Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken (Printable)

Golden, crispy chicken cutlets with panko and Parmesan, cooked evenly for juicy, healthier results.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (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 spray

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and pound to 1/2-inch thickness.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: flour in first, beaten eggs with milk in second, and combined panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in third.
04 - Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into egg mixture, then press into breadcrumb mixture ensuring even coating.
05 - Spray both sides of each cutlet lightly with olive oil spray.
06 - Place cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking batches if necessary.
07 - Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, flip cutlets, spray again with olive oil spray, then cook an additional 6 to 7 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Allow cutlets to rest for 2 minutes before serving.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Crispy exterior without the oil splatter and cleanup nightmare of traditional frying.
  • Juicy inside, golden outside—takes less time than breading usually suggests.
  • A weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-quality but comes together in 30 minutes.
02 -
  • Pounding the chicken evenly is non-negotiable—thicker spots will stay juicy while thinner edges crisp up perfectly.
  • That second olive oil spray matters more than you'd think; it's what transforms a decent coating into one with real crunch.
03 -
  • Don't skip the pounding step; even 1/4-inch variations in thickness mean some pieces finish before others are ready.
  • A light hand with the olive oil spray is key—too much and you're essentially deep frying in miniature.
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