This Air Fryer Potato Crusted Chicken is a crispy, flavorful twist on classic breaded chicken. Tender chicken breasts or tenders are coated in crushed potato chips for a crunchy, golden crust, then air fried to perfection—no oil needed! It’s quick, kid-approved, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Air Fryer Potato Crusted Chicken with a crispy golden potato chip coating, served on a plate with dipping sauce
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Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort.

Chicken breasts or tenders are coated in crushed potato chips, giving them a crunchy, golden crust without the need for deep frying.

The air fryer cooks them to perfection, creating a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a crispy, flavorful dish.

Air Fryer Potato Crusted Chicken with a crunchy, golden potato chip crust, served on a plate with a side of dipping sauce

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Crispy and Crunchy – The potato chip coating gives the chicken a satisfying crunch without deep frying.
  • Quick & Easy – This recipe is simple to prepare and cooks in under 20 minutes.
  • Juicy Inside – The air fryer keeps the chicken tender and juicy, balancing the crispiness perfectly.
  • Minimal Cleanup – With no messy oil to deal with, cleanup is a breeze.
  • Kid-Friendly – The familiar potato chip crust makes this a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Potato-Crusted Chicken on kitchen table.
  • Chicken: Use chicken strips, chicken breasts, or chicken tenderloins
  • Eggs: Use large, room-temperature eggs
  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour; if you want a gluten-free recipe, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
  • Potato Chips: Any of your favorite flavors of potato chips will work.
  • Seasonings and Spices: Use garlic, chili, or onion powder.
  • Dipping Sauce: Your favorite dipping sauce

How To Make Air Fryer Potato Crusted Chicken

Raw chicken tenders on kitchen table.

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F using the air fryer setting.

Step Two: Add your potato chips to a food processor, or place them into a large Ziploc bag, or use a rolling pin, to crush them until they are fine.

Step Three: In a shallow bowl, add your eggs, and with a fork, whisk the eggs. In another shallow dish, add the crushed potato chips. Add your flour, garlic powder, onion, powder, and dill in the last bowl.

Crushing potato chips in a food processor or Ziploc bag with a rolling pin until fine

Step Four: Dip your chicken into the flour, then the egg, coating both sides of the chicken. Then dip the chicken into the crushed chips, coating all sides of the chicken. As you coat the chicken, place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may wish to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper before adding the chicken pieces.

Coating chicken in flour, egg, and crushed potato chips before placing in a single layer in the air fryer basket

Step Five: Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, set the cook time for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process. Remove when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer.

Step Six: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Potato Crusted Chicken with a crispy, golden potato chip crust, served on a plate

Air Fryer Potato Crusted Chicken Recipe Tips

  • Use thin chicken breasts. Thin chicken breasts cook more evenly and quickly in the air fryer. If you have thicker chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness before coating them with potato chips.
  • Use cooking spray. To help the potatoes turn crispy and golden brown, spray the chicken with cooking spray before cooking.
  • Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. This will ensure that both sides of the chicken are crispy and golden brown.
  • Check the chicken for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be at least 165°F (75°C) before you take it out of the air fryer.
  • Let the chicken rest before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating

  • Storing: Once the Air Fryer Potato Crusted Chicken has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep the crust crispy.
  • Freezing: To freeze, place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can store it for up to 3 months and reheat directly from frozen.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes until the crust is crispy and the chicken is heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the crust soggy.
Golden, crispy potato crusted chicken cooked in the air fryer and served with dipping sauce on the side

What To Serve With Potato Chip Crusted Chicken Air Fryer Recipe

Potato Chip Crusted Chicken made in the air fryer pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to round out your meal. For a classic comfort food combo, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.

If you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables makes a great contrast to the crunchy chicken. Coleslaw, corn on the cob, or even a side of baked beans also complement the flavors beautifully.

Don’t forget your favorite dipping saucesranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce all work deliciously well!

Golden brown potato chip crusted chicken tenders arranged on a plate with dipping sauce

Potato Chip Crusted Chicken Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Can I use any kind of potato chips? Yes! Regular, kettle-cooked, or flavored chips like BBQ or sour cream & onion all work great—just choose your favorite for a fun flavor twist.

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs or drumsticks? Absolutely. Just adjust the cook time as thicker cuts may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Preheating helps ensure even cooking and a crispier crust. Most air fryers only need 3–5 minutes to preheat.

How do I keep the crust from falling off? Make sure to press the chips firmly into the chicken after coating, and avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain good airflow and crispness.

Is this recipe gluten-free? It can be! Just use gluten-free flour and make sure the chips you choose are certified gluten-free.

Crunchy potato chip crusted chicken tenders fresh from the air fryer, served with dipping sauce

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Air Fryer Potato Crusted Chicken

Air Fryer Potato Crusted Chicken

4.50 from 8 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Potato Crusted Chicken is crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Coated in crushed potato chips, this easy recipe makes the perfect weeknight meal or party favorite.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound chicken breast tenders, or boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chicken strips
  • 5 tablespoon flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dill
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 ounces potato chips, ridged works best
  • 1 cup dipping sauce, Ranch, Honey Mustard, BBQ, etc.

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F using the air fryer setting. Add your potato chips to a food processor, or place them into a large Ziploc bag, and using a rolling pin, crush them until they are fine.
  • In a shallow bowl, add your eggs, and with a fork, whisk the eggs. In another shallow dish, add the crushed potato chips. Add your flour, garlic powder, onion, powder, and dill to the last bowl.
  • Dip your chicken into the flour, then the egg, coating both sides of the chicken. Then dip the chicken into the crushed chips, coating all sides of the chicken. As you coat the chicken, place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may wish to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper before adding the chicken pieces.
  • Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and set the cook time for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process. Remove when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 457kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 29gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 1036mgPotassium: 960mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 263IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg

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