Easy Crispy Chicken in Air Fryer Recipe
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook chicken, try this recipe! The air fryer cooks chicken to perfection, giving it a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.
Trust me, this recipe will become a weekly staple in your home and your new favorite air fryer chicken recipe. I always make a large amount at a time, then freeze them for meal prep. They are the easiest thing to pop back into the air fryer when you’re looking for a quick protein add-on for your meals.
I make my husband lunch every day for work (yes, I know that’s really cute). Here’s what I put in his lunch. I start by making a simple side salad with whatever greens we happen to have that week — spinach, kale, romaine, arugula — and add in some tomato, cucumber, and beets. The salad dressing goes in an airtight container on the side. I air fry some of these chicken cutlets the night before and slice them up thinly to add them on top of the salad. I like to finish his lunch off with some fresh fruit, trail mix, and peanut butter pretzels (or something along those lines).
My point? I always add the chicken on top of his lunch salad because it’s just SO EASY.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Recipe
Chicken tenders: I recommend using 1.25 lb of chicken tenders for this recipe. Chicken breast works too, but if you opt for that, make sure to pound the chicken breast to an even thickness before cooking. Pounding the chicken helps tenderize it and prevents it from becoming dry. To do this, place the chicken breast in a ziplock bag or between two pieces of plastic wrap, then use a meat mallet to flatten it.
Eggs: You’ll need 2 eggs, whisked, to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. The eggs provide a nice coating that ensures the breading stays intact during cooking.
Breadcrumbs: Use 1 cup of breadcrumbs. You can keep it simple by using what you have on hand. Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs all work well for this recipe.
Seasonings: Season the breadcrumbs with 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices add a flavorful kick to the chicken, making it extra delicious.
Sriracha Agave Dipping Sauce: For a spicy and sweet dipping sauce, mix together 1/2 cup of vegan mayonnaise (or regular), 3 tablespoons of agave, and 3 tablespoons of sriracha. Adjust the sriracha based on your desired spice level.
Where to Buy Your Chicken
For the best flavor and quality, I recommend choosing pasture-raised, heirloom chicken from a trusted source. Opt for chickens that are raised without antibiotics and have access to roam freely.
This type of chicken tends to be higher in omega-3s and vitamin A, and the taste is unmatched. Many online retailers now offer high-quality meats that can be conveniently delivered right to your door.
Gluten Intolerance and Other Allergies
For my gluten-free friends, just swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs! Dairy-free friends, no worries; there’s no dairy!
Now let’s get to the recipe.
How to Make This Easy Crispy Chicken Recipe
Crispy Chicken
Season your chicken tenders with salt and pepper on both sides.
Grab two shallow bowls. In one bowl, whisk the eggs until combined.
In the other bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika.
Take each chicken tender, dip it in the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess breading and set it aside on a cutting board.
Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.
Spray your hot air fryer with a little bit of cooking oil, then lay the chicken tenders in a single layer (ensure they don’t overlap in the air fryer).
Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Since air fryers vary, check the chicken at 12 minutes to ensure it's cooked to your liking.
The chicken will be golden on the outside, and the inside should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Sriracha Agave Dipping Sauce
1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise (or regular)
3 tablespoons agave
3 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your desired spice level)
This chicken air fryer recipe is the perfect option for anyone seeking a quick and easy meal. With the right internal temperature, cooking time, and a few simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper, you can achieve flavorful and crispy chicken in no time. Whether you're making air fryer chicken tenders, chicken breasts, or chicken thighs, following the recommended cook times and using a meat thermometer will ensure the best results. Give this great recipe a try and enjoy juicy and tender chicken with a crispy skin, paired with your favorite sides.
It's a great way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal, especially for busy weeknights or when you're meal prepping for the week ahead. Don't forget to experiment with different seasonings and flavors to find your own personal touch and really make it your own!
Easy Crispy Chicken in Air Fryer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb chicken tenders
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten free if necessary)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise (or regular)
- 3 tablespoons agave
- 3 tablespoons sriracha (use more or less depending on your desired spice level)
Instructions
- Season your chicken tenders with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Grab two shallow bowls. Add your eggs to one bowl, whisk to combine the eggs.
- In the other bowl, add your breadcrumbs, garlic powder and paprika.
- Grab the chicken tender, dip it in the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess breading then place it aside on a cutting board.
- Continue to complete all chicken pieces.
- Spray your hot air fryer with a little bit of cooking oil, then lay your chicken tenders in a single layer (careful not to overlap in the air fryer).
- Air fry at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Each air fryer is different, so I just recommend checking them at 12 minutes!
- The chicken will be golden on the outside, and the inside will be cooked to 165F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, agave and sriracha in a bowl until well combined. Serve it on the side as a dipper for your chicken cutlets!
Notes
Directions to freeze:
- Dredge all of your chicken.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay all of your chicken on the baking sheet, then pop it into the freezer for 12 hours to freeze fully. Once it's frozen, pop them into a ziplock bag and freeze!
- **These steps are taken to ensure the chicken cutlets don't stick to each other.
- To enjoy, just pop the frozen cutlets into the air fryer for an additional 6-8 minutes (depending on the air fryer).
Vegan or not, this stuffing will be a hit for all at your Thanksgiving table this year! This recipe is dairy-free and devoid of allergens, making it a safe choice for everyone at the table.