Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Fillets

1. Prepare the chicken

If your chicken fillets are thick, slice them horizontally or lightly flatten them with a rolling pin so they cook evenly. Pat dry with kitchen roll before coating.

2. Set up your coating station

Prepare three bowls:

• One with flour
• One with beaten eggs
• One with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper

This makes coating easier and less messy.

3. Coat the chicken

Coat each fillet in flour first, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs on firmly so the coating sticks well.

4. Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C for 3–5 minutes. This helps the coating crisp up quickly.

5. Cook the chicken

Place chicken fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook in batches if necessary.

Lightly spray or brush the chicken with oil to help it crisp.

Cook for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

6. Check it’s cooked

The chicken should be piping hot in the centre with clear juices. Internal temperature should reach 75°C.

Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before serving so it stays juicy.

Serve With:

• Chips or wedges
• Fresh salad or coleslaw
• Wraps or burger buns
• Pasta salad or rice
• Your favourite dipping sauces

Butcher’s Tip

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs and spray lightly with oil before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as airflow is what gives the chicken its crisp finish.

This air fryer crispy chicken recipe is perfect when you want chicken that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, without the need for deep frying. It’s great for family dinners, homemade chicken burgers, wraps, or sliced over salads, making it a versatile meal for any night of the week.

Cooking chicken in the air fryer also means less mess, less oil, and faster cooking, making it ideal for busy households.