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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast: Easy Best Party Showstopper

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This crispy air fryer chicken breast is the party showstopper that lets you be part of the party, too. It delivers that ‘wow’ factor that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen, when really, the air fryer did all the heavy lifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g total)
  • 3 tablespoons full-fat mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (25g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Avocado oil spray (optional, for extra crispiness)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Place one chicken breast on a cutting board. Cover it with a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the thickest part of the breast until it is an even 1-inch (2.5 cm) thickness. Repeat with the second breast. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Make the ‘Glue’ Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until it forms a smooth, pale pink paste.
  3. Prepare the Breading: In a second shallow bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt. Mix well with a fork.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Using a spoon or a silicone brush, spread a thin, even layer of the mayonnaise mixture over the entire surface of one chicken breast—top, bottom, and sides. Immediately transfer the coated breast to the bowl of breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken, turning to coat all sides. Shake off any excess. Place the breaded breast on a plate. Repeat with the second breast.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket, making sure they are not touching. Lightly spray the top of the chicken with a bit more oil.
  7. Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 10 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken using tongs. Spray the other side lightly with oil. Cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
  8. Rest and Slice: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and place it on a clean cutting board. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes. After resting, slice against the grain for the most tender bites.

Notes

Don’t skip pounding the chicken to an even thickness for even cooking. Pat the chicken completely dry before coating. Use full-fat mayonnaise for the best crust. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, crispy chicken, party chicken, easy chicken recipe, air fryer recipe, chicken breast recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-breast-easy-best-party-showstopper/