Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken

If you have tried our Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe or Shake and Bake Pork Chops then you are going to love this air fryer chicken recipes. The chicken cooks golden brown with the best crunch.

Using shake and bake coating mix makes dinnertime a breeze and a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

In less than 20 minutes dinner can be made in the air fryer. The chicken turns out with a crispy exterior while staying juicy in the center.

I grew up eating oven shake and bake chicken and now I can make it in the air fryer with much less mess.  

Ingredients 

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts  – You can also use chicken drumsticks, chicken thighs or chicken tenders
• Shake ’N Bake – Find this at your local grocery store
• Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice

For the full recipe and ingredients, please scroll to the bottom for the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Breadcrumbs – For a delicious variation use bread crumb such as crackers or crushed cornflakes.
• Garlic – Add garlic powder or minced garlic for added flavor.
• Italian Seasoning – For added flavor add in Italian Seasoning Recipe. We have even added in paprika with onion powder for a delicious variation.

How to Make Shake and Bake Chicken in the Air Fryer

• Step 1 – Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Step 2 – Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and rub 1 tablespoon of the olive oil onto both sides of the chicken breasts.  

Step 3 – Place the Shake ’N Bake seasoning into a large freezer bag.  

Step 4 – Add the chicken breasts to the bag. Seal the bag and shake until all the chicken breasts are well coated with the mixture. 

Step 5 – Add the chicken breasts to the air fryer in a single layer. You may have to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.  Spray the top of the chicken with the spray olive oil. 

• Step 6 – Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes.  Flip the chicken and then air fry for 6-8 more minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.  Use a meat thermometer for best results.
• Step 7 – Remove the chicken from the air fryer.  Let them rest for 5 minutes. 
• Step 8 – Then the air fryer chicken breast is ready to serve and enjoy!  

Expert Tips

• Prepare Air Fryer – If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat option, then run the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Seasoning Chicken – Make sure to leave air in the freezer bag when sealing the bag so that the chicken and seasoning mixture in the bag can move around easier. 
• Adding Oil to Air Fryer Basket – Do not spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray as it can damage the coating of the air fryer baskets. Rub the remaining olive oil onto the air fryer basket to keep the chicken from sticking to the basket.
• Thaw Chicken – If you use frozen chicken breasts, make sure that the chicken breasts are thawed out completely before coating the chicken.  
• Same Size Chicken – Make sure that the chicken breasts are roughly the same thickness so that they cook evenly. Filet large chicken breasts or use a meat mallet to ensure that the chicken breasts are around the equal thickness.   

Serving Suggestions

The air fryer chicken pieces taste amazing with your favorite side dish recipes. We always serve with Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe, roasted vegetables such as Parmesan Roasted Green Beans and a salad.

Shake n Bake Chicken cooks perfectly in the air fryer and we always serve with a side a Homemade Barbecue Sauce and Homemade Ranch Dressing for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions