Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Flatten the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine the chicken breasts with the buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for extra tenderness.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
- Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Coat in Flour: Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip in Egg: Dip the flour-coated chicken breasts into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the chicken breasts in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Breasts
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange in Basket: Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts over, spray lightly with cooking spray again, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Hot: Transfer the crispy chicken breasts to a serving plate. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Thickness: Flattening the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Extra Crispy: For extra crispy chicken, you can double-dip the chicken in the egg and breadcrumb mixtures.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken: Mix some dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Breast is a delightful and healthier way to enjoy fried chicken. With its golden, crunchy exterior and juicy interior, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether served as a main dish, in sandwiches, or on top of salads, these crispy chicken breasts are versatile and delicious. Enjoy your crispy, tender chicken and happy cooking!