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To make air fryer pretzel crusted chicken, you need: - 2 large chicken breasts - 1 cup pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels) - ½ cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray These ingredients form the base for a crispy and juicy chicken dish. The pretzel crumbs give it a delightful crunch. The spices add flavor that makes each bite enjoyable. You can add some fun to your meal with these: - Mustard dip - Cheese dip These dips are perfect for enhancing the flavors of the chicken. They add a tangy or creamy touch that many people love. If you don't have some items, here are easy swaps: - Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option. - If you can't find pretzel crumbs, crushed cornflakes work great too. - For a spice kick, add cayenne pepper to the flour mix. These substitutions still keep the dish tasty and enjoyable. Adjusting ingredients lets you make this meal fit your pantry. Start by getting your chicken breasts ready. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. Next, slice each breast in half horizontally for quicker cooking. You want them to be even in size. This step is key for great results. Now, let’s set up the breading station. In one bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This adds great flavor. In a second bowl, whisk two eggs until they blend well. In the third bowl, pour in the pretzel crumbs. These will give your chicken a crunchy crust. Take each chicken piece and coat it in the flour mix first. Shake off any extra flour. Then, dip it into the egg, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the pretzel crumbs. Press gently so the crumbs stick well. This three-step process ensures a perfect crust. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once it's hot, spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Lay the coated chicken in the basket without letting them touch. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the chicken for about 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway for even crispiness. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have a golden color. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy inside. Enjoy! To get a crisp crust, use crushed pretzels. They add great texture. Make sure to press the pretzel crumbs onto the chicken. This ensures they stick well during cooking. A light spray of cooking oil helps, too. It promotes even browning and adds extra crunch. Many people forget to preheat their air fryer. This step is key for a crispy finish. Another mistake is overcrowding the basket. Keep the chicken pieces in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate, cooking them evenly. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time after cooking. This lets the juices settle, keeping the chicken moist. You can boost flavor with spices. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for an extra kick. If you love garlic, increase the garlic powder amount. You can even mix in some grated cheese with the pretzel crumbs. This adds a rich taste that complements the chicken perfectly. Use mustard or cheese dip for serving to enhance the overall experience. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your pretzel-crusted chicken in fun ways. Try using panko breadcrumbs for a lighter crunch. Instead of pretzels, crushed tortilla chips also work well. For spice lovers, add cayenne pepper to your flour mix for a kick. You can even switch the seasonings. Try adding Italian herbs or lemon zest for a fresh twist. Serving pretzel-crusted chicken can be as fun as making it. Slice the chicken and arrange it on a wooden board. Small bowls of mustard or cheese dip make great additions. You can also serve it on a bed of greens for a hearty salad. If you want a fun meal, serve it in a sandwich with your favorite toppings. The right side dishes can make your meal even better. Try pairing the chicken with crispy fries or sweet potato wedges for a classic combo. A fresh salad with vinaigrette adds a nice touch. Roasted veggies, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, balance the meal too. For a creamy side, consider mac and cheese or coleslaw. After cooking, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy on the outside and juicy inside. You can also use an oven if needed. To freeze, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. The chicken can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Thighs add more flavor and stay juicy. They cook well in the air fryer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Thighs may need a few extra minutes. Check the internal temperature to be safe. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You have many fun options to serve with this dish. Here are a few ideas: - Fresh salad for a crisp bite. - Roasted vegetables for a healthy side. - French fries for a classic pairing. - Creamy mac and cheese for comfort. - Dipping sauces like mustard or cheese dip. Each option adds flavor and makes the meal complete. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these signs: - The juices run clear, not pink. - The chicken is golden brown on the outside. - The meat feels firm and not soft. These tips help ensure your chicken is safe to eat. This post covered essential ingredients and step-by-step cooking methods for pretzel-crusted chicken. I shared tips to achieve the perfect crunch and avoid common mistakes. You can explore different coatings and serving ideas to make it fun. For storage, I detailed how to keep your leftovers fresh and tasty. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable. Use your creativity and try variations. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken

Indulge in the crispy goodness of Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken! This easy recipe features juicy chicken breasts coated in crunchy pretzel crumbs, seasoned to perfection. In just 30 minutes, create a delightful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Serve it with your favorite dip for an extra touch! Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!
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Ingredients
  

2 large chicken breasts

1 cup pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Optional: mustard or cheese dip for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

    Prepare a three-step breading station: in one bowl, place the all-purpose flour seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, add the pretzel crumbs.

      Take each chicken breast and coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

        Dip the floured chicken into the whisked eggs, allowing the excess to drip off.

          Lastly, coat the chicken in the pretzel crumbs, pressing gently to adhere them.

            Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

              Place the pretzel-crusted chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.

                Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown.

                  Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the slices of chicken on a wooden cutting board with small bowls of mustard or cheese dip for a fun dipping option. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.