Air Fried Cajun Style Breaded Chicken Breast Recipe

A crispy, spicy, and juicy air-fried chicken breast that brings the flavors of Cajun cuisine to your table.

In this recipe, we blend the rich and bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the modern convenience of air frying, resulting in a crispy yet juicy chicken breast that is both flavorful and healthier than traditional deep-fried chicken. The Cajun seasoning is a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne, providing a balance of heat, sweetness, and umami.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, and it pairs well with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to coleslaw. The air fryer ensures a uniformly crispy coating while keeping the meat inside tender and moist. Impress your friends and family with this easy but delicious twist on a classic fried chicken.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil spray

Nutrition

Calories: ~320 calories

Instructions

1. Marinate: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and eggs. Add the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to tenderize and absorb flavors.
2. Prepare the Breading: Set up two shallow bowls. In one bowl, mix the flour, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. In the second bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dip each piece into the breadcrumb bowl, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs evenly to the surface.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure even and consistent cooking.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Cook the Chicken: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and register at least 165°F (74°C) internally when done.
7. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a wire rack for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.
8. Serve: Serve the chicken hot with your choice of sides. It pairs well with a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw.

Enjoy your freshly made Air Fried Cajun Style Breaded Chicken Breast! This dish is both a healthier and a flavorful alternative to traditional fried chicken, offering a perfect balance of crispy coating and juicy meat. For an added kick, feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste or serve with a spicy dipping sauce. Bon appétit!