Crispy, crunchy, and so delicious, air fryer panko chicken is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves fried chicken.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to indulge in their love for fried chicken without the added calories and unhealthy fats.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, this panko crusted chicken air fryer recipe is incredibly easy to make.
One of the best things about this air fryer panko chicken recipe is that it is healthier than traditional fried chicken.
Because it is cooked in an air fryer, there is no need for much oil, which means that this recipe has fewer calories and less fat than regular fried chicken.
But don’t let that fool you, this air fryer panko chicken is still super flavorful and satisfying.
And with so many variations and side dish options to choose from, you can make this recipe your own and enjoy it in a variety of ways.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Crispy and Delicious: The panko crust on this chicken is so crispy and flavorful, you won’t even believe that it’s not deep-fried. T
he air fryer ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly and to perfection, giving it a crispy texture that is simply irresistible.
Easy and Quick to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have this air fryer panko chicken recipe ready in no time.
Unlike the traditional fried chicken, there’s no need to heat up a pot of oil or worry about making a mess in the kitchen.
Budget-Friendly: This air fryer panko chicken recipe is budget-friendly because it doesn’t require any expensive ingredients.
With just a few simple pantry staples, you can make a delicious and satisfying meal for a fraction of the cost of eating out or ordering in.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Panko Chicken Ingredients
To make this panko air fried chicken you will need these ingredients:
For The Meat
- 4 Chicken Breasts (5oz each)
For The Flour Mixture
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
For The Mayo Dipping Mixture
- 1 Egg (large)
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
For The Panko Mixture
- 3.5oz (100g) Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
✨ Panko Chicken Air Fryer Recipe
Follow this easy panko crusted chicken air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Start by cutting each chicken breast into two and set aside.
Step 2
To make the flour mixture– mix the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
Then, make the panko mixture by mixing the paprika and panko breadcrumbs in another bowl.
To make the dipping mixture– whisk mayo, egg, mustard, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
Step 3
Place the breasts into the flour bowl and coat them evenly. Then, dip them in the mayo bowl (coat both sides). To finish, place them in the panko mixture and coat them evenly again.
Step 4
Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C). Then, place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
Step 5
Air fry for 4-5 minutes. Then, flip them and air fry them for another 6-7 minutes until crispy. Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce! Enjoy this tasty air fryer panko chicken!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked this panko breaded chicken air fryer recipe, make sure to check out these recipes as well:
- Air Fryer Meatball Sub
- Air Fryer Plantain Chips
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Air Fryer Monte Cristo
💡 Important Tips
Here are my top tips for making air fried panko chicken:
1. Using Non-Stick Spray
To prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket, I recommend spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray or even just regular cooking spray.
2. Checking The Chicken for Doneness
To make sure that the chicken is cooked through, it is important to check it for doneness using a meat thermometer.
You can do this by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is fully cooked.
Or, you can cut into the chicken to check for any pinkness or rawness.
If the chicken is not fully cooked, place it back in the air fryer for a few more minutes. But obviously – the thermometer method is much safer.
3. Avoid Overcrowding The Air Fryer
When cooking panko air fryer chicken, it is important to avoid overcrowding the basket. Overcrowding the air fryer can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and achieving a crispy texture.
It can also lead to longer cooking times and uneven browning. To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy texture, I recommend cooking the chicken in batches if needed.
This will allow the hot air to circulate around the chicken and ensure that it cooks evenly. Also, make sure to leave some space between each chicken piece to allow for air circulation.
4. Tenderizing The Chicken With Baking Soda
To make your air fryer panko chicken even more tender and juicy, you can use a simple kitchen hack of tenderizing the chicken with baking soda.
Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can help to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- In a bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water to create a paste.
- Rub the baking soda paste all over the chicken breasts and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse the chicken thoroughly with cold water to remove any excess baking soda paste.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before coating it with the flour, dipping mixture, and panko.
Keep in mind that the baking soda should not be left on the chicken for too long, as it can affect the taste and texture of the meat.
Also, be sure to rinse the chicken thoroughly to remove any excess baking soda before proceeding with the recipe.
This simple trick can make a big difference in the tenderness and juiciness of your air fried panko chicken .
5. Adding Parmesan Cheese To The Coating
To add an extra layer of flavor to your panko air fried chicken, you can add grated Parmesan cheese to the panko mixture.
Parmesan cheese has a nutty, savory flavor that pairs well with chicken and can add a crispy, cheesy coating to the chicken.
Simply mix grated Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs before coating the chicken.
6. Marinating The Chicken Overnight
For a more flavorful and tender air fryer panko chicken, you can try marinating the chicken overnight before coating and air frying.
You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to add flavor and tenderize the chicken.
Marinating the chicken overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and also help to break down the proteins, resulting in a more tender texture.
✔️ Variations
If you’re looking for some new ways to enjoy your air fryer panko chicken, here are some of my favorite variations that you can try out:
1. Air Fryer Spicy Panko Chicken: If you like a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick. You can also mix hot sauce into the dipping mixture for an extra spicy flavor.
2. Air Fryer Lemon Herb Panko Chicken: For a fresh and zesty flavor, mix some lemon zest and dried herbs (I recommend thyme or rosemary) into the flour mixture.
3. Air Fryer BBQ Panko Chicken: To make it, mix some BBQ seasoning into the flour mixture and serve the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping.
4. Air Fryer Ranch Panko Chicken: For a creamy and tangy flavor, mix some ranch seasoning into the flour mixture and serve the chicken with ranch dressing for dipping.
5. Air Fryer Parmesan Garlic Panko Chicken: To add a cheesy and garlicky flavor to your air fried panko chicken, mix grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder into the panko mixture.
6. Air Fryer Honey Mustard Panko Chicken: For a sweet and tangy flavor, mix honey and Dijon mustard into the dipping mixture.
You can also add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for an extra burst of flavor.
↩️ Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken breasts: You can substitute chicken breasts with other boneless and skinless chicken parts, such as thighs or tenderloins. You can also use other types of meat, such as pork or turkey, as a substitute.
Onion powder: You can use finely minced fresh onion as a substitute.
Smoked paprika: If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika instead. You can also substitute it with other types of chili powder, such as ancho or chipotle powder.
Garlic powder: You can use finely minced fresh garlic as a substitute.
Mayonnaise: You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different.
🌟 Side Dishes Ideas
1. Air Fryer Green Bean Fries- Air Fryer Green Bean Fries are a perfect side dish to serve with this panko chicken air fryer recipe.
These crispy and delicious fries are a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries, and they add a pop of color to your plate.
2. Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries- Another great side dish option to pair with panko air fryer chicken is air fryer butternut squash fries.
These fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that complements the savory chicken.
3. Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Fries -If you’re looking for a classic side dish option that everyone will love, consider serving air fryer crinkle fries with your air fried panko chicken .
These fries are easy to prepare, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, and they have a nostalgic flavor that everyone will enjoy.
4. Air Fryer Frozen Steak Fries- Another classic side dish that pairs well with panko air fryer chicken is air fryer steak fries.
These thick and hearty fries have a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior, and they have a satisfying potato flavor that complements the savory chicken.
👍 Best Dipping Sauces
Now, let’s talk about the best dipping sauces to serve with this delicious panko air fryer chicken. Here are six options that are sure to add some extra flavor and excitement to your meal:
1. Honey Mustard Sauce: Sweet and tangy, honey mustard sauce is a classic dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with air fryer panko chicken.
To make it, mix together Dijon mustard, honey, and a dash of vinegar or lemon juice.
2. Ranch Dressing: Creamy and cool, ranch dressing is a crowd-pleaser that goes well with almost anything.
To make it, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and a blend of herbs and spices.
3. Barbecue Sauce: Barbecue sauce is a great option if you want to add some bold flavor to your chicken. Choose your favorite store-bought brand or make your own by mixing together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
4. Buffalo Sauce: If you like a bit of heat, buffalo sauce is the way to go. Mix together hot sauce, melted butter, and a bit of garlic powder for a spicy and flavorful dipping sauce.
5. Garlic Aioli: Make it by mixing together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
6. Sweet and Sour Sauce: Tangy and sweet, sweet and sour sauce is a great option if you want a dipping sauce that’s a little bit different.
To make this dipping sauce, mix together pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up.
👪 FAQ
What is Air Fryer Panko Chicken?
Air Fryer Panko Chicken is a delicious and healthy dish that is made by cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer.
The chicken is first coated in a mixture of flour, panko breadcrumbs, and seasonings, and then cooked in the air fryer until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Panko Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze air fryer panko chicken. Simply prepare the chicken as directed, and then place it in a freezer-safe container.
I hope you enjoyed my panko crusted chicken air fryer recipe. This chicken is super crispy and full of flavor. It’s easy to make in the air fryer, requires minimal ingredients, and is ready in no time.
If you have any questions about this panko chicken in air fryer recipe – feel free to comment below.
Also, make sure to check out other air fryer recipes on my website, I add new recipes every week!
Air Fryer Panko Chicken
- 4 Chicken Breasts (5oz each)
- 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Egg (large)
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 3.5 oz Panko Breadcrumbs (100g)
- 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
- Start by cutting each chicken breast into two and set aside.
- To make the flour mixture– mix the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl.Then, make the panko mixture by mixing the paprika and panko breadcrumbs in another bowl.To make the mayo dipping mixture– whisk mayo, egg, mustard, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
- Place the breasts into the flour bowl and coat them evenly. Then, dip them in the mayo bowl (coat both sides). To finish, place them in the panko mixture and coat them evenly again.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C). Then, place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes. Then, flip them and air fry them for another 6-7 minutes until crispy.
Soooo tasty