Crunchy Chicken in the Air Fryer {Gluten-free and Dairy-free}

Do you have an air fryer? You may want to consider one because they offer an alternative to frying or baking foods and they are often faster. 

Initially, when we got our first air fryer we only used it for prepared frozen foods. This was before we changed our way of eating to exclude gluten, dairy and eggs. So, once we shifted the way we ate and I became more comfortable with this way of cooking, I gave our old one (it was smaller) to my mother-in-law and got a new larger one. 

Keep in mind that some appliances should be given away or donated if you find you need to avoid gluten as they can not be easily cleaned of traces of gluten or other allergens you may now have to avoid. 

With our new air fryer, we have experimented much more as it holds more food and has opened our eyes to many new options. One of those new options is breaded chicken cutlets that are very crunchy without frying in oil! 

This recipe can be made in the oven as well, and should be baked on a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. This allows the heat in the oven to circulate around the chicken and reduces the potential for the bottom of the chicken pieces to become soggy while baking. Also, it's a good idea to turn the chicken over half way through to ensure even cooking. Always cook to 165 degrees to ensure fully cooked chicken, and if baking it takes around 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees depending on the size of the chicken pieces. 

As always, double check the ingredients of any prepared ingredients you choose to use to ensure they do not contain any allergens that you need to avoid. Some companies change the way they produce these items periodically, so it's a good habit to be in to ensure you are purchasing safe ingredients. 

Crunchy Chicken in the Air Fryer 

Recipe by: PatsyK 

Ingredients 

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 thin slices 
• 1 cup gluten free plain bread crumbs 
• 1 cup gluten free panic bread crumbs, herb seasoned (if unseasoned, add 1 tablespoon of your favorite Italian her seasoning blend)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 
• Avocado oil cooking spray 

Directions 

1. Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 375 degrees. 
2. While preheating, combine the bread crumbs and all seasonings in a shallow dish. 
3. Spray each chicken breast piece on both sides with avocado oil cooking spray.
4. Place each chicken breast piece in the bread crumb mixture and press to coat on both sides with the bread crumbs. 
5. Once air fryer is preheated, spray the basket with the avocado spray and add your chicken breasts so that they are not overlapping. Spray the tops of the chicken with the avocado cooking spray. .If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to do this in batches. 
6. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip to the other side and cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees and they are nicely browned.
7. Serve with a side of rice or pasta and your favorite vegetable. 

Please note that all photos and content belong to Patsy Kreitman, unless otherwise noted. If you want to use something please ask first.