Air-Frying Chicken Breasts: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken breasts have a reputation for being dry and boring, but when cooked in an air fryer, they can be juicy and tender. Air fryers use convection heat to blow hot air down and around the food, which cooks it. This means that chicken breasts can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 20 minutes, and the high temperature means that the meat stays moist. There are endless ways to season chicken breasts, but a popular mixture is paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Chicken breast preparation

Chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 20 minutes. The air fryer uses convection heat to cook the chicken, so it is important to ensure there is enough space in the basket for the hot air to circulate.

Preparation:

First, choose the right size of boneless, skinless chicken breasts—about 7 ounces. Larger breasts will take longer to cook. If you want to reduce the cooking time, you can lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness. However, if you prefer thinner chicken breasts, you can slice the chicken into flat, thin pieces before cooking.

Seasoning:

There are endless options for seasoning your chicken breasts. You can use a dry rub of spices, a wet marinade, or a breading. A simple spice blend of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper can add flavor to plain chicken. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to your blend. You can also try a marinade or a breading for a different flavor profile. If you are using a dry rub, make sure to coat both sides of the chicken breast evenly and rub the seasoning into the meat with your hands.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, brush olive oil over both sides of the chicken breast to help the seasoning adhere and give the chicken a nice golden brown color. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space between them for the hot air to circulate. For a 7-ounce chicken breast, cook at 375°F for 7 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-6 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is done; it should have an internal temperature of 160-165°F. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, and there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to settings. Firstly, it's important to note that air fryers cook by blowing hot air around the food, so you don't need to set the temperature as high as you would with a regular oven. For example, while you would typically bake chicken in an oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, in an air fryer, you can cook chicken breasts at a lower temperature for a shorter period.

The ideal temperature and time settings for your air fryer chicken breasts will depend on a few factors, such as the size and shape of your chicken breasts, and whether you slice them thinly. Most sources recommend cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer at temperatures between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, one source suggests cooking at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes on the first side, then flipping and cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. Another source recommends cooking at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken, and then cooking for an additional 4 to 8 minutes.

It's important to ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, and the best way to do this is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is considered cooked at an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some sources suggest removing the chicken from the air fryer once it reaches 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, as the residual heat will continue to cook the chicken. To ensure even cooking, it's recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process.

While preheating is not necessary for chicken breasts in an air fryer, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes, or to 200 degrees Celsius. Preheating can be beneficial if you want a crispier exterior, but it can also result in the outside of the chicken cooking faster than the inside, leading to dryness.

Cooking time

The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the size, thickness, and total weight of the chicken breasts. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illnesses. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check if the chicken is cooked.

For a standard 8-oz portion of chicken, the basic cooking time is around 8 minutes. However, this may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Larger breasts may take an additional 1 to 4 minutes to cook. It is recommended to start with 7 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, and then cooking for another 6 minutes. After a total of 13 minutes, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If the chicken has not reached 165°F, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

To ensure even cooking and to prevent drying out, it is important to leave enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Flattening the thicker side of the chicken breast can also help to reduce baking time. Additionally, preheating the air fryer is not necessary for this recipe as it can result in the outside of the chicken cooking faster than the inside.

When cooking frozen chicken breasts, it is recommended to thaw them completely and pat dry any excess moisture before seasoning and cooking. Cooking frozen chicken may require an additional 2-3 minutes per side.

Chicken seasoning

Chicken breasts can be seasoned in a variety of ways before being cooked in an air fryer. One simple option is to coat the chicken in olive oil and then sprinkle a seasoning blend on both sides of the chicken, rubbing it in with your hands. A basic seasoning blend can be made by mixing together paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. For a spicier blend, add some ground cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you can use Italian seasoning, which includes herbs such as oregano, or Cajun seasoning. You can also add brown sugar and cornstarch to the mix for a sweet and savoury flavour.

If you have the time, you can let the chicken sit with the spices for an extended period, up to 24 hours in the fridge. This process is called brining, and it can make a big difference to the taste and texture of the meat. During brining, the meat absorbs extra liquid and salt, making the chicken taste more seasoned throughout.

When it comes to cooking, the total time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. For a 7-ounce chicken breast, air fry for 10 to 14 minutes at 375°F (190°C). For a 1-pound chicken breast, increase the amount of spices by 1.5x.

Chicken breast storage

Chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be used in salads, wraps, and sandwiches. It is also a great source of protein. But how do you store cooked chicken breast?

Firstly, it is important to note that cooked chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 4 days when stored this way. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it. Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months.

When reheating, let the frozen chicken thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, gently rewarm the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees F. It is important to ensure that the chicken is properly reheated to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Additionally, if you are looking to freeze the chicken, it is recommended to slice, dice, or shred it before freezing. This will make the reheating process easier and ensure that the chicken stays moist.

Frequently asked questions