Air Fryer Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts: Do's And Don'ts

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, and you can definitely put skinless boneless breasts in the air fryer. In fact, it's one of the best ways to cook chicken as it's quick, easy, and healthy. The air fryer method takes a lot of the guesswork out for you, and you'll end up with juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken breasts.

How long to cook skinless boneless chicken breasts in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook skinless, boneless chicken breasts in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the model of your air fryer.

For best results, it's recommended to brine the chicken first. This can be done by covering the chicken with salt and letting it rest for at at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. You can also add other spices and herbs to the brine.

After brining, lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness. Then, coat the chicken in oil and add your desired seasonings. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on the smooth side, then flip and cook for an additional 2-8 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (71°C).

• Small breasts (5-7 ounces): 7-10 minutes
• Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 10-12 minutes
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 12-16 minutes

What temperature to cook skinless boneless chicken breasts in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook skinless, boneless chicken breasts in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to cook juicy, tender, and delicious chicken.

Temperature and Timing:

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is 375°F (190°C). However, some recipes recommend temperatures as high as 415°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Here's a general guide:

• Small breasts (5-7 ounces): 7-10 minutes
• Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 10-12 minutes
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 12-16 minutes

For thinner, flattened chicken breasts, the cooking time will be shorter, around 10-14 minutes, depending on the size.

Tips for Juicy Chicken:

To ensure your chicken breasts turn out juicy and tender, here are some tips:

• Brining: Season the chicken with salt and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the meat absorb extra liquid and salt, resulting in more flavorful and moist chicken.
• Don't Overcook: Remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 155-160°F. It will continue to cook a little while resting, reaching the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: This will help you monitor the chicken's internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

Seasoning and Preparation:

You can season your chicken breasts with your favorite herbs and spices. A simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper works well. You can also add some olive oil to help the seasonings adhere and keep the chicken moist.

Before cooking, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This will help ensure even cooking and more consistent results.

Frozen Chicken:

You can cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer, but it's best to thaw them first and bring them to room temperature before seasoning and cooking. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F, drizzle the chicken with olive oil, season as desired, and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving Suggestions:

Air-fried chicken breasts are versatile and can be served in salads, wraps, sandwiches, stir-fries, or with your favorite sides.

Enjoy your juicy and delicious air-fried chicken breasts!

How to prepare skinless boneless chicken breasts for the air fryer

Preparing skinless, boneless chicken breasts for the air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breasts on a cutting board and covering them with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Then, using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm, lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness. This step helps ensure even cooking and improves the texture of the meat.

Step 2: Brining (Optional)

Brining is a crucial step if you want juicy and flavourful chicken. It involves sprinkling salt all over the chicken and letting it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Brining helps the chicken absorb extra liquid and salt, resulting in meat that is seasoned throughout and moist. You can also use a wet brine by creating a saltwater solution for the chicken to soak in.

Step 3: Let the Chicken Come to Room Temperature

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This step helps ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix together your desired seasonings. You can use a simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, or get creative with other dried herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle it with olive oil or avocado oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and toss to coat evenly, ensuring the spices are rubbed into both sides. You can also use your hands to rub the spices in for a more thorough coating.

Step 6: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, presentation side (smooth side) down, and cook for 6-8 minutes. Then, carefully flip the chicken over and continue cooking for an additional 2-8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. The total cook time will vary, so it's important to keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking it.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (71°C), remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken.

Your air fryer skinless, boneless chicken breasts are now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them with your favourite sides or use them in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or stir-fries.

What to serve with skinless boneless chicken breasts cooked in the air fryer

Skinless, boneless chicken breasts cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted potatoes and carrots
• Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
• Pasta, especially a veggie pasta dish
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza
• Vegetable Lo Mein
• Chicken Caesar Wrap
• Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Herbed Goat Cheese and Garlic
• Corn on the cob
• Air fryer mushrooms
• Salads
• Fried rice
• Pasta dishes
• Rice bowls
• Rice, especially green rice
• Soups
• Tacos
• Bowls
• Roasted broccoli salad
• House favourite brussels sprouts
• Avocado Kale Caesar with Sweet Potato Fries
• Creamy Kale Pasta
• Mushroom Gnocchi
• Paprika Chicken Pasta
• Simple Green Salad
• Roasted Peanut Kale Salad
• Crustless Quiche

How to store leftover skinless boneless chicken breasts cooked in the air fryer

• Allow the cooked chicken breasts to cool to room temperature.
• Place the chicken breasts in an airtight container or sealable bag. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Tips for Storing:

• It is important to store the chicken within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Do not overpack the container or bag, as this can promote uneven cooling and create moisture, leading to a higher risk of bacteria.
• Label the container or bag with the date and rotate your stored chicken to use the oldest first.

How to Freeze Leftover Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts Cooked in the Air Fryer:

• If you wish to freeze the cooked chicken breasts, it is best to slice, dice, or shred them first. This will make the reheating process easier.
• Place the chicken in a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag. Again, ensure a single layer and adequate airflow.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips for Freezing:

• Label the container or bag with the date and description.
• To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat:

To reheat, use the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave with a teaspoon of water and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.

Food Safety:

• Always ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• When reheating, make sure the chicken reaches a temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria.

Enjoy your leftover chicken breasts!

Frequently asked questions