Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken (Printable Version)

Golden, juicy chicken cutlets with an extra crispy crust cooked quickly in the air fryer.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 tablespoons milk
05 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (90 g)
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (40 g)
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - Olive oil cooking spray

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and pound to an even thickness of 1/2 inch.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with panko mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
04 - Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and coat evenly with the panko mixture, pressing to adhere.
05 - Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken cutlets with olive oil cooking spray.
06 - Place cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, flip, spray lightly again, and cook for an additional 6 to 7 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Let cutlets rest for 2 minutes before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Golden, crackling exterior without needing a vat of oil—your clothes and kitchen stay clean.
  • Ready in under 30 minutes, which means weeknight dinner doesn't have to be complicated.
  • Juicy chicken inside every single time, no dry or rubbery surprises.
02 -
  • Don't skip pounding the chicken to even thickness—thick spots cook slow and slow spots stay rubbery, and you'll regret it halfway through dinner.
  • The spray matters more than you think: too little and you get pale, sad breading; too much and the oil pools and spatters. Aim for a light, even mist on both sides.
03 -
  • Make your breading mixture the night before and refrigerate it—the flavors meld and the panko absorbs the seasonings more evenly.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, check the chicken at the 6-minute mark; every machine has personality and you'll learn yours quickly.
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