also key.
Dani says
Love this recipe. I have been using this for a couple of months now and it never fails to amaze it that always comes out good. I’ve shared this recipe to my family and friends they all love it!
Denise says
You've just made my day! I'm so happy you've enjoyed it so much <3
Ron says
Can I substitute stovetop stuffing as my bread crumbs??
Denise says
Hi Ron, I have never used stovetop stuffing, so unfortunately I'm not familiar with it...it is powdery or does it have large chunks of bread?
Debora says
Just take a rolling pin to the stuffing mix. That will take care of the larger lumps.
Lori says
I tried this tonight but made it more Keto friendly by using Pork Rind Panko crumbs and substituted the regular paprika and red pepper by using just smoked paprika and it came out very tasty and yummy!
Denise says
That's so cool to hear the pork rinds work! Thanks so much for sharing, Lori 🙂
Judi says
What can I say? It was delicious but I did add a few more spices than called for. Tender and juicy. Will be using this recipe again.
Denise says
So happy you enjoyed, Judi! Thanks so much for your review 🙂
10 kitchen says
oh man this looks juicy. Our last home brought marinated chicken lollipop didn't taste well afer frying. We are going to try this next.
Denise says
Hope you enjoy!
SKARDA, SUSANNE says
This is the best air fryer chicken recipe I have ever made. It was tender, juicy and perfectly crispy. I will be making this often. My husband absolutely loved it. I am so happy to have found this. I have never been able to make juicy chicken like this. I couldn't get enough of it. Thank you sooooo much.
Denise says
I am so happy to read your review! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave it!
Elissa says
I must have done something wrong with mine. It came out crispy at first but then the juiciness of the chicken caused the crisp to completely go away and become gummy. Any suggestions?
Denise says
Hi Elissa, with the air fryer, the chicken is never 'crispy' like you would expect from fried chicken. But it certainly shouldn't be gummy. Sorry I'm at a loss of what to suggest.
Mary Anne Lewis says
What temperature do you oook the chicken on? This is important to include, especially for newbies.
Denise says
Hi Mary Anne, it's step 1: heat air fryer to 390°F/200°C
Winona says
Novice. Do you put it on air crisp or broil or other one of the Settings. Have ninja foodi.
Denise says
Hi Winona! Sounds like we have very different settings on our air fryers. I only have a temperature setting. I would guess you'd need the air crisp setting. Good luck and I hope you enjoy!
Tara says
Great recipe, my family absolutely loves it!
I make this all the time and it's always a winner. The chicken stays moist and has fantastic flavor.
Thank you!
Denise says
I'm so happy to hear this, Tara! Thanks so much for your review!
Kelly says
We LOVE this recipe and make it all the time! Perfect blend of spices.
Denise says
So happy you enjoyed! Thanks so much for your review!