Season the chicken fillets with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Marinate the seasoned chicken fillets in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Spread pesto all over each chicken fillet and then dip into a golden breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Preheat air fryer to 200°C. Brush the air fryer basket with oil and place the chicken fillets into it. Do not overcrowd the basket and cook in batches if needed.
Cook for 10mins, then flip the chicken fillets and cook for another 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Serve hot.
Notes
Prep time does not include time for marinating the chicken.
Using buttermilk as marinade is where the magic happens with the chicken. Its acidity helps to break down the protein structures of the chicken, bringing you a softer and more tender texture.
Brushing/spraying the air fryer basket with oil before cooking the chicken helps to achieve a golden colour and crispy touch on the chicken. Repeat when flipping the chicken to the other side.