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Air Fryer Herb Crusted Chicken Breasts

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Air Fryer Herb Crusted Chicken Breasts — If you love crispy chicken but don’t want to fry it, then try the air fryer. The Air Fryer Herb Crusted Chicken Breasts recipe is quick and easy, with a savory crust perfect for any meal.

An Air Fryer is an excellent new kitchen tool! This versatile kitchen helper can do anything from frying bacon to baking cookies.

It can also cook food without any oil at all, which makes it perfect for those looking for healthier options. One of my favorite chicken recipes would be these Air Fryer Herb Crusted Chicken Breasts that have been coated in a flavorful breading made from herbs and spices before being air-fried until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!

Oh, so good!

If you love a great chicken recipe, some of my favorite Air Fryer Chicken Recipes are CRISPY AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS, AIR FRYER PERUVIAN CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS, AIR FRYER RANCH CHICKEN, and AIR FRYER CHICKEN CHIMICHANGAS.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Herb Crusted Chicken Breasts

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
Mayonnaise
Lemon Juice
Bread Crumbs
Dried Basil
Dried Parsley
Salt
Black Pepper

How To Make Air Fryer Herb Crusted Chicken Breasts

Start by cutting your breasts in half, and then use a mallet to thin your chicken. It will come out better if it’s thinner in the air fryer.

Then, mix the panko bread crumbs, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add the mayonnaise and lemon juice to a resealable bag. Then, place your chicken inside the bag, coating it on both sides.

Then dip your coated chicken in the breadcrumb mix. Place them in either a greased (with olive oil) basket or an air fryer tray as you coat them. The crucial step is to spray the entire coating with olive oil if you want crispy chicken.

Set the temperature to 370 degrees F for 7 minutes. After 7 minutes, flip the chicken and air fry for another 5 minutes. Check the internal temperature after this, and ensure it’s at least 165 degrees F.

How To Store Air Fryer Chicken Breasts:

Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store cooked chicken in a sealed container and place it on the bottom shelf of your fridge. The cold temperature prevents bacteria from growing and helps keep food fresh longer.

You should also cook raw chicken within 24 hours, or you risk bacterial growth when storing it in the fridge, so make sure to plan if you’re cooking more than what’s needed for dinner!

Pro Tips Air Fryer Herb Crusted Chicken Breasts

Here are some pro tips to help you achieve perfectly cooked and flavorful herb-crusted chicken breasts in the air fryer:

Use Thick Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness. If they vary in thickness, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like with an oven, preheating your air fryer for a few minutes can help ensure even and consistent cooking results.
Seasoning: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before applying the herb crust. Proper seasoning enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Herb Mixture: Create a flavorful herb mixture using fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, or parsley. You can also add minced garlic, lemon zest, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor.
Coating Adherence: To ensure the herb crust adheres well, brush the chicken breasts with a thin layer of olive oil or coat them with a thin layer of Dijon mustard. This will help the herbs stick to the chicken.
Press Herbs Gently: After applying the herb mixture, gently press it onto the chicken breasts to ensure it adheres securely.
Use Parchment Paper: Placing a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket can prevent the herb crust from sticking to the basket and make cleanup easier.
Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for proper air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s the most accurate way to determine if the chicken is cooked through without overcooking it.
Rest Before Slicing: Allow the chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
Serve with a Sauce: Consider serving the herb-crusted chicken breasts with a complementary sauce like a lemon butter sauce, garlic aioli, or a balsamic reduction for an extra flavor.
Experiment with Herbs: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your herb choices. Different herbs can lend unique flavors to your dish, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well-equipped to create restaurant-quality herb-crusted chicken breasts in your air fryer, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

Faq’s

What herbs work best for herb-crusted chicken breasts? Popular herbs include rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, and oregano. You can also mix and match herbs to create your own unique flavor profile.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones? Yes, you can use dried herbs in your herb crust. However, remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones, so use them sparingly. A general rule of thumb is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs.

Do I need to marinate the chicken before applying the herb crust? While marinating is optional, it can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. You can marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs before applying the herb crust.

How do I prevent the herb crust from falling off during cooking? To ensure the herb crust adheres well, brush the chicken breasts with a thin layer of olive oil or coat them with a thin layer of Dijon mustard before applying the herb mixture. Press the herbs onto the chicken firmly.

Can I make herb-crusted chicken breasts ahead of time? While it’s best to cook herb-crusted chicken breasts shortly before serving to maintain their crispiness, you can prepare the herb mixture and coat the chicken in advance. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.

How long should I bake herb-crusted chicken breasts, and at what temperature? The baking time and temperature may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and your oven. Typically, they are baked at 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe? You can use bone-in chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be longer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What can I serve with herb-crusted chicken breasts? Herb-crusted chicken breasts pair well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or pasta.

How can I make a creamy sauce to serve with herb-crusted chicken? You can make a creamy sauce by combining heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon juice. Simmer the mixture until it thickens, and serve it over the chicken.

Can I use this herb crust on other proteins like fish or pork? You can use the herb crust on other proteins like fish or pork. Adjust the cooking time to suit the specific protein you’re using.

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