Description
This Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Breast is tender, flavorful, and perfectly crunchy without deep frying. It’s a healthier take on a comfort food classic, ready in under 30 minutes. Great for sandwiches, salads, or served with your favorite sides!
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar as a substitute)
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1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for flavor)
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Cooking spray or oil spray
Instructions
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Prep the chicken: If breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise to make cutlets. Pound lightly for even thickness.
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In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to overnight).
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In another bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
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Remove chicken from marinade and press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly on both sides.
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Lightly spray both sides of the chicken with cooking spray.
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Place in air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
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Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is golden and reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Use regular breadcrumbs for a finer texture, but panko gives the best crisp.
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Add Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for more flavor.
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Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.