Make flavorful gluten-free breaded chicken breasts that turn out crispy, tender, and juicy every single time! It is the perfect addition to any meal! Add it to your favorite salad or pair it with a few sides for a full meal!
This content contains affiliate links, which help goodfoodbaddie.com to provide free recipes and resources. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support of the blog!
This Gluten-Free Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast has become a staple in my home. At the beginning of the week, I make a large batch and use it for meal prep.
IT’S THE PERFECT SNACK, APPETIZER, OR ADDITION TO ANY MEAL!
You can serve your chicken over a Southwest Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad, or toss it in our zesty Honey Ginger Sauce. OR, keep it simple and serve with cilantro lime rice!
You can also use this recipe to make gluten-free air fryer chicken tenders by using chicken cutlets and serving them as a snack or appetizer with some homemade ranch, barbecue sauce, or avocado crema.
Think of these crispy air fryer chicken breasts as a healthy alternative to typical deep-fried chicken. I love fried chicken as much as the next person, which is exactly why my Gluten-Free Fried Chicken with Maple Bourbon Glaze is one of the most popular recipes on my site! However, this recipe has become my favorite healthy fried chicken recipe for days when I am craving fried chicken but want something a bit healthier!
Ingredients To Make Gluten-Free Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Chicken Breast: If your chicken breasts are thick, make sure to cut in half horizontally to make thinner chicken breast. I usually start with 2 large chicken breasts and cut them in half to make two thin chicken breasts.
- Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs: I use Schar Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs for this recipe. If you are not sensitive to gluten, you can use regular panko bread crumbs. You can also use almond flour for a delicious low-carb option.
- Seasoning: Seasoning the breading mixture is key! I like to use Garlic Powder, Salt, Paprika, Pepper, Chili Powder, and Herbs de Provence. You can also add cayenne pepper and red chili flakes for a spicier option!
- Olive Oil: Instead of coating the chicken in an egg mixture, I simply coat the chicken with a bit of olive oil. This helps the breading stick to the chicken and adds a bit of extra flavor. Feel free to coat your chicken in whisked egg before dipping it into the breadcrumbs. This will give the chicken even more of a fried chicken texture.
How To Cook These Gluten-Free Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Combine the breadcrumbs and seasonings in a medium-sized bowl.
- Coat the chicken with olive oil, then press the chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture until all sides are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken breast in the air fry basket. Make sure the chicken fits in a single layer with a bit of space between each piece. Work in batches if necessary. Cook for 7-8 minutes on each side.
- If you worked in batches and need to rewarm the chicken breasts, add all of the chicken breasts into the air fryer for an additional 3 minutes to warm through.
Tips & Tricks To Make The Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast (Gluten-Free)
- If you do not have gluten-free bread crumbs, you can use almond flour instead! It is a great substitute and still produces flavorful, crispy chicken.
- Make sure to season the breading mixture generously. This is what will give the chicken its mouthwatering flavor. You can add finely ground fresh parmesan cheese to the mixture for an added cheesy flavor.
- You do not have to do much to make tender, flavorful, crispy chicken. Simply coat the chicken in olive oil, salt, and pepper before tossing it into the coating mixture. The olive oil will help the breading stick to the chicken.
- Feel free to coat your chicken with whisked egg before dipping it into the breadcrumbs. This will give the chicken even more of a fried chicken texture.
- Preheat your air fryer. I usually preheat my air fryer for 5 minutes before using it to achieve the best results.
- Cook in Batches. Make sure your chicken is not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. It is important that the chicken fit in a single layer with a little space between each piece. This helps so that you achieve the perfect crispy chicken.
No Air-Fryer? No Problem.
Simply bake your chicken breast in the oven. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until an instant thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F.
How To Store Your Crispy Air Fried Chicken Breast?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days You can reheat the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
What To Serve With This Gluten-Free Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Cilantro Jalapeno Cauliflower Rice (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Low-Carb)
- Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Dairy-Free Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Accordion Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Best Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries (Gluten-Free Vegan)
- Air Fryer Asparagus (Gluten-Free)
- Sauces/Dips:
- Avocado Crema (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Sweet Potato Hummus (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
I hope you enjoy this Crispy Gluten-Free Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe!
If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram! I love hearing from you!
More Gluten-Free Air Fryer Chicken Recipes!
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)
- Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Crispy & Juicy!)
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half to create 4 thin breasts or sliced into cutlets
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 cup dried breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary. use panko breadcrumbs for added texture)
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Red Crushed Pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp Herbs de Provence (or Italian Seasoning), optional
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the breadcrumbs and seasonings in a medium-sized bowl.
- Slice the chicken in half to create thinner chicken breasts. You can also cut the chicken breast into cutlet-sized pieces to make chicken tenders.
- Coat the chicken with olive oil, then press the chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture until all sides are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken breast in the air fry basket. Make sure the chicken fits in a single layer with a bit of space between each piece. Work in batches if necessary. Cook for 7-8 minutes on each side. (Chicken may need an additional 2-3 minutes depending on the size. To determine doneness, slice the chicken in the middle to reveal white, fully cooked meat. Or, use an instant thermometer inserted into the thickest part of chicken breasts. It should read at least 165°F if it is done.)
- If you worked in batches and need to rewarm the chicken breasts, add all of the chicken breasts into the air fryer for an additional 3 minutes to warm through.
- Serve and Enjoy!
About six months ago, I was ready to throw out my air fryer. Everything I attempted to make came out less than great and I didn’t understand the hype of the air fryer, other than cutting a few calories for fried dishes.
After I discovered GFB, more specifically this recipe, that all changed. This recipe is better for you than traditional fried chicken and you don’t have to sacrifice flavor! This was a huge find for me and I’ve put this recipe in my weekly meal rotation. Can’t wait to try the other recipes on here!!
Hi Nicole! That makes me sooo happy! I love to hear it. I use my air fryer almost daily. It’s def one of my fav kitchen appliances 🙂
Just made these, yum! They are great, watching the Phillies in the World Series!! Just delicious 🙂
Sounds like the perfect evening! I am glad you liked the recipe. Thanks for leaving a review, Mary! 🙂
These were so good on top of a fresh salad! It was a hit with the kids, too!