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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken – Quick & Healthy Recipes for Dinner

Okay, let me tell you—this crispy air fryer chicken is basically the superhero of weeknight dinners. It’s like magic: juicy on the inside, golden and crunchy on the outside, and it gets done faster than you can say “where’s my fork?” Plus, no messy deep-frying involved. I’m seriously obsessed with how the air fryer locks in flavor and crunch without drowning the chicken in oil. If you’ve been avoiding fried chicken because of the grease or the long cooking times, get ready to change your mind. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be your go-to dinner that satisfies cravings and keeps things light. Now, let’s get that air fryer fired up, shall we?

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)

How I Make It

Step 1:

First, trim any excess fat from your chicken and pat the pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and makes for extra crispiness!

Step 2:

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and olive oil. In another bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. The Parmesan adds that cheesy crunch that really takes this up a notch.

Step 3:

Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then press firmly into the panko mixture, making sure it’s well-coated on all sides.

Step 4:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This step is key for that golden crust.

Step 5:

Place chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd! Cook for 9 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 9 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F—juicy and safe.

Step 6:

Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This lets the juices redistribute and the crust settle into that perfect crisp. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations & Tips

Use chicken tenders for quicker cooking and even crispier bites.
Try swapping Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
For extra heat, add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
If panko isn’t available, crushed cornflakes make a wonderful crunchy substitute.
Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray for an even crispier crust.
Make sure to flip the chicken halfway for even browning all around.

How I Like to Serve It

This crispy chicken pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies for a lighter meal. On cooler nights, I love serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes. And if I’m feeling a little indulgent, some garlic aioli or honey mustard dipping sauce on the side makes this dinner a total crowd-pleaser.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer for best crispness.
You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Closing: This crispy air fryer chicken recipe is my foolproof shortcut to dinner perfection—crispy, juicy, and totally addictive every single time.