Oven-Baked and Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe + Chef-Recommended Marinade Ingredients

Sunday, April 12, 2026

SAEDNEWS: Prepare oil-free fried chicken using this recipe in the oven or air fryer so you can enjoy the delicious taste of fried chicken while also having a diet-friendly meal.

Oven-Baked and Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe + Chef-Recommended Marinade Ingredients

Are you looking for a delicious yet healthy main dish or snack? Healthy oil-free crispy fried chicken is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the crunchy and tasty flavor of fried chicken without worrying about extra calories and unhealthy fats. Using simple ingredients and home cooking methods such as an oven or air fryer, you can prepare perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken without any need for deep frying. Below are two easy and healthy methods for making this dish.


Oven-Baked Healthy Crispy Chicken

Ingredients

Ingredient

Amount

Chicken breast or fillet

2 pieces (or 8 fillets)

Breadcrumbs

1 bowl

Salt

1 teaspoon (or to taste)

Garlic and onion powder

1 teaspoon

Parmesan cheese powder

2 tablespoons

Egg

1

Black pepper

1 teaspoon

Lemon juice

1 teaspoon

Paprika

1 teaspoon


Instructions

Step 1
Cut the chicken into desired pieces and mix it with all the seasonings (salt, garlic and onion powder, black pepper, lemon juice, and paprika). Let it marinate for a few hours to absorb the flavors.

Step 2
Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese powder and spread them on a tray. Beat the egg in a separate bowl.

Step 3
Dip each marinated chicken piece into the egg, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.

Step 4
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the chicken pieces on a baking tray. After 10 minutes, reduce the temperature to 180°C (356°F) and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and crispy.


Air Fryer Healthy Crispy Chicken

Ingredients

Ingredient

Amount

Chicken drumsticks or pieces

3 pieces

Salted crispy crackers (or breadcrumbs)

1 pack

Garlic powder

1 teaspoon

Yogurt

2 tablespoons

Egg

1 (or egg white only)

Black pepper

½ teaspoon

Olive oil (optional)

1 tablespoon


Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and line the basket with baking paper.

Step 2
Season the chicken with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, lemon pepper, and paprika. If using drumsticks, remove the skin for a healthier result.

Step 3
Mix yogurt and egg in one bowl. Crush crackers into crumbs in another bowl and add a little garlic powder.

Step 4
Dip each chicken piece into the yogurt-egg mixture, then coat it with the crushed cracker mixture.

Step 5
Place the chicken in the air fryer. Optionally spray with a small amount of olive oil. Cook for 30–40 minutes until fully cooked and golden. For fillets, about 20 minutes is enough.


Tips for Healthy Crispy Chicken

  • This dish is high in protein and low in fat, making it suitable for athletes and diet plans.

  • You can enhance the flavor by using herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, and more.

  • Oil-free crispy chicken is a great option for those who want a crunchy texture with fewer calories and a healthier lifestyle.