If you’re craving something crispy, juicy, and downright addictive without the hassle of deep frying, then you’re going to adore this Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe. I swear, this recipe is a game-changer—perfectly seasoned chicken with that classic crunchy coating, all done in your air fryer in just about 15 minutes. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or just love a fuss-free dinner, stick with me and I’ll show you how to nail this every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick Prep: It takes just about 5 minutes to get your chicken ready, making it perfect for busy days.
- Crispy Without the Guilt: Using an air fryer means you get that crunchy coating with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying.
- Deliciously Familiar Flavor: Shake ‘N Bake breading packs that nostalgic, comforting seasoning we all love.
- Versatile & Easy to Customize: Whether you swap chicken breasts for thighs or try different Shake ‘N Bake flavors, it adapts beautifully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here plays a simple but important role. The chicken breasts offer lean protein that’s perfect for quick cooking, while the Shake ‘N Bake seasoning mixes in that unbeatable crispy-crust magic. And trust me, moistening the chicken just right is the key to getting that seasoning to stick perfectly without making a soggy mess.
- Chicken breasts: I always pick boneless, skinless breasts so they’re quick to cook and easy to eat—if you want juicier meat, thighs work too but adjust cook time accordingly.
- Shake ‘N Bake Original Chicken mix: This is the star that gives you the classic flavorful crust; you can find it in any grocery store and it saves a ton of time versus making your own breading.
- Water (to moisten chicken): This helps the breading stick evenly—spraying spray oil before and after cooking amps the crispiness.
- Non-stick spray or oil spray: Don’t skip this! It prevents sticking in the air fryer basket and adds a little extra golden crunch.
Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’ve played around with adding spices, swapping out cuts, and even trying different Shake ‘N Bake varieties—let me tell you, the possibilities are delicious!
- Spice it up: I like tossing in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the breading mix when I want a little kick.
- Thighs over breasts: For a juicier bite, sometimes I use boneless chicken thighs; just air fry a couple of minutes longer until they’re perfectly done.
- Herb twist: Adding dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the breading mix gives it a fresh, savory vibe that’s wonderful for Sunday dinners.
- Gluten-free option: You can use gluten-free breading mixes in place of Shake ‘N Bake, just check your air fryer for cook time adjustments.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Right
First things first, I pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness—usually about half an inch thick. This ensures they cook uniformly and stay juicy. Then, I moisten each piece with a little water. It sounds simple, but this step helps the Shake ‘N Bake coating stick like a charm.
Step 2: Coat ’Em Like a Pro
Next, I dump the Shake ‘N Bake packet into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish—whatever works best for you. I add chicken one piece at a time and shake or turn them gently to cover every nook. Trying to rush this step can lead to patchy breading, so take your time.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
I preheat my air fryer to 390°F (yes, a little higher than usual for chicken) and give the basket a quick spray with non-stick oil so nothing sticks. After laying the chicken out in a single layer with a bit of breathing room, I spritz the tops lightly with oil too—it’s that extra boost that crisps the breading beautifully. I air fry for 5 minutes, flip the chicken, spritz again, and cook for another 5. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken hits 165°F—no one wants dry chicken, and no one wants undercooked chicken either.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
- Even Thickness Matters: I can’t stress this enough—pounding the chicken through means it cooks evenly, preventing dry edges and underdone centers.
- Don’t Skip the Oil Spray: Spritz before and after flipping really helps develop that golden crust we all crave without drowning it in oil.
- Space Your Chicken: Overcrowding the basket is tempting but avoid it—leave a little airspace so hot air circulates for ultimate crispiness.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure safe, perfectly cooked chicken—no guesswork necessary!
How to Serve Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of fresh parsley or some thinly sliced green onions on top—they add a fresh pop of color and mild flavor that brightens the dish perfectly. Sometimes I also squeeze a little lemon wedge over the warm chicken to cut through the richness and add a citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
When I make this, I usually pair it with simple sides like roasted veggies or steamed green beans, maybe some creamy mashed potatoes to soak up any extra flavors. For a lighter take, a crisp garden salad or some air-fried sweet potato fries are tasty companions too.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners or casual get-togethers, try serving this chicken sliced over a bed of buttery quinoa or alongside a colorful rice pilaf. Plating it with vibrant garnishes and a few lemon wedges makes it look ready for a restaurant, even if your kitchen smelled like fast food during prep!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let leftovers cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 3-4 days, and I often reheat them for quick lunches or dinner additions.
Freezing
If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the cooked chicken pieces on a tray before transferring them into freezer bags. This way, they don’t stick together and you can grab a few pieces without thawing the whole batch. It freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy texture when reheating, I pop the chicken pieces back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes instead of the microwave. This keeps the breading crunchy and the meat juicy—trust me, it’s worth the little extra time.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and offer a juicier, more flavorful option. Just remember to adjust cook time slightly—thighs might take a few extra minutes to reach that safe internal temp of 165°F.
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Is it necessary to moisten the chicken with water before coating?
Yes, that small step really helps the Shake ‘N Bake seasoning adhere evenly without clumping, resulting in a crisp, well-coated crust once it’s air fried.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can! Simply swap the Shake ‘N Bake Original for a gluten-free breading mix. Just check the cook times since some mixes might brown faster or slower in the air fryer.
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How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket?
I always spritz the air fryer basket with a non-stick or oil spray before adding the chicken. This little extra step makes cleanup easier and helps keep that golden crust intact.
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Can I double the recipe and cook all the chicken at once?
You can double the quantity, but avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. You might need to cook the chicken in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos whenever I want something comforting yet quick. It’s that perfect mix of nostalgia, ease, and flavor that feels like a warm kitchen hug. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this simple but satisfying recipe again and again, just like I do!
Print
Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This simple and delicious Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in Shake ‘N Bake breading and cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights that delivers flavorful, crunchy chicken without deep frying.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1.5 pounds total
Breading
- 1 box Shake ‘N Bake Original Chicken seasoning mix
- Water, for moistening chicken
- Non-stick cooking spray, for air fryer basket and chicken
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for crisping the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and moisten them lightly with water to help the breading adhere better.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the entire Shake ‘N Bake breading mix into a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Add chicken pieces one at a time, turning and shaking to fully coat each piece evenly with the breading.
- Oil Basket and Arrange Chicken: Remove the air fryer basket and spritz it with non-stick cooking spray. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer inside, leaving space between pieces for proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size. For extra crispiness, spritz the chicken with oil spray before cooking.
- Air Fry – First Side: Air fry the chicken at 390 degrees for 5 minutes, allowing the breading to start crisping up.
- Flip and Re-spray: Flip the chicken pieces over, spritz again with oil spray to maintain crispiness, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
- Serve: Once cooked through and crispy, remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted; adjust cook time as needed since they may require longer cooking.
- Feel free to use any Shake ‘N Bake breading variety for different flavors.
- To ensure the chicken stays crispy, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Using a meat thermometer is recommended to verify the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
