GialloZafferano's Recipe of the Day: Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Looking for a different way to cook the usual chicken breast? Today's recipe, Wednesday, October 21, is air fryer chicken breast, an easy main course with a golden, crispy breading thanks to the use of panko. The meat stays tender inside and is served with a lettuce and cucumber salad enriched with a creamy green sauce made with spinach, avocado, and cashews. A tasty idea for bringing chicken to the table in a version that's different from the usual!

FOR THE CHICKEN:

• Chicken breast 0.9 lb (400 g)
• Panko 2 cups (100 g)
• Eggs 2
• Type 00 flour 0.7 cup (80 g)
• Sweet Paprika to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Fine salt to taste

FOR THE SIDE DISH:

• Iceberg lettuce 10.5 oz (300 g)
• Cucumbers 1 ½ cup (200 g)
• Spinach 13.3 cups (400 g)
• Avocado 1 cup (150 g)
• Cashews ½ cup (60 g)
• Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 1.5 oz (40 g)
• Lemon juice 4 tbsp (60 g)
• Extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ tbsp (20 g)

1. First, clean the chicken breasts, season them with oil, salt, and sweet paprika, then massage them well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
2. Dredge the chicken breasts first in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the panko, coating them well on both sides.
3. Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 356°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until the breading is golden and crispy.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the green sauce: put the spinach, cashews, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and avocado flesh in a mixer. Add the oil and lemon juice, then blend until you have a smooth, even cream.
5. Roughly chop the lettuce, then slice the cucumbers without peeling them and cut them into small cubes.
6. Combine the lettuce and cucumbers in a bowl, add the green sauce, and mix thoroughly to blend all the ingredients.
7. When the chicken is cooked, cut it into slices. Divide the dressed salad among the plates, place the crispy chicken breast on top, and serve immediately.

To get an even more golden and crispy breading, spray a little oil over the surface of the chicken before starting the air fryer. Also remember not to overlap the chicken breasts in the basket, so the hot air can circulate evenly and ensure even cooking.

Don't have an air fryer? You can also make this recipe in a traditional oven! Cook the chicken at 392°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the meat.