Get ready to elevate your cooking game with these mouth-watering, deliciously easy air fryer chicken recipes! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a wide range of crispy, flavorful dishes that are perfect for any meal or occasion. From classic comfort foods like chicken tenders and drumsticks, to international-inspired flavors like Korean BBQ and Greek lemon, there’s something on this list for everyone.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into the top 20 air fryer chicken recipes that will make your taste buds do the happy dance. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick weeknight meals, a health-conscious foodie seeking out lower-calorie options, or simply someone who loves to experiment with new flavors and techniques, these recipes are sure to become instant favorites in your household.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Elevate your snack game with this easy and delicious recipe for air fryer garlic parmesan chicken wings! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with savory flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse chicken wings and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
4. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
5. Place the coated chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 20-22 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
7. Shake basket halfway through cooking time.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Transform your favorite fried chicken tenders into a healthier, crispy delight with this easy air fryer recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenderloins, cut into strips
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, then into beaten egg, and finally coat with additional flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Place coated chicken strips in air fryer basket in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
6. Shake basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and spicy buffalo chicken bites, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the buffalo sauce and melted butter.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the sauce mixture and toss until fully coated.
4. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
5. Dredge the chicken in panko breadcrumbs, shaking off any excess.
6. Place the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
This recipe yields crispy and flavorful chicken thighs with a burst of citrusy lemon pepper goodness, all achieved with minimal effort using your air fryer.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each thigh.
4. Brush both sides of the chicken with the lemon mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, shaking halfway through cooking time.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Elevate your snack game with this easy recipe that yields crispy, flavorful chicken drumsticks. With the help of an air fryer, you’ll achieve a perfect balance of tenderness and crunch.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp mustard (such as Dijon or whole-grain)
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, and paprika.
3. Place the chicken drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Brush both sides of the drumsticks with the honey-mustard mixture.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook for 12-14 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
Elevate your snack game with this easy recipe for smoky BBQ chicken wings, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll be hooked on these crispy, tender wings.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
4. Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Cook for 20-22 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Increase temperature to 420°F (220°C) and cook an additional 2-3 minutes for crispy skin.
Cooking Time: 22-25 minutes
Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
A crispy and juicy twist on traditional Japanese katsu, this Air Fryer Chicken Katsu recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cooking game. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place coated chicken breasts in the Air Fryer basket. Brush with vegetable oil.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Spicy Korean Chicken
This recipe brings the bold flavors of Korea to your air fryer, with crispy chicken tossed in a spicy Gochujang sauce and crunchy kimchi slaw.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp ginger powder
– 1/4 cup kimchi slaw (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
5. Cook chicken in air fryer in batches if necessary, for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve chicken hot with kimchi slaw spooned on top and garnished with green onions.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel
Elevate your snack game with this easy-to-make air fryer recipe that yields crispy and juicy chicken schnitzel.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil spray for air fryer
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dip floured chicken in eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Spray air fryer basket with vegetable oil spray.
6. Cook chicken schnitzel in batches if necessary (depending on size of air fryer).
7. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Elevate your mealtime with this easy and flavorful recipe for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs. Tender, juicy chicken is smothered in a sticky teriyaki sauce and cooked to perfection in just minutes.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Brush the teriyaki mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this mouthwatering Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Breast recipe. Spicy and flavorful, it’s a quick and easy dinner solution that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and the Cajun spice mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts.
5. Cook the chicken in the Air Fryer for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice (if desired).
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas: A Quick and Flavorful Twist on a Classic!
Elevate your fajita game with this easy recipe that combines juicy chicken, crispy veggies, and spicy flavors, all cooked to perfection in just minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup sliced onions
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 fajita-sized flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, bell peppers, onions, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Load the mixture into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble fajitas with cooked chicken and veggies, and add your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Chicken Satay Skewers
A twist on traditional satay, this air fryer recipe yields crispy and juicy chicken skewers with a flavorful peanut sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 10 bamboo skewers
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for greasing air fryer basket
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush the peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Grease the basket with vegetable oil.
5. Place skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Serve hot with additional peanut sauce for dipping, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Get ready to enjoy a healthier take on your favorite snack! This recipe yields crispy and juicy air fryer chicken nuggets with minimal effort and no deep-frying required.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small nugget-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Place 4-5 breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
Enjoy your crispy and delicious air fryer chicken nuggets!
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma
Experience the flavors of the Middle East with this quick and easy Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma recipe, featuring juicy chicken strips marinated in a blend of Mediterranean spices and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 pita breads
– Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade), for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through, shaking halfway through.
4. Warm pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
5. Assemble shawarma sandwiches with chicken, tzatziki sauce, and your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
This recipe brings the Italian-American favorite into the modern age with the help of an air fryer. By using this versatile kitchen appliance, you can achieve crispy, breaded chicken breasts with minimal mess and effort.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken breast in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Serve with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken
Brighten up your mealtime with this zesty and flavorful Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken recipe! Tender chicken breasts are infused with the essence of Greece, thanks to a tangy lemon-herb marinade.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
5. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. If desired, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Bites
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Bites, infused with the aromatic flavors of India.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Cook chicken in batches if necessary, in a single layer, for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with cilantro sprinkled on top, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Elevate your chicken game with this innovative Air Fryer recipe, where tender and juicy chicken breast is wrapped in ham and melted cheese, then air-fried to crispy perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 slices of ham (about 1 ounce each)
– 2 slices of Swiss cheese (about 1 ounce each)
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, softened butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a chicken breast on a flat surface. Place a slice of ham on one half of the breast, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese.
4. Fold the other half of the breast over to enclose the filling, pressing gently to seal.
5. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.
6. Cook the cordon bleus in the Air Fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings
Transform your snack game with this easy recipe that combines the bold flavors of jerk seasoning and crispy air frying.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together chicken wings and jerk seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the wings and sprinkle with garlic powder.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Load the air fryer basket with the prepared wings in a single layer.
6. Cook for 20-22 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Check for crispiness; if needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your snack game with these 20 crispy air fryer chicken recipes! From classic flavors like garlic parmesan and buffalo wings, to international twists like spicy Korean and Greek lemon, there’s something for everyone. Impress your family and friends with easy-to-make dishes like chicken tenders, drumsticks, and schnitzel. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a satisfying meal, these air fryer recipes are sure to please. With minimal mess and maximum flavor, it’s time to give your oven a break and get cooking with air fryer chicken!
