33 Delicious Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipes for Crispy Perfection

Just imagine biting into perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken without all the oil and mess of traditional frying! Whether you’re craving quick weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or comforting family meals, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend. We’ve gathered 33 mouthwatering recipes that deliver that irresistible crunch every time—get ready to discover your next favorite dish!

Lemon Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Dinner just got way easier with this simple recipe. You’ll love how these lemon herb chicken thighs come out perfectly crispy without all the oil. Seriously, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions

1. Pat your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels – this is key for getting that crispy skin.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the marinade.
4. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes while you preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
5. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, making sure they don’t touch.
6. Air fry for 15 minutes at 375°F until the skin starts to brown.
7. Flip the chicken thighs over so they’re skin-side up using tongs.
8. Continue air frying for another 10-12 minutes at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Perfectly crispy skin gives way to incredibly juicy meat with bright lemon and earthy herbs in every bite. Try serving these over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes to soak up all those delicious pan juices, or slice them up for the most amazing chicken salad you’ve ever had.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Every time I’m craving something crispy, saucy, and ridiculously easy, these air fryer honey garlic chicken wings come to the rescue. You get that perfect crunch without all the oil, and the sweet-savory glaze is downright addictive. Honestly, they’re my go-to for game day or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients

– A couple of pounds of chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
– A good drizzle of olive oil
– A generous sprinkle of kosher salt
– A few cracks of black pepper
– A big spoonful of minced garlic
– A third of a cup of soy sauce
– A quarter cup of honey
– A tablespoon of rice vinegar
– A teaspoon of sesame oil
– A sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish
– A handful of chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels—this helps them get extra crispy.
2. Toss the wings in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Arrange the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching.
4. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, then flip each wing carefully with tongs.
5. Continue air frying for another 10–12 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
6. While the wings cook, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and let it bubble for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl and pour the warm honey garlic sauce over them.
9. Toss the wings gently until every piece is coated in the glossy sauce.
10. Sprinkle the wings with sesame seeds and chopped green onions right before serving.

My favorite thing about these wings is how the sticky-sweet glaze clings to each crispy bite. The garlic adds a savory punch that balances the honey perfectly. Try serving them over a bed of jasmine rice to soak up any extra sauce—it’s a game-changer.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Let’s be real—sometimes you just need that perfect crispy chicken tender without the guilt of deep frying. These air fryer beauties deliver that satisfying crunch with way less oil, and they’re ready in under 20 minutes. You’ll love how easy they are to whip up for a quick dinner or game day snack.

Ingredients

• About a pound of chicken tenders
• A cup of all-purpose flour
• A couple of large eggs
• A cup and a half of panko breadcrumbs
• A tablespoon of garlic powder
• A teaspoon of paprika
• A good pinch of salt and black pepper
• A splash of olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick better.
2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge each tender in the flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Dip the floured tender into the egg, letting the extra drip back into the bowl.
5. Press the tender firmly into the panko mixture, coating both sides evenly for maximum crunch.
6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
7. Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each one so they crisp up evenly.
8. Spray the tops of the tenders with a light mist of olive oil.
9. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip each tender carefully with tongs.
10. Cook for another 4–6 minutes at 400°F until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Golden and irresistibly crunchy on the outside, these tenders stay juicy inside thanks to the quick air frying. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, or slice them over a fresh salad for a protein-packed lunch. They’re so good, you might just skip the drive-thru for good.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken without heating up your whole kitchen, you’ve found your new favorite recipe. These air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks come together so easily and deliver that classic barbecue flavor we all crave. Seriously, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this trick.

Ingredients

You’ll need about 2 pounds of chicken drumsticks, a good glug of olive oil (about 2 tablespoons), a generous sprinkle of garlic powder (around 1 teaspoon), the same amount of smoked paprika, a couple of pinches of salt (roughly 1 teaspoon), a few cracks of black pepper (about ½ teaspoon), and about ¾ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce for that sweet, sticky finish.

Instructions

1. Pat your chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels—this is my secret for getting that super crispy skin we all love.
2. Place the drumsticks in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, making sure each piece gets a nice coating.
3. Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
4. Use your hands to massage the seasoning into every nook and cranny of the drumsticks until they’re fully coated.
5. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one for proper air circulation.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, then carefully flip each drumstick using tongs.
7. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes at 400°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
8. Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over each drumstick, making sure to cover all sides evenly.
9. Return to the air fryer and cook for just 2-3 more minutes at 400°F until the sauce is caramelized and sticky—watch closely here to prevent burning!
10. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Look at that beautiful caramelized glaze! The skin comes out incredibly crispy while the meat stays wonderfully tender and juicy inside. That smoky paprika and sweet BBQ sauce combo is absolutely addictive—these are fantastic served over creamy mashed potatoes or with a simple corn on the cob for the ultimate comfort meal.

Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites

Hey, you know those days when you’re craving something spicy and satisfying but don’t want to deal with a big mess? These air fryer buffalo chicken bites are your new best friend—they come together in minutes and deliver that perfect kick we all love.

Ingredients

– About 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– A generous ½ cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten up
– A couple of cups of panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch
– A good splash of olive oil spray
– ½ cup of your favorite buffalo sauce
– 2 tablespoons of melted butter
– A pinch of garlic powder
– A pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes so it’s ready to go.
2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick better.
3. Season the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any excess.
5. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting the extra drip off.
6. Press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, coating all sides thoroughly.
7. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
8. Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer, leaving space between them for even cooking.
9. Spray the tops of the chicken bites with olive oil for a golden finish.
10. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
11. While the chicken cooks, whisk together the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a medium bowl.
12. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer for safety.
13. Toss the hot chicken bites in the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
14. Return the sauced chicken to the air fryer and cook for another 2 minutes at 400°F to set the glaze.

You’ll love how the crispy panko coating gives way to juicy, tender chicken inside, with that tangy buffalo heat that’s just right. Try serving them piled high with celery sticks and a cool ranch dip for the ultimate game-day snack—they disappear fast!

Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Kicking off your weeknight dinner rotation just got easier with this garlic parmesan air fryer chicken breast. You’ll love how quickly it comes together with minimal cleanup, and that crispy, cheesy crust is seriously addictive. It’s the kind of simple recipe that feels fancy but requires barely any effort on your part.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
• A good glug of olive oil (about 2 tablespoons)
• A couple of minced garlic cloves
• A generous half cup of grated parmesan cheese
• A quarter cup of panko breadcrumbs
• A big pinch of Italian seasoning
• A small sprinkle of paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to your liking

Instructions

1. Pat your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick better and ensures maximum crispiness.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the grated parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of each chicken breast lightly with olive oil.
4. Rub the minced garlic evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
5. Press the parmesan-panko mixture firmly onto both sides of each chicken breast, making sure it’s fully coated.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes—this gives you a crispier crust right from the start.
7. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
8. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for air circulation.
9. Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps all those delicious juices locked in.

Perfectly cooked every time, this chicken comes out with an incredibly crispy, cheesy crust that gives way to tender, juicy meat inside. The garlic and parmesan create this savory, umami-packed flavor that pairs amazingly with everything from simple roasted veggies to a fresh arugula salad. Try slicing it over pasta or stuffing it into crusty bread for an next-level sandwich that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

You know those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This air fryer teriyaki chicken stir-fry is your new best friend—it comes together in minutes and delivers that sweet-savory flavor you crave. Seriously, your future self will thank you for this one.

Ingredients

– 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups of frozen stir-fry veggie mix (the kind with broccoli, carrots, and snap peas)
– 1/3 cup of teriyaki sauce
– A couple of tablespoons of olive oil
– A splash of rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
– A pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes—this helps everything cook evenly from the start.
2. Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium bowl until lightly coated.
3. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure none of the pieces are touching.
4. Air fry the chicken at 375°F for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning.
5. While the chicken cooks, combine the teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
6. After 8 minutes, add the frozen stir-fry vegetables directly on top of the chicken in the air fryer basket.
7. Drizzle the teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
8. Air fry for another 6-7 minutes at 375°F until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
9. Let everything rest in the air fryer basket for 2 minutes before serving—this allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

Last night’s version turned out so perfectly glazed and tender. The chicken stays juicy while the veggies get those slightly crisp edges that soak up the teriyaki sauce beautifully. I love serving this over a bed of fluffy rice or stuffing it into warm tortillas for a fun teriyaki twist—either way, it disappears fast!

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Nuggets

Gosh, sometimes you just need that crispy, satisfying crunch without the guilt of deep frying, right? These air fryer ranch chicken nuggets deliver all that comforting flavor with minimal oil, making them perfect for quick dinners or game day snacks. They come together in minutes and taste like they came from your favorite restaurant.

Ingredients

– About 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
– A generous ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs
– A couple tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 packet (1 ounce) of dry ranch seasoning mix
– A splash of olive oil or cooking spray
– A couple of large eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks and pat them completely dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick better.
3. In one shallow bowl, beat the two eggs until smooth.
4. In another bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and the entire packet of ranch seasoning.
5. Dip each chicken chunk into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
6. Roll the egg-coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it’s fully covered.
7. Arrange the coated nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch so they crisp up evenly.
8. Lightly spray the nuggets with olive oil or cooking spray for extra crunch.
9. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, then flip each nugget over.
10. Spray the other side lightly with oil and cook for another 6–8 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
11. Let the nuggets rest in the air fryer basket for 2 minutes before serving—they’ll stay crispier this way.
Finally, these nuggets come out wonderfully crunchy outside and tender inside, with that herby ranch flavor shining through. For a fun twist, try dipping them in extra ranch dressing or mixing them into a salad for a protein-packed crunch.

Herb-Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Unbelievably crispy chicken without the deep-fryer guilt—this herb-crusted version comes together so fast in your air fryer. You’ll love how the golden crust locks in all the juicy flavor, making weeknight dinners feel extra special.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
• A good glug of olive oil (about 2 tablespoons)
• A couple of big spoonfuls of Dijon mustard (around 2 tablespoons)
• Half a cup of panko breadcrumbs
• A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan (about ¼ cup)
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped fine
• A teaspoon of dried oregano
• Half a teaspoon of garlic powder
• Half a teaspoon of paprika
• A pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick better.
2. Brush both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil, then spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the top and sides.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix the panko, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Press the herbed panko mixture firmly onto the mustard-coated sides of the chicken, using your hands to pack it on for maximum crunch.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes so it’s nice and hot when the chicken goes in.
6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, then place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer without overcrowding.
7. Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken carefully with tongs to keep the crust intact.
8. Cook for another 5–8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the crust is deeply golden.
9. Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps all the juices inside.

Look at that gorgeous, shatteringly crisp herb crust giving way to perfectly tender chicken inside. The Dijon adds a subtle tang that balances the savory Parmesan and earthy herbs beautifully. Try slicing it over a Caesar salad or pairing it with roasted veggies for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is totally doable any night.

Air Fryer Asian Sesame Chicken

Dinner just got a whole lot easier with this crispy, flavorful chicken that comes together in minutes. You’ll love how the air fryer gives you that perfect crunch without all the oil, and the sweet-savory sesame sauce is seriously addictive. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you ordered takeout but actually made it yourself.

Ingredients

– About 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
– A couple of tablespoons of cornstarch
– A good glug of soy sauce
– A splash of rice vinegar
– A generous drizzle of honey
– A spoonful of minced garlic
– A teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
– A sprinkle of sesame seeds
– A tablespoon of toasted sesame oil
– A quick spray of cooking oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes.
2. Toss the chicken chunks with cornstarch until they’re lightly coated on all sides.
3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
4. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure pieces aren’t touching.
5. Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, then flip each piece using tongs.
6. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and reaches 165°F internally.
7. While the chicken cooks, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl.
8. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
9. Pour the sauce mixture into the hot skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
10. Transfer the cooked chicken from the air fryer directly into the skillet with the sauce.
11. Toss the chicken in the sauce until every piece is evenly coated.
12. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the sauced chicken and give one final gentle toss.

Crispy on the outside yet tender inside, this chicken delivers that perfect sweet-savory balance with a subtle nutty finish from the sesame. Try serving it over steamed jasmine rice with some quick-pickled cucumbers on the side, or chop it up for amazing lettuce wraps that’ll disappear in minutes.

Air Fryer Caprese Stuffed Chicken

Dinner just got a whole lot more exciting with this simple yet impressive dish. You’ll love how the classic caprese flavors transform ordinary chicken into something truly special. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough for company.

Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– A couple of thick slices of fresh mozzarella
– About 1/4 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– A handful of fresh basil leaves
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– A sprinkle of salt and black pepper
– A drizzle of balsamic glaze for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes.
2. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
4. Layer fresh basil leaves, mozzarella slices, and halved cherry tomatoes on one half of each chicken breast.
5. Fold the other half of the chicken over the filling, creating a stuffed packet.
6. Secure the edges with 2-3 toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
7. Brush the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil for crispy browning.
8. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
9. Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks to allow juices to redistribute.
11. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

Unbelievably juicy chicken gives way to that warm, melty mozzarella and burst tomato goodness in every bite. The fresh basil adds that perfect herbal note that makes this taste like summer. Try serving it over a bed of arugula with an extra drizzle of balsamic for a complete meal that feels restaurant-worthy.

Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Sometimes you want something that feels fancy but comes together with minimal effort. These air fryer Mediterranean chicken skewers deliver big flavor with that hands-off cooking method we all love. You’ll have tender, herb-kissed chicken ready in no time.

Ingredients

– 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
– A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons)
– A couple of wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning in the air fryer.
2. Cut 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
4. Add the chicken chunks to the marinade and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated.
5. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes while your air fryer preheats to 375°F.
6. Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto the soaked skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for air circulation.
7. Arrange the skewers in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
8. Air fry at 375°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through cooking time.
9. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken has golden-brown edges.
10. Let the skewers rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Vibrant and perfectly charred, these skewers deliver that classic Mediterranean flavor with juicy, tender chicken every time. Try serving them over a bed of lemon rice or tucked into warm pita bread with tzatziki for a complete meal that feels special without the fuss.

Buttermilk Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Zesty, crispy, and way easier than you’d think—this buttermilk air fryer fried chicken is about to become your new go-to. You get that satisfying crunch without the mess of deep frying, and it comes together in no time. Seriously, your future self will thank you for trying this one.

Ingredients

– 2 cups of buttermilk
– A couple of tablespoons of hot sauce
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– A good sprinkle of garlic powder
– A generous pinch of paprika
– A teaspoon of salt
– A half teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 pounds of chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks work great)
– A quick spray of cooking oil

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of buttermilk and 2 tablespoons of hot sauce until fully combined.
2. Add 2 pounds of chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight for maximum tenderness.
4. In a separate shallow dish, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
5. Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture.
6. Place the coated chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
7. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil to help with browning.
8. Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, then flip each piece carefully.
9. Continue air frying for another 10-12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Outrageously crunchy on the outside and incredibly juicy inside, this chicken has just the right kick from the hot sauce. Try serving it piled high on waffles for a sweet-and-savory brunch, or chop it over a fresh salad for a lighter twist.

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings

Mmm, you know those days when you’re craving something crispy and flavorful but don’t want to deal with messy deep frying? These air fryer lemon garlic chicken wings are about to become your new go-to—they’re ridiculously easy and packed with bright, zesty flavor.

Ingredients

– About 2 pounds of chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
– A couple of tablespoons of olive oil
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– The juice and zest from 1 lemon
– A good pinch of salt
– A few cracks of black pepper
– A splash of soy sauce
– A handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels—this helps them get extra crispy in the air fryer.
2. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and soy sauce until evenly coated.
3. Let the wings marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes while you preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
4. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
5. Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip each wing using tongs.
6. Continue cooking for another 10–12 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
7. Transfer the wings to a clean bowl and toss with the chopped parsley.
8. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Wow, these wings come out with the perfect crackly skin and juicy interior, with the lemon cutting through the richness beautifully. Try serving them over a bed of greens for a lighter meal, or pile them high with extra lemon wedges for squeezing at the table—they’re seriously addictive.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Keeping weeknight dinners exciting just got easier with this crispy, cheesy chicken parmesan that cooks up perfectly in your air fryer. You’ll love how quickly it comes together without sacrificing any of that classic Italian flavor we all crave. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve ordered takeout, but you made it yourself in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

– A couple of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– About a cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
– Half a cup of grated parmesan cheese
– One large egg
– A splash of milk
– A cup of your favorite marinara sauce
– A cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– A couple of tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes.
2. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
3. Whisk together the egg and milk in a shallow bowl until fully combined.
4. Mix the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a separate shallow dish.
5. Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
6. Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
7. Lightly brush or spray both sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil.
8. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
9. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, then flip the chicken using tongs.
10. Cook for another 6 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
11. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken cutlet.
12. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
13. Return to the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Here’s what makes this version special: the chicken stays incredibly juicy inside while the coating gets perfectly crispy without any greasiness. That golden, cheesy topping with the tangy marinara creates the most satisfying combination of textures and flavors. Try serving it over zucchini noodles for a lighter meal, or pile it onto a crusty roll for an amazing chicken parm sandwich that’ll become your new favorite.

Conclusion

Here’s your ultimate guide to crispy, juicy chicken without the deep-fryer mess! With 33 mouthwatering recipes from classic wings to creative dinners, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend. Try these recipes, share your favorites in the comments below, and don’t forget to pin this article on Pinterest to save all these delicious ideas!