A quick but flavorful air fryer chicken breast recipe that is ready in just 20 minutes! With a super simple breading that gets crispy and delicious in the air fryer.
The air fryer is such a great appliance to get crispy food quickly! Some of my favorite recipes to cook in the air fryer are roasted chickpeas, crispy air fryer chicken thighs and air fryer shrimp, as well as this breaded chicken breast recipe!
With deliciously seasoned breading and juicy meat, this recipe is a breeze to prep.
My kids go nuts for it, and I feel better serving this to them (or these air fryer chicken tenders), than a processed bag of chicken nuggets.
And the best part is that it can be on your table in just 20 minutes!
Reasons you'll love this air fryer chicken breast recipe
- you don't need to turn on the oven
- it cooks the chicken through in just 6 minutes
- you get a delicious crispy texture to the breading without the need for a ton of oil
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.
Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!
The steps
I 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.
Here's how to cook chicken breast in air fryer:
- slice chicken breasts in half across to make 2 thin slices per breast
- brush with olive oil
- mix up breading: bread crumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and a tiny bit of cayenne
- coat chicken all over in the breading, shake excess off
- cook 2 slices at a time in a single layer in your air fryer basket (see *): 6 minutes total, flipping partway through. You can test with a digital thermometer to make sure your chicken reaches 165°F or cut one open.
That's it!
* depending on your air fryer model you may be able to fit more in the basket.
Which breading works best in the air fryer?
When it comes to the breading, the details are important.
I tried three different options for breading:
-
- all purpose flour ended up kind of 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
So make sure that you use regular breadcrumbs for best results with this chicken breast air fryer recipe.
Prep ahead and reheat later
Surprisingly, this recipe reheats really well, which is super handy for busy nights.
Cook as directed in the recipe card, then cool and store in an air tight container. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, until heated through and breading becomes crispy again!
Breading swaps- keto + gluten-free options
Keto- Some readers have had success with this recipe by swapping the breadcrumbs for pork rinds! I have not personally tried.
Gluten-free- I feel confident that you could swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, but again, I have not personally tried this. Leave us a comment if you try this recipe with GF breadcrumbs!
What to serve with this chicken
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it is so versatile! Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve with it:
- Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
- Staple Kale Salad
- Ultra Crispy Grilled Potatoes
- Fluffy Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower
More air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- 36+ Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Air Fryer Tofu
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos
This post was originally published in 04/2018. It was rewritten and republished (with a new video) in 09/2019. Same great recipe!
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 *)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- 1/16 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- Stir together the breading ingredients. Dredge the chicken breasts in the breading mulitple 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 for 4 minutes, flip, then two more minutes. 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.
To prepare ahead
- These air fryer chicken breasts may be cooked 2-3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Place them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until heated through and breading is crispy again.
Tips:
Video
Nutrition Information
© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
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!
Wendy says
Awesome easy recipe! I paired these with waffles! I made mine into strips and worked in batches. Perfect!
Denise says
So happy you enjoyed, Wendy! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review 🙂
Doretha says
We tested chips - the staple food of the air fryer.
Oksana says
I'm a novice at airfrying. Do you put chicken breast pieces in one layer at the bottom of a basket? Will all the pieces fit in?
Denise says
Hi Oksana, so sorry for my late reply! You will have to work in batches, make sure it's a single layer of chicken or it won't cook through. I did 2 slices at a time. Hope this helps!
Mike King says
You have 188 kcal at the top?
That's 188,000 Calories.
Looks great. Cant wait to try it.
Thanks.
Denise says
Weird, I don't know why it says that at the top! The recipe card at the bottom is accurate though. Thanks, Mike 🙂
Justin says
1 Calorie (in America) is equal to 1000 calories (everywhere else). That's why a 400 Calorie item in America will be labelled as 400 kcal anywhere else. Thus, this dish is 188 kcal or 188 Calories per serving.
Confusing, I agree.
Marlene says
Thank you thank you thank you for this recipe! The chicken came out perfect and moist! Hands down the best air fried chicken recipe out there!
Denise says
Yay! I'm so happy to read this, Marlene! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review 🙂
Charlene says
this is by far the best chicken breast I've ever had. Usually don't like it because it's always dry. This was fabulous. If it had more stars I'd use them all.
Denise says
Wow, that's amazing! Thanks so much for your review, Charlene!
Kapri Kirkbride says
This was SO GOOD!!!! I feel like I’m being naughty when I eat it. But I’ve entered all the info into MyFitnessPal & the macros are awesome!!!! I’m so glad I stumbled upon this. I have made it several times now & will continue to make it. I do increase the time on the chicken.
Denise says
LOL! So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Kapri 🙂
Marlana says
Absolutely delicious!
Denise says
So happy you enjoyed! Thanks for your review 🙂
ED Secrist says
what is cooking time for a boneless chicken breast. will use your coating. sounds yummy.
Denise says
Hi! This recipe is for a boneless chicken breast, I have only tried cooking them as written, so I'm not sure on the cook time for a whole chicken breast.
colleen baxter says
This was awesome!! Thanks so much for the recipe.
Denise says
I'm so happy you enjoyed, Colleen!
Mary J Mathews says
Every time I try to cook anything which has been dredged in flour and then coating I get 1/2 of the product sticking. How do you get it to cook without sticking? I spray the trays, no luck
Shelli Bender says
Parchment paper is my best friend *laughs* they actually make parchment paper rounds for the air fryer. I love them!!
Denise says
Great tip, Shelli! And Mary, I'm curious what model you have? I have the Phillips and have not had issues with anything sticking to it yet. I'm in a few air fryer groups on Facebook and keep reading about certain models losing their non-stick coating. Wondering if that's an issue for you?
Dave says
I usually spray the basket with non stick cooking spray and also the breaded chicken before cooking as it makes the breading crispier and leaves the meat juicy
Chris O'Neil says
Tried this tonight with our brand new air fryer and it came out amazing! Thank you for the recipe! Simple and delicious!
Denise says
So happy you enjoyed, Chris! Thank you so much for your review 🙂
Jenny- Air fryer guide says
Yummm! Airy fryer chicken is def my weakness and so much healthier than fried.
Denise says
Thanks Jenny!
Robert Lewis says
Might depend on the fryer butmy chickenis way under cooked. I had to put it in for about twice the time.
Denise says
I'm sorry to hear that! I wonder if it comes down to the model, and also likely the thickness of the chicken breasts. I have the Phillips, which one are you using?
Karly says
I'm hearing such good things about this air fryer. I think I need to get one! Looks delicious and easy!
Denise says
We absolutely LOVE our air fryer! Thanks, Karly 🙂
Elizabeth says
Excellent... cooked a little longer do to size....?
Denise says
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, Elizabeth! Glad to hear you enjoyed it 🙂
Stacey E Marmolejo says
I tried it. At 6 minutes (4 + 2) the chicken was done but the coating wasn't crispy enough for my tastes. I added 2 minutes and tried it again. Still not crispy enough. 2 more minutes and it was PERFECT for my family. AND it didn't dry the chicken out.
So if the timing doesn't work for your fryer, leave it in a couple more minutes. It's YUMMY!
Denise says
Good to know, Stacey! I'm glad your chicken wasn't dried out! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review 🙂
Mirna Johnson says
I am so glad I found this recipe. I prepared today and I cant believe how crispy this breast were..amazing. Than you, thank you, thank you!! Following!
Denise says
I am so happy you enjoyed it, Mirna! I hope to post more air fryer recipes soon 🙂
Courtney says
Wonderful food!! Did this recipe tonight and my family loved it! Thank you so much for posting, God bless!
Denise says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Courtney! Thanks so much for reporting back 🙂
run 3 says
Look so yummy! cant wait to make this tonight!
Denise says
I hope you enjoy it!