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Holding a chicken sandwich toward the camera to show the air fryer chicken and toppings on a buttery bun.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken

Katerina | Diethood
Prepare this juicy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken to make the perfect chicken sandwich, or serve it as a simple main course with a green salad or side dish.
Servings : 4
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

For Serving
  • lettuce cups
  • hamburger buns
  • tomatoes
  • pickles

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • In a shallow bowl whisk together the eggs, pickle juice, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
  • Place the crumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
  • Place the flour in a third shallow bowl.
  • Dip one chicken cutlet in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, and finally coat it in the crumbs, pressing down with your fingers to adhere.
  • Place the breaded chicken on a plate and continue to do the same process with the rest of the cutlets.
  • Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place 2 chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket and spray the chicken generously with cooking oil.
  • Cook at 400˚F for 5 minutes; flip, lightly grease the chicken with cooking spray and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes or until cooked through. To check for doneness, use an instant-read meat thermometer - chicken is done when internal temperature registers at 165˚F.
  • Remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a plate; cover and set aside until all the chicken cutlets are done.
  • Serve in lettuce cups or bread buns, and top with lettuce (if using bread buns), tomatoes, and pickles.

Notes

  • Chicken Cutlets: If you can't find chicken cutlets at the store, make your own by slicing a chicken breast in half horizontally to make two thinner pieces. 
  • Flour: You can use any flour you prefer or have on hand. I use either all-purpose flour or coconut flour. 
  • Breadcrumbs: Again, use your favorite. I often go for the panko bread crumbs because I like to keep things low-carb, but you can use whatever you prefer.
  • Don't Crowd the Basket: Air flow is vital when cooking in the air fryer. So, arrange the cutlets in a single layer without touching each other.
  • Cooked Chicken: Most importantly, do not dry out the chicken, a.k.a. do not overcook the chicken. Chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature registers at 165˚F. 

Nutrition

Calories: 238 kcal | Carbohydrates: 7 g | Protein: 33 g | Fat: 8 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g | Trans Fat: 0.02 g | Cholesterol: 172 mg | Sodium: 448 mg | Potassium: 478 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 0.2 g | Vitamin A: 324 IU | Vitamin C: 2 mg | Calcium: 27 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer chicken breasts, chicken dinner, chicken sandwich, crispy chicken