I’m all about air fried food these days, and I’ve gotta say, I love how crispy the chicken gets in the air fryer without all that greasy mess. Air fried chicken is where it’s at, especially when you’re craving something crispy but still want it to be healthier than deep frying. These crispy style chicken fritters are like a cross between a chicken nugget and a fritter, and they’re perfect as a chicken appetizer or even for a quick dinner. Plus, they’re super easy to make, which is a total win when you’ve got three kiddos running around and you’re trying to keep it together.
I’ve been making these chicken fritters recipe air fryer style for a while now, and it’s honestly one of the best air fryer recipes chicken I’ve tried. If you’ve been looking for chicken appetizers that are kid-approved, this one’s a keeper. The texture of these fritters recipe is just chef’s kiss—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. If you’re into air fryer fritters, this is definitely one you want to add to your list.
So if you’re ready to try out a chicken fritter recipe that’s easy, delicious, and will impress your family, keep reading! Trust me, these air fryer fritters are about to become your new favorite go-to chicken appetizer recipe. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small cubes)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko gives them extra crunch, but regular works too!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (I swear this makes them so good)
- 1/4 cup milk (I use whatever I have—almond milk, whole milk, doesn’t matter)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for that golden crispy finish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Okay, first things first—let’s talk chicken. You want to chop your chicken breasts into small cubes. I usually do about 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Now, if your kiddos are picky about the texture, you can try to chop them even smaller or even pulse them in the food processor to make them more nugget-like. Easy peasy!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, crack the egg and whisk it up with the milk. This is the wet part of the dredging process. You want it smooth and well-combined. Super simple, but it’s what helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. So don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This is where the magic happens! The Parmesan gives the fritters a nice cheesy flavor, and the garlic and onion powder make everything taste so much better. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also throw in some Italian seasoning or paprika for extra flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Now, take each piece of chicken and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. After that, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks. Do this with each piece. It gets a little messy, but the kids love helping with this part, so feel free to recruit them for a little kitchen bonding time (or a distraction while you finish up!).
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
I know it’s tempting to just throw everything in and hope for the best, but trust me—preheating the air fryer makes all the difference for that crispy crunch we all love. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. It’s worth the wait!
Step 6: Cook the Chicken Fritters
Once your air fryer is ready, spray the basket with a little cooking spray (or olive oil if you don’t have spray). Place the chicken fritters in a single layer in the basket. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Mist them lightly with some more cooking spray to get them extra crispy. Then, cook them for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. I also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure they hit 165°F.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re done, take them out of the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two (if you can wait that long!). Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce—I’m talking ranch, honey mustard, ketchup, whatever your kids beg for. And watch them disappear.
FAQs for Air Fryer Chicken Fritters
Can I make these Air Fryer Chicken Fritters without breadcrumbs?
Yes! If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand or prefer to make it gluten-free, you can use crushed-up cornflakes, panko crumbs (which are a bit crunchier!), or even crushed crackers. Just make sure the texture is something that will hold up around the chicken.
How do I keep the fritters from getting soggy?
To keep your crispy chicken fritters crisp, make sure you’re spraying the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the fritters. Also, give them a light mist of oil or cooking spray after you place them in the air fryer. If you’re cooking in batches, avoid stacking them up too much. That way, they can crisp evenly and not get soggy.
Can I freeze these Air Fryer Chicken Fritters?
Yes, you can! After they cool, pop them into a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F, and they’ll be crispy again! Great for meal prep or for when you need a quick chicken appetizer.
Can I make Air Fryer Chicken Fritters spicy?
Yes! If you like a little heat, feel free to add some cayenne pepper, paprika, or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for an extra spicy kick.
Can I make these fritters without an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the fritters on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
Air Fryer Chicken Fritters Recipe Card
Air Fryer Chicken Fritters
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into small cubes)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko for extra crunch!
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup milk any kind you prefer
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil for misting
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Cut chicken breasts into small cubes (1-inch pieces).
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.
Cook the Fritters:
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the fritters in a single layer and mist with more spray. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the fritters cool for a couple of minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- Make them spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
- Substitute breadcrumbs: Use crushed cornflakes or crackers if you don’t have breadcrumbs.
- Meal prep: These fritters are perfect for leftovers and freeze well for later.
These air fryer fritters have become a staple in our house, and I know they’ll be a favorite in yours too. If you’ve been looking for new air fryer recipes chicken or a different way to enjoy air fried chicken, this chicken fritters recipe air fryer style is a total game changer. Plus, the kids will totally love them (trust me, mine do!), and they make such a great snack or even a chicken appetizer recipe for those busy days.
Give this chicken fritter recipe a try next time you’re craving something crispy, juicy, and super easy to make. I promise you won’t regret it! Enjoy those crispy chicken fritters—and good luck keeping your kids from stealing them all!
