Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast: Quick & Easy Recipe

Introduction

If you’re craving the crunch of fried chicken without the mess or calories of deep frying, this crispy air fryer fried chicken breast recipe is your new go-to. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, it delivers authentic flavor and crispiness — fast. Using an air fryer means minimal oil, less clean-up, and a healthier bite that doesn’t skimp on texture.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken

This recipe gives chicken breast a savory, golden coating that stays juicy on the inside and crackly-crisp on the outside. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 20 minutes of cook time, you’ll have chicken that rivals any restaurant. It’s endlessly versatile — serve it atop salads, slice for sandwiches, or pair with your favorite dipping sauces.

Simple, Flavorful Marinade and Breading

Flavors start with an easy buttermilk marinade that keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Seasoned breadcrumbs and savory spices give every bite a major crunch. Prep your ingredients effortlessly by using a quality Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for sides, and grab a sturdy bamboo cutting board for safe chicken prep.

How to Make Perfectly Crispy Chicken in the Air Fryer

Patience isn’t required — just a reliable air fryer and smart tricks. Prevent sticking and guarantee even cooking by lining your basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. For best results, preheat the COSORI Air Fryer before adding chicken, ensuring your coating turns crisp, not soggy.

When handling hot and crisp chicken, protect yourself with a high-quality oven mitt like the KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set for safe transfer right from basket to plate.

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken

Slice fried chicken breast over a fresh garden salad, pack it for lunch in a Bentgo Salad Container, or serve it family-style with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies. This chicken is also a hit in wraps, tucked into sandwiches, or as a quick protein boost in hearty grain bowls.

Nutritional Information & Serving Size

Each serving (one chicken breast) contains approximately 250–300 calories, depending on the size and breading thickness. With less oil than traditional frying, this recipe offers a lighter but equally delicious meal, perfect for health-conscious cooks.

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast: The Recap

This recipe answers fried chicken cravings in under 30 minutes — juicy inside, crispy outside, with minimal oil and mess. The air fryer shines for weeknight dinners and meal prep, and the results will have everyone asking for seconds.

Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and, if needed, pound to an even ½-inch thickness for best results. Use the Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen to prep your chicken safely.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice) and optional hot sauce. Add chicken breasts, turning to coat. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15–30 minutes (up to overnight for deeper flavor).
3. In another bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs/cornflakes, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing coating onto both sides.
5. Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 to 390°F for 3 minutes. Line basket with a square of parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
6. Brush or spray both sides of the breaded chicken with a thin layer of oil using an oil sprayer. Place chicken in a single layer in the preheated basket. Cook for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden and crispy. Use a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let rest for 2 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes (excluding marinade)