Every Sunday morning in Julia’s kitchen, the familiar hum of sizzling hash browns would wake the entire household. Now, decades later, I find myself recreating those same comforting flavors with my trusty air fryer. These air fryer chicken recipes and crispy hash browns capture all the nostalgia of those family breakfasts and weeknight dinners, but with the convenience that busy families need today.
I’ve gathered 6 of our most beloved air fryer chicken recipes that have become staples in kitchens across America. From crispy nuggets that make the kids cheer to perfectly seasoned chicken breasts that satisfy the adults, these recipes prove that comfort food can be both healthy and incredibly delicious.
1. Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: A Quick & Delicious Treat
These aren’t your ordinary frozen nuggets – they’re a family revelation! Made with tender chicken tenderloins and a secret pickle brine that Julia would have absolutely loved, these nuggets deliver restaurant-quality crunch with homemade heart.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 TBSP onion powder
- 1 TBSP garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 cups pickle brine from a jar of dill pickles If you aren’t brining your chicken you can ignore this ingredient
2. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast: Perfect Every Time
When summer evenings called for something smoky and satisfying, this BBQ chicken breast became our go-to solution. The air fryer creates that perfect caramelized exterior while keeping every bite incredibly juicy – it’s like having a backyard barbecue any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 lb chicken breast (3–4 chicken breasts) boneless skinless
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ⅛ – ¼ cayenne pepper optional
- olive oil/oil spray
- ⅓ c BBQ sauce
3. Air Fryer Chicken Breast: Perfectly Juicy Every Time
This balsamic-marinated chicken breast was born from one of those “what’s in the pantry” moments that turned into pure magic. The combination of coconut aminos and oregano creates layers of flavor that would make Julia proud – simple ingredients, extraordinary results.
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts skinless boneless 6-8 oz each
- 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Coconut Aminos
- 2 Tbls Lemon Juice
- 1 Tbls Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- Avocado Oil Spray
- Pepper
4. Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins: Easy and Irresistible Recipe
Sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable meals. These Italian-seasoned tenderloins remind me of those quick family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, no phones in sight, just the pure satisfaction of perfectly seasoned chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
5. Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins No Breading: Easy & Delicious Tips
For those nights when you crave bold flavors without any fuss, these unbreaded tenderloins deliver pure, unapologetic taste. The marinade of coconut aminos, hot sauce, and Dijon creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting – comfort with a kick!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp hot sauce I like Frank’s Red Hot
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper
6. Hash Browns in Air Fryer from Scratch: Easy and Delicious
Nothing beats the satisfaction of making hash browns from scratch, especially when your air fryer does most of the work! These golden, crispy potatoes bring back memories of lazy Sunday mornings when the whole family would linger over breakfast, savoring both the food and each other’s company.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds about 2 medium-sized potatoes
- 2 tablespoons
- ½ teaspoon
- ½ teaspoon
- ¼ teaspoon
- ½ teaspoon
These air fryer chicken recipes have become more than just weeknight solutions in our family – they’re the foundation for countless shared meals and new memories. Each recipe carries forward Julia’s belief that good food should bring people together, whether it’s crispy nuggets that make the kids smile or perfectly seasoned chicken that satisfies the adults.
I encourage you to try these recipes and make them your own. Add your family’s favorite seasonings, pair them with your children’s preferred sides, and most importantly, gather everyone around the table to share in the simple joy of a home-cooked meal. After all, that’s what Julia would have wanted – families connected through the universal language of delicious food.
