Air-Fryer Chicken Breast: Is It Possible?

Chicken breasts are a versatile source of lean protein that can be used in salads, sandwiches, pasta, and more. However, they have a reputation for being dry and bland. The air fryer offers a quick and easy solution to this problem, producing juicy and tender chicken breasts with a golden, crispy exterior.

Air-frying chicken is a convenient and healthy way to cook chicken breasts, and it can be done in less than 20 minutes. The air fryer's high-temperature baking and convection heat ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and efficiently, resulting in a juicy and tender texture.

To make air fryer chicken breasts, simply coat the chicken with olive oil and your choice of seasonings or spices. Some popular seasoning options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cumin, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. You can also try a dry brine by sprinkling salt over the chicken and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at a temperature between 360-415°F for 7-10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-10 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F, so use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly.

With its quick cooking time and juicy results, the air fryer is a game-changer for preparing chicken breasts. It's a simple way to add flavourful and tender protein to your meals, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights and meal prep.

How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer

How to Cook Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Method:

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to lightly pound the chicken breasts until they are of an even thickness.
• For best results, dry brine the chicken by sprinkling it with kosher salt and leaving it in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. If you don't have time for this, you can skip this step.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you did not dry brine the chicken, add the salt now.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top and toss to coat the chicken, ensuring the spices are rubbed evenly over both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (this should take around 3 minutes).
• Place the chicken presentation side (smooth side) down in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and carefully flip the chicken over with tongs. Continue cooking for 2 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer—chicken is considered safe to eat at 165°F, but you can remove it a few degrees early and let the residual heat finish the cooking.
• Remove the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• If you prefer crispier chicken, preheat the air fryer. This will help to create a crispy exterior, but it can also cause the outside of the chicken to cook faster than the inside, leading to dryness.
• If you are using frozen chicken breasts, thaw them in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours before cooking. Then, let them come to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before seasoning.
• To prevent overcooking, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken is considered cooked at 165°F, but you can remove it from the heat at 155 to 160°F and let the residual heat bring it to temperature.

How to prep chicken breast for an air fryer

Preparing chicken breast for an air fryer is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Chicken

Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts, preferably of a similar size, to ensure even cooking. You can use fresh or frozen chicken, but note that frozen chicken will require a longer cooking time.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If your chicken breasts have a thicker end, you can cover them with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness. This step is optional but helps ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Brine or Marinate (Optional)

Brining or marinating your chicken is not necessary, but it can add flavour and moisture. For a brine, sprinkle salt all over the chicken and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. For a marinade, you can use Italian dressing or a mixture of spices and oil. If you choose to marinate, do so for at least 10 minutes or up to 24 hours, then pat the chicken dry before cooking.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

If you didn't brine or marinate your chicken, it's time to season it. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or cumin. Drizzle or brush the chicken with olive oil or avocado oil, then sprinkle on your chosen seasonings, rubbing them into the chicken with your hands.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is typically between 360-415°F(180-210°C). Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between them to ensure proper air circulation. Cook for 7-10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. The total cooking time will vary based on the size of your chicken breasts, with smaller breasts taking around 10 minutes and larger ones up to 20 minutes.

Step 6: Check Doneness

To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is considered safe to eat at 165°F (74°C), but you can remove it from the air fryer a few degrees early and let the residual heat finish the cooking process.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat juicy. Then, slice and serve your perfectly cooked air fryer chicken breast!

How long to cook chicken breast in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook chicken breast in an air fryer. The length of time it takes to cook chicken breast in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken breasts. Here is 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

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to check the progress of the chicken towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it is not overcooked.

• Mix the spices: In a small bowl, mix together your desired spices. A simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper works well. You can also use other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley.
• Pound and season the chicken: Lightly pound the chicken to flatten the thicker side. Then, coat the chicken in some oil and sprinkle the seasoning on both sides, rubbing it in with your hands.
• Air fry the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer and cook for 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C) with the smooth side down. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts.
• Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. The carry-over cooking will increase the internal temperature by a few degrees. Then, serve the chicken with your favorite sides.

How to serve air-fried chicken breast

There are many ways to serve air-fried chicken breast. Here are some ideas:

Salads

You can add diced or shredded air-fried chicken breast to your favourite green salad or spinach strawberry salad. It can also be used in a chicken Caesar salad.

Wraps and Sandwiches

Air-fried chicken breast goes well in sandwiches and wraps. You can add it to a chicken Caesar wrap or an avocado grilled cheese sandwich with herbed goat cheese and garlic.

Pasta

Add some extra protein to your veggie pasta by tossing in some air-fried chicken. It would go well with Brussels sprouts pasta with brown butter.

Pizza

Use your air-fried chicken to make a scrumptious buffalo chicken pizza.

Stir Fry

Vegetable lo mein or vegetable fried rice would be delicious with some air-fried chicken.

Tacos

You can use air-fried chicken breast in tacos.

Sides

Serve your air-fried chicken breast with roasted potatoes and carrots.

How to store air-fried chicken breast

Air-fried chicken breast is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, use the air fryer or oven at 350°F. You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. For easier reheating, slice, dice, or shred the chicken before freezing.

Frequently asked questions