Air-Fryer Chicken: Marinade Or No Marinade?

Chicken breast is notorious for being dry and easily overcooked, but air fryers are a great way to cook juicy chicken. Air fryers are like mini convection ovens, allowing hot air to circulate the chicken consistently, and they cook food more evenly and distribute heat better. You can use any marinade you want, but olive oil is the best way to hold the spices onto the chicken. For the best flavour, let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. The cooking time for marinated chicken in the air fryer will vary based on the size of the chicken breasts, but a good rule of thumb is to cook larger breasts for 10 minutes per side and smaller breasts for 6-7 minutes per side.

Chicken breast marinade ingredients

Chicken breasts are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways and paired with an array of flavours. The key to juicy and tender chicken breasts is to let them soak in a marinade for a few hours or even days.

A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs. Olive oil helps lock in the moisture of the chicken, preventing it from drying out during cooking. Lemon juice adds a tangy flavour and tenderizes the meat, while dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme enhance the overall flavour.

For a more complex marinade, you can add ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices create a savoury profile that complements the chicken. Additionally, you can experiment with ingredients such as soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beer for unique flavour profiles.

If you're short on time, a quick marinade can be made with Italian dressing, which already contains many of the flavours mentioned above. Alternatively, you can use a combination of oil and vinegar, or even a store-bought marinade specifically designed for chicken.

Once you've prepared your marinade, trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut shallow slits in the meat to help the marinade penetrate. Place the chicken in a resealable bag, cover it with the marinade, and let it soak in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on how intense you want the flavour to be.

After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag, letting the excess drip off. It's now ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

How long to marinate chicken breast

Yes, you can cook marinated chicken breasts in an air fryer. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken breasts. For large breasts, cook for 10 minutes per side. For medium breasts, cook for 8 minutes per side. For small breasts, cook for 6-7 minutes per side. The best temperature to cook at is 400°F/204°C.

Now, on to the marinating. Marinating chicken is a great way to ensure your chicken is juicy and full of flavor. However, it is important not to over-marinate your chicken. While you may think that more time equals more flavor, this is not the case. Marinades rarely penetrate much further than the exterior of the meat. In fact, leaving your chicken to marinate in lemon juice, lime juice, yogurt, or vinegar for too long can turn the texture of the meat from tender to mushy and stringy. As a general rule, you shouldn't marinate meat for longer than 24 hours. For the best flavor, leave your chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The ideal temperature and duration for cooking marinated chicken breasts in an air fryer vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the model of the air fryer.

For thicker chicken breasts, it is recommended to cut them in half lengthwise or pound them out to ensure even cooking. The chicken breasts should be marinated for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator. It is also important to let the marinated chicken come to room temperature before cooking.

If your air fryer needs to be preheated, preheat it to 400°F/204°C. If your air fryer does not reach this temperature, you can use 390°F/198°C instead. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure even cooking. Spray the chicken breasts with olive oil or cooking oil.

For large chicken breasts, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes per side (20 minutes total). For medium breasts, cook for 8 minutes per side (16 minutes total). For small breasts, cook for 6-7 minutes per side (12-14 minutes total). Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Chicken breast side dishes

Yes, you can cook marinated chicken breasts in an air fryer. The air fryer is a great way to cook juicy chicken breasts without the grease of pan-frying. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, but generally, it takes around 12-14 minutes in total to cook marinated chicken breasts in an air fryer.

Now, for the side dishes! Here are some ideas for side dishes that go well with chicken breasts:

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great option to pair with chicken breasts. You can choose from a variety of vegetables such as turnips, carrots, asparagus, broccoli, squash, zucchini, onions, peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple. Simply chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil and your choice of seasonings, and roast them in the oven or an air fryer until they are tender and slightly charred.

Rice

Rice is a versatile and affordable side dish that goes well with chicken breasts. You can serve it plain or try making a rice pilaf with onions, garlic, and spices. For a heartier option, you can also make a chicken and rice dish, such as a curry or a chicken soup with rice.

Pasta

Pasta is another versatile option that can be paired with chicken breasts. You can keep it simple with a classic Italian pasta dish or get creative with different sauces and ingredients. Try adding some chicken to your favourite pasta dish, or make a baked pasta casserole with chicken and vegetables.

Salad

A fresh salad is always a great option to pair with chicken breasts, especially during the warmer months. You can keep it simple with a side salad of romaine lettuce, or get creative with different types of greens, vegetables, and toppings. Add some avocado, tomato, or jicama for a refreshing and nutritious boost.

Green Beans

Green beans are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. Simply toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and air fry them until they are tender and slightly charred. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic or Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots are a sweet and tasty side dish that goes well with chicken. You can roast them in the oven with a simple glaze made from butter, brown sugar, and a splash of orange juice or lemon juice. You can also add some herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for extra flavour.

There are endless options for side dishes to pair with chicken breasts, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavours!

Storing and reheating chicken breast

Storing chicken breast:

If you have leftover chicken breasts, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to place them in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. You can also freeze chicken breasts, either raw or fully cooked, for up to 3 months. However, it is generally not recommended to freeze chicken breasts after they have been reheated, as this can affect their texture and taste.

Reheating chicken breast in an air fryer:

To reheat chicken breasts in an air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). If you prefer your chicken breast to be crispier, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and reheat for 10-20 minutes, depending on their size. For even reheating, flip the chicken breasts after 6 minutes and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

Reheating chicken breast in the oven:

Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Remove the chicken breasts from the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, leaving some space between each piece. Add a small amount of water or chicken broth to the dish, cover with aluminium foil, and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.

Reheating chicken breast on the stovetop:

Remove the chicken breasts from the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Add a little water or chicken broth to a skillet and place it over medium to medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts, cover, and heat until warmed through, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165˚F. This should take about 10 minutes.

Reheating chicken breast in the microwave:

If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat chicken breasts in the microwave. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and place them on a microwave-safe plate or dish. Sprinkle some water over the chicken to prevent it from drying out and microwave until heated through.

Frequently asked questions