Crispy Air Fryer Golden Chicken Delight 🍗✨
If you’re looking for a quick, crunchy, and juicy chicken recipe without deep frying, this Crispy Air Fryer Golden Chicken Delight is perfect. It delivers that golden, crispy coating with tender, flavorful meat inside — all with less oil!
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil spray
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken in buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
2️⃣ Prepare the Coating
In a bowl, mix:
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Salt & pepper
3️⃣ Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4️⃣ Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray basket with oil.
- Place chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
- Spray tops lightly with oil.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with roasted veggies or fries
- Slice over salads
- Add to wraps or sandwiches
- Pair with honey mustard or spicy mayo
🔥 Pro Tips
- For extra crunch: double-coat (dip back in buttermilk and crumbs again).
- For spicy version: add cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- For keto: replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds.
If you’d like, I can also give you a gluten-free, extra spicy, or kid-friendly version!