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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe Easy Garlic Herb Crust Guide

crispy air fryer chicken breast - featured image

This recipe delivers a crispy garlic herb crust on juicy, tender chicken breasts using an air fryer for a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (about 60g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1½ teaspoons dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If uneven in thickness, gently pound to about ¾ inch (2 cm) thickness for even cooking (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, grated Parmesan, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well (about 2 minutes).
  3. Brush each chicken breast lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil on both sides. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides evenly (about 5 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip carefully using tongs.
  6. Cook for an additional 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), total cooking time about 16-18 minutes.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes on a plate to redistribute juices. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Brush olive oil evenly for a golden crust. Preheat air fryer for best results. Flip gently to avoid crust falling off. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. Cook in batches if making more than two breasts. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, crispy chicken, garlic herb crust, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken, dairy-free option