Onion-Crusted Chicken

with air-fryer baked potatoes

Tender, juicy chicken with a crispy covering of French fried onions–this is a family favorite! It’s so flavorful and–best of all–it is very quick and easy to make, so this recipe is ideal for a busy weeknight dinner. And my absolute favorite way to do baked potatoes (which pair really well with this meal) is in the air fryer. They come out perfectly crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Alright, on to the details!

Onion-Crusted Chicken

3 or 4 chicken breasts, thawed, cut into 10-12 tenders

3/4 c. mayonnaise

1 6 oz. can (plus another 1/2 6 oz. can) french fried onions

Preheat oven to 350*. Cover a cookie sheet with foil and a rack; grease well. Start by prepping the onions–place onions in a plastic ziploc bag and crush using the back of a ladle or spoon. Pour the crumbs into a bowl. Place mayonnaise into another bowl. Now is the time to tenderize your chicken, if you so choose. Start by generously coating each chicken tender with the mayo, and then cover the tenders liberally with the onions. Place on your prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken is at least 165* and the onions are crispy. (You may want to cover the top of the pan with foil if the onions start to burn.) Serves 5.

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Five russet potatoes, washed

1/3 c. olive oil

Set your air fryer to 35 minutes at 400* (depending on the air fryer, you may need a little bit longer–this is the time on ours). Brush potatoes generously with the olive oil. Place in the air fryer basket and fry for 35-40 minutes. I recommend checking on them several times and turning them over so they cook evenly. You know your potatoes are done when they’re fork tender on the inside and crisp on the outside. Slather with butter, sour cream, and chives and enjoy! Serves 5.

By the way, I can’t imagine not having our air fryer now! It makes the best chicken nuggets, french fries, baked potatoes, and believe it or not, roasted carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli. If you have a convection oven then you could do without this appliance, but if not, it would be so worth it to get one.