Looking for a fast, family-friendly meal that’s crispy, juicy, and delicious? Our Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken delivers all that in just 15 minutes! The air fryer speeds up the cooking process, giving you perfectly crispy chicken without the need for deep frying. Whether you’re using chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders, this recipe works every time. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the nostalgic flavor of Shake N’ Bake chicken with an updated, healthier twist.
Why Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken is a Must-Try
Growing up, many of us enjoyed Shake and Bake Chicken on a regular basis. The crispy coating and juicy chicken inside were always a hit with the whole family. Now, you can make it even easier by using the air fryer! It cuts down the cook time by about 10 minutes, making this quick dinner perfect for those busy evenings when every minute counts. The air fryer ensures the seasoned breading turns out crispy and golden, even better than traditional baking methods.
What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken
Chicken – This recipe works best with boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs, tenders, or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time slightly for different cuts to ensure they’re cooked through.
Shake ‘N Bake – We’re using the original flavor of Shake N’ Bake, but feel free to get creative! The Parmesan Crusted or Crunchy Pretzel varieties add a fun twist. For an extra crunch, you can mix in some grated Parmesan with the breading.
Optional Seasoning – Keep it simple, or spice things up by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even cayenne pepper for a little kick. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt to your taste.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Shake and Bake Chicken in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Prep the Chicken – First, pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly. Dampen the chicken slightly with water before placing it in a zip-top bag with the Shake and Bake seasoning. Shake until fully coated.
Step 2: Air Fry – Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken, spritz with oil, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until crispy and golden.
And that’s it! You’ve got perfectly crispy Shake and Bake Chicken ready in less than 20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer Shake and Bake Chicken pairs well with almost anything! For a complete meal, serve it with air fryer red potatoes or cheesy hasselback potatoes. Want to keep it simple? Corn on the cob or air fryer vegetables make great sides. You can also pick up refrigerated mac and cheese or mashed potatoes to keep dinner as easy as possible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This air fryer chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, crispy, and full of flavor. You’ll love how the air fryer turns that classic Shake N’ Bake seasoning into the perfect golden crust. Whether you’re using chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders, this recipe delivers every time. Enjoy a delicious dinner in under 20 minutes with minimal effort—no oven needed!
