Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Breast delivers all the crunch of fried chicken with none of the grease. Juicy on the inside and golden on the outside, these flavorful chicken breasts are quick to make and perfect for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or a healthy dinner option the whole family will love.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
buttermilk or plain yogurt (for marinade)
hot sauce (optional, for heat)
all-purpose flour
breadcrumbs or panko
paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
cooking spray or oil spray

directions

Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).

Prepare the coating:
In a shallow dish, combine flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper).

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and coat evenly in the flour mixture. Press firmly to adhere.

Spray both sides of coated chicken with cooking spray.

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken in a single layer in the basket.

Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 7–9 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crisp.

Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 2–4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 18–20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (including marinating)

Variations

Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Add grated parmesan to the breading for a cheesy crust.
Make it spicy with cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Serve sliced over salads, in wraps, or on a bun with slaw.
Swap buttermilk for Greek yogurt or egg wash for a different coating base.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Not recommended for freezing after cooking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work great—adjust cook time as needed.

Do I need to use both flour and breadcrumbs?
Using both gives the best crunch, but you can use just one if preferred.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Use milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Can I skip the marinating step?
You can, but marinating helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it GF-friendly.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Breast is a fast, flavorful, and healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. With a juicy center and golden, crunchy coating, it’s a go-to recipe for effortless weeknight meals and satisfying bites—ready in under an hour and packed with crave-worthy texture.