Crispy Air Fryer Golden Chicken Delight

  1. Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into cutlets or leave them whole for a thicker piece.
  2. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
  3. Submerge the chicken in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

  1. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and oregano.
  2. Remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let excess liquid drip off.
  3. Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  3. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between them.
  4. Lightly spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray.
  5. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and air fry for another 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
  6. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve hot with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
  • 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 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
  • Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months; reheat directly in the air fryer.

Variants

  1. Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken – Brush with hot honey butter after cooking.
  2. Parmesan Herb Chicken – Add ¼ cup grated parmesan to the breadcrumb coating.
  3. Asian-Style Crispy Chicken – Toss in a sweet and spicy glaze after air frying.
  4. Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and almond flour.

FAQ

1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Increase cooking time to 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Use 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

3. Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw completely before marinating for best results.

5. How do I keep my chicken extra crispy?
Spray lightly with cooking oil before air frying and avoid overcrowding the basket.


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