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Crispy air fryer breaded chicken breast with panko coating in the air fryer basket.

Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast (Mayo & Panko)

DailyYum.com
Juicy chicken breast coated in mayo and crispy panko breadcrumbs, then air fried until golden and crunchy. An easy weeknight dinner with a perfectly crispy outside and tender center — no deep frying needed.
4.54 from 32 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise.
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tablespoons mustard Dijon or yellow mustard
  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs or Pork Panko for a low-carb version
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional but nice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
  • cooking spray or avocado oil spray

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise, so you get four ½ inch to ¾ inch thick chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  • Make the Mayo-Mustard Coating: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Dijon (or yellow) mustard until well combined. Spread a thin layer of this mixture evenly over each chicken breast. This helps the panko stick while adding flavor and moisture.
  • Coat with Panko Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with additional seasonings (and Parmesan, if using). Press each mayo-mustard-coated chicken breast into the panko mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
    Coating chicken breast cutlets with mayonnaise in preparation for air frying
  • Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (195°C). Arrange breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket; don’t overcrowd. Lightly spray the tops with oil spray. Air fry for 10–12 minutes for thin cutlets or 14–18 minutes for thicker chicken breasts, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
    Golden brown, crispy breaded chicken breast cooked in the air fryer, showcasing a juicy and tender interior

Notes

  • Thin chicken cutlets cook more evenly and get crispier faster than thick chicken breasts.
  • Let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before air frying to help the coating stick better.
  • Lightly spraying the breading with oil helps the panko turn extra crispy and golden.
  • Cooking time may vary depending on chicken thickness and air fryer model. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Homemade mayo works great in this recipe and gives the chicken extra flavor while helping the coating crisp beautifully.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 16gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 777mgPotassium: 279mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 212IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.
Keyword air fryer breaded chicken breast, panko chicken breast
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