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Shake And Bake Chicken

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This shake and bake chicken cooks up crisp and golden in the air fryer in under 30 minutes. Just coat your chicken cutlets in a ready-made or homemade mix then pop them in the air fryer for a quick no-fuss meal. It pairs well with classic sides like mac and cheese vegetables or salad. The prep is simple cleanup is easy and it always comes out juicy inside with a perfectly seasoned crust. Whether you're rushing through a weekday dinner or want a kid-approved go-to this one delivers every time.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Sun, 29 Jun 2025 20:01:31 GMT
A plate of chicken with fries and broccoli. Bookmark
A plate of chicken with fries and broccoli. | ioanacooks.com

This air fryer shake and bake chicken is my go to when I need something fast that everyone will eat without complaints. It takes just minutes to prep and results in juicy tender chicken with a perfectly crisp coating. I love how it pairs with anything from mac and cheese to a fresh green salad making dinner feel complete without fuss.

I first made this on a hectic weeknight after work when I had no energy left and was amazed at how good it turned out. Now it is on constant rotation in our house because it makes dinner feel effortless but still delicious.

Ingredients

  • Shake N Bake coating mix adds flavor and crunch without extra effort choose a fresh packet for best taste
  • Thinly sliced chicken breast cooks faster and stays juicy look for pre sliced cutlets or slice your own evenly
  • Olive oil spray helps crisp the coating and gives a golden finish use a quality spray without additives
  • Plain bread crumbs for homemade mix gives the base crunch choose fine dry crumbs for best adhesion
  • Table salt balances the coating and enhances flavor avoid iodized for a cleaner taste
  • Paprika adds warm color and depth opt for sweet Hungarian if available
  • Onion powder builds savory flavor use fresh powder not clumped for best results
  • Garlic powder sharpens the seasoning and gives warmth avoid aged powder for better flavor
  • Black pepper gives a hint of heat grind fresh for maximum punch

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to fully preheat for even cooking and crisp results
Make the Coating Mix
If preparing the homemade version combine bread crumbs salt paprika onion garlic powder and pepper in a freezer bag then shake to mix thoroughly
Coat the Chicken
Add chicken cutlets one at a time to the bag with the coating mix seal and shake gently until each piece is evenly covered place on a plate until ready to cook
Air Fry the Chicken
Arrange chicken in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket spray lightly with olive oil and cook for seven to nine minutes turning once at halfway point until the chicken reaches one hundred sixty five degrees internally
Rest Before Serving
Let the chicken rest for three minutes after cooking this helps juices settle and keeps the coating crisp instead of soggy
A plate of fried chicken. Bookmark
A plate of fried chicken. | ioanacooks.com

Storage Tips

Once completely cooled store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat preheat the air fryer again and cook until warmed through to maintain the crispiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Shake N Bake on hand you can make your own with bread crumbs and seasonings. Avocado oil spray works just as well as olive oil and bone in chicken can be used but will require longer cooking time.

Air fryer shake n' bake chicken with fries and ketchup. Bookmark
Air fryer shake n' bake chicken with fries and ketchup. | ioanacooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting classic meal or slice it to top a Caesar salad. It also works well in wraps sandwiches or as a filling protein in lunch boxes.

Cultural Context

Shake and bake style coating became popular in American households in the seventies offering a quick oven baked alternative to deep frying. This air fryer version updates the classic while keeping its retro charm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can you use Shake and Bake in an air fryer?

Yes you can. It works really well in the air fryer resulting in crispy coating and juicy chicken with shorter cooking time.

→ How do you keep shake and bake crispy?

Let the chicken rest before slicing and avoid stacking it. Placing it on a cooling rack prevents steam from softening the coating.

→ Can I make my own shake and bake mix?

Yes it takes just a few ingredients like breadcrumbs salt and paprika. Mix it in a bag and store until ready to use.

→ How long do I cook chicken in the air fryer?

Cook thin chicken cutlets at 375F for about 7 to 9 minutes flipping halfway. Check that internal temp reaches 165F.

→ What type of chicken works best?

Thinly sliced chicken breast cutlets work best. They cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer without drying out.

Shake And Bake Chicken

Crispy and flavorful chicken made quick in the air fryer. Perfect with salad or your favorite side.

Time Needed to Prep
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (4 to 6 cutlets)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free Suitable

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 1 packet Shake N Bake coating mix or homemade Shake and Bake mix
Ingredient 02 1 to 1.5 pounds thinly sliced chicken breast cutlets
Ingredient 03 Olive oil spray
Ingredient 04 Freezer-sized plastic bag

→ Homemade Shake and Bake Mix (optional)

Ingredient 05 2 cups plain bread crumbs
Ingredient 06 2 teaspoons table salt
Ingredient 07 2.5 teaspoons paprika
Ingredient 08 1 teaspoon onion powder
Ingredient 09 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient 10 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Set air fryer temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat fully.

Step 02

Add either the homemade or pre-made Shake N Bake coating mix to a freezer-size plastic bag and shake to combine if homemade.

Step 03

Place one chicken cutlet at a time into the bag and shake until fully coated. Set aside on a plate and discard excess coating.

Step 04

Arrange coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with olive oil. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 05

Let the cooked chicken rest for 3 minutes before slicing to retain moisture and preserve crispiness.

Extra Tips

  1. Do not cut into the chicken immediately after cooking to avoid soggy breading caused by steam.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Freezer-sized plastic bag

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat and gluten from bread crumbs

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 310
  • Total Fat: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 16 grams
  • Protein Amount: 33 grams