Name: 15-Minute Air Fryer Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; 0.5 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs 1 cup panko breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon paprika; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper cooking spray

Golden, juicy, and packed with flavor, this 15-Minute Air Fryer Chicken is the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. With a perfectly crisp crust on the outside and tender, moist meat inside, it’s the ultimate fast-and-easy dish to serve when you’re tight on time but big on flavor.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe delivers that satisfying crunch without the mess of frying. It’s everything you love about classic fried chicken, made healthier and quicker thanks to the air fryer.

What Makes This Air Fryer Chicken So Crispy Without Oil?

It all comes down to the magic of the air fryer! The super-hot circulating air locks in moisture while crisping up the breadcrumb coating to golden perfection. No need for deep frying or heavy oils. The result? A perfectly crunchy outside and juicy inside—all done in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients for the 15-Minute Air Fryer Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced in half for quicker cooking, they stay juicy and tender inside.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add extra crispness.
Eggs: Act as the glue for the breadcrumb coating.
All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and creates structure.
Garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth.
Paprika: Gives warmth and color.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning.
Cooking spray: Just a light spritz helps brown the coating evenly.

How To Make the 15-Minute Air Fryer Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to make thin cutlets. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the coating stick better.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second, and seasoned panko breadcrumbs in a third. Season each station with a bit of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer. Air fry for 7-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Crispy

Let the chicken rest for a minute before slicing to lock in the juices. Serve warm and enjoy that irresistible crunch!

How to Serve and Store This Air Fryer Chicken

Serve it fresh and hot for the ultimate crispy texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crunch.

To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for a speedy dinner option.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Comforting and smooth, they’re perfect for soaking up any flavorful juices.

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Cheesy, rich, and golden—a decadent pairing for crispy chicken.

Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

A sweet and savory balance that brings out the spices in the chicken.

Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken

Add this to a weeknight rotation with your air fryer chicken for a full flavor fest.

Garden Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

A fresh and crisp contrast to the warm chicken.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this 15-minute air fryer chicken, check out these other crave-worthy chicken dishes:

Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken for a Southern twist.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni if you’re craving creamy and savory.
Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat) for a cheesy, bacon-loaded classic.
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese for ultra comfort food vibes.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gravy when you want slow-cooked richness.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this crispy chicken favorite to your go-to Pinterest board so it’s ready for your next quick dinner fix.

Tried it with your own spin? Maybe a hot honey drizzle or a spicy seasoning blend? Tell me how yours turned out in the comments below!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. You never know what delicious recipe will spark your next meal idea.

15-Minute Air Fryer Chicken

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Ready in just 15 minutes, this air fryer chicken recipe delivers golden, crispy perfection without a drop of deep-frying oil. It’s everything you want in a quick dinner: juicy, tender chicken wrapped in a crisp, flavorful crust. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner recipes, healthy meal prep, or easy lunch ideas, this high-protein, low-oil option checks all the boxes. Great for busy weeknights, family meals, or anyone who loves food ideas that save time without sacrificing flavor.