- Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into cutlets or leave them whole for a thicker piece.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
- 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
- In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and oregano.
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let excess liquid drip off.
- Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Lightly spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and air fry for another 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- 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
- Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken – Brush with hot honey butter after cooking.
- Parmesan Herb Chicken – Add ¼ cup grated parmesan to the breadcrumb coating.
- Asian-Style Crispy Chicken – Toss in a sweet and spicy glaze after air frying.
- 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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