If you’ve been craving a chicken recipe that’s quick, full of crunch, and oh-so-satisfying, you’re going to love this Crispy Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe. It’s seriously fan-freaking-tastic—the perfect weeknight winner that comes together in no time and leaves your kitchen smelling heavenly. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever made chicken any other way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Crispy Texture: The air fryer plus Shake ‘N Bake coating create a satisfyingly crunchy bite every time.
- Quick and Easy Prep: Pounded chicken, a ziptop bag, and an air fryer—no messy hands or long marinating.
- Healthier Than Deep Frying: You get all the crisp without the oil-drench, thanks to the magic of your air fryer.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you’re using chicken breasts or thighs, or switching up the Shake ‘N Bake flavor, this recipe has your back.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When it comes to this Crispy Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe, simplicity is the name of the game. The ingredients come together to give you a crispy coating that locks in juiciness, all without a complicated ingredient list.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly, avoiding dry spots.
- Shake ‘N Bake Original Chicken coating: A classic that delivers the perfect crunchy crust with just a few shakes.
- Water (for moistening chicken): Helps the breading stick evenly without adding extra oil.
- Non-stick or oil spray: Gives the coating that golden, crispy finish in the air fryer.
Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I really enjoy about this Crispy Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe is how easily it adapts. I tend to tweak little things depending on what’s in my pantry or the mood I’m in, and that’s the beauty of it—your kitchen, your rules!
- Using chicken thighs: I sometimes swap breasts for thighs because they’re juicier; just watch your cook time since thighs might need a bit longer.
- Flavor variations: Trying different Shake ‘N Bake varieties like garlic & herb gives a new twist without extra fuss.
- Gluten-free option: If you need to avoid gluten, look for a gluten-free breading mix or make your own seasoned crumb blend.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the breading elevates the flavor if you like a bit of heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Even Out Your Chicken
Before diving into breading, I like to pound the chicken breasts gently so they’re all the same thickness—usually about 3/4 inch thick. It’s a little extra step that make a big difference because it helps them cook evenly without drying out. I just slap the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin. Then, give the chicken a quick spritz or rub with water—it’s the key to getting the breading to cling perfectly.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Like a Pro
Dump that Shake ‘N Bake packet into a big ziptop bag or shallow dish. Adding one chicken piece at a time, toss it all around so every inch gets covered with that flavorful coating. Using a bag is my favorite because you can just shake it up and keep your hands clean—win-win!
Step 3: Prepare Your Air Fryer Basket
Once your air fryer has preheated to 390°F (I let mine run for about 5 minutes), spray the basket with non-stick spray. This little step ensures nothing sticks and keeps the coating looking crisp and pretty. Place your breaded chicken pieces in a single layer—don’t crowd the basket! I usually have to do this in batches if my air fryer is small.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Cook the chicken for 5 minutes, then flip each piece and spritz the tops again lightly with oil spray. This extra bit of oil helps get that golden, crunchy crust we all crave. Cook for 5 more minutes, or until your meat thermometer hits 165°F in the thickest part. The internal temp check is my favorite way to avoid dry chicken or undercooked surprises.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Nothing beats serving this Crispy Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken hot and fresh from the air fryer. It’s perfect on its own or with your favorite sides. Plus, you’ve got that satisfying crunch without the oil mess.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: I used to skip preheating and the chicken came out less crispy; now, I make sure it’s hot so the coating sets immediately.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Crowding traps steam which softens the crust—give each piece breathing room for that perfect crunch.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to tell exactly when the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying it out.
- Spritz After Flipping: A light spray of oil after flipping the chicken makes the top crust extra golden and crisp without soaking the breading.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I keep it simple with fresh lemon wedges on the side—it adds a bright pop that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a touch of green and freshness that looks just as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
For sides, I love pairing this chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance the texture. Roasted veggies or fresh steamed green beans with a little garlic butter also complement the crispy crust perfectly. And if it’s a casual night, crispy air fryer fries or even a tangy coleslaw are winners in my book.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered slices of the crispy chicken over buttered noodles or served it sliced atop a fresh wedge salad to impress friends. Wrapping leftovers in warm tortillas with some avocado and slaw turns it into an easy chicken taco—always a hit at my house.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken gets stored in an airtight container in the fridge and usually lasts 3-4 days. I’ve learned it’s best to let the chicken cool slightly before packing it in to avoid sogginess, which really helps maintain the crisp crust.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, I recommend doing so before cooking—coat the chicken, freeze the pieces spaced apart on a tray, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Cooking from frozen in the air fryer works well but adds a few extra minutes.
Reheating
To keep that signature crunch, I always reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes rather than the microwave. The quick heat revives the crust without drying out the meat.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in the Crispy Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe. Just keep in mind thighs might need a slightly longer cooking time depending on their size, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.
-
Do I have to preheat my air fryer for this recipe?
Yes, preheating helps get the coating crispy right away and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. I always set my air fryer to 390°F and let it warm up for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken.
-
Can I make this gluten-free?
You can! Swap the Shake ‘N Bake for a gluten-free breading mix or create your own blend with gluten-free breadcrumbs and seasonings. Just follow the same steps for breading and air frying.
-
What if my air fryer basket is small?
No worries—just cook the chicken in batches so they have enough space to crisp up properly. Overcrowding traps steam and results in less crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe has become my go-to comfort meal because it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. It’s that easy recipe I always recommend when friends ask for something fast but impressive. I can’t wait for you to try it—it might just change how you do chicken dinners forever.
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and easy Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken recipe featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in classic Shake ‘N Bake breading. This method delivers a crispy, flavorful chicken without deep frying, perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces)
Breading
- 1 box Shake ‘N Bake Original Chicken
Other
- Water for moistening chicken
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil spray for spritzing
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready when the chicken is coated.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts lightly to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Moisten each piece with water to help the breading stick better.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the Shake ‘N Bake breading into a large ziptop bag or shallow dish. Add each chicken piece separately and turn to coat the chicken fully with the breading.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Remove the basket and spray it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer with space around each piece to allow air circulation. Work in batches if necessary.
- First Cook Cycle: Air fry the coated chicken for 5 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit. After 5 minutes, flip each piece to ensure even crisping.
- Second Cook Cycle: Spritz the chicken pieces again with oil spray for extra crispness. Continue air frying for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit as checked with a meat thermometer.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve hot as a delicious crispy main course.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used as an alternative; adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
- You can substitute with any variety of Shake ‘N Bake breading flavors to customize the taste profile.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and crisping.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken for both safety and juiciness.
