Imagine sinking your teeth into the most crispy, golden, and incredibly juicy chicken you've ever tasted - without the guilt of deep frying! This Air Fryer Heavenly Chicken is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in just 35 minutes. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to transform your air fryer into a magical meal-making machine that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform coating mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well blended, creating a smooth egg wash for dipping the chicken.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then immediately roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick firmly to the chicken.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking temperature.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, or brush with a thin layer of olive oil.
- Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken breasts and continue cooking for an additional 10-13 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, inserting it into the thickest part of the chicken breast to confirm it has reached the safe internal temperature.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
Tips
- Always pat your chicken breasts completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - give each chicken piece enough space for hot air circulation.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every single time.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different seasoning blends in your breadcrumb mixture.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain its juicy interior and prevent drying out.
- If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- A light spray of cooking oil on the breaded chicken can help achieve an even more golden, crispy exterior.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 378kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 57g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
