Air-Fried Chicken Breast: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken breasts have a reputation for being dry and boring, but when cooked in an air fryer, they can be tender and juicy. The air fryer's high-temperature baking for a shorter period of time, combined with the right seasoning, can transform this lean meat into a versatile protein that can be added to salads, wraps, sandwiches, and more.

Air fryers are high-powered, countertop convection ovens that cook food by blowing hot air down and around it. They are perfect for making healthy versions of fried foods, roasting vegetables, and cooking juicy proteins like chicken breasts.

To make juicy air fryer chicken breasts, it is important to brine the meat first. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. This process helps the chicken absorb extra liquid and salt, resulting in a more flavourful and moist dish. You can use either a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt).

When cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer, set the temperature to 360-375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10-18 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts. For best results, flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

You can rub the chicken with your favourite herbs and seasonings. A simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper can do wonders for plain chicken. You can also use other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley, or try a spice blend like Cajun seasoning or Italian seasoning.

So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook chicken breasts, give the air fryer a go! It might just become your new favourite method.

How to season chicken breast in an air fryer

How to Season Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Avocado oil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Italian seasoning

Method

• Thinly slice the chicken breasts.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry.
• Mix the spices together in a small bowl.
• Coat the chicken breasts with oil and rub the spice mixture into the chicken.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate.
• Cook at 360-415°F for 7-10 minutes.
• Flip the chicken breasts and cook for a further 3-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For extra juicy chicken, brine the chicken before cooking.
• If using frozen chicken, thaw it first and pat dry before coating with oil and spices.
• Preheat the air fryer for a crispier exterior.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary.

How long to 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.

Small Chicken Breasts (5 to 7 ounces)

Small chicken breasts weighing between 5 and 7 ounces will take between 7 and 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Medium Chicken Breasts (8 to 10 ounces)

Medium chicken breasts weighing between 8 and 10 ounces will take between 10 and 15 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Large Chicken Breasts (11 ounces or more)

Large chicken breasts weighing 11 ounces or more will take between 12 and 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

• To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before placing them in the air fryer.
• For best results, flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process.
• To prevent overcooking, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer as soon as they reach the desired internal temperature.
• Allow the chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute and for carryover cooking to finish the job.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts. Chicken is considered safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F, but it can be removed from the heat at around 155°F to 160°F as the temperature will continue to rise while resting.

What temperature to cook chicken breast in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook chicken breast in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to cook juicy and tender chicken breast. The ideal temperature for air frying chicken is 375°F (190°C).

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Cover them with plastic wrap and use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to lightly pound them into an even thickness. This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly.

Step 2: Brining (Optional)

Brining is a crucial step if you want juicy and flavourful chicken. It involves seasoning the meat with salt and letting it rest before cooking. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling salt on the meat). For dry brining, place the chicken on a plate, sprinkle it with kosher salt, and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 3: Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix 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.

Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle the spice mixture over it, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. If you brined the chicken, you can add the spices just before cooking.

Step 4: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (this may take around 3 minutes). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket with the smooth side down and cook for 6-7 minutes.

Remove the basket, carefully flip the chicken, and continue cooking for an additional 2-8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts.

Step 5: Checking for Doneness

Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. Ideally, remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 155-160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise slightly as it rests.

Step 6: Resting

Once your chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is juicy and tender.

Tips for Success:

• For frozen chicken breasts, preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, season as desired, and air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken, as this is the main reason for dry and rubbery chicken breast.
• The cooking time will vary based on the size of your chicken breasts. Small breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 10-12 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12-16 minutes.
• For a crispy exterior, you can preheat the air fryer, but this is not necessary for juicy chicken breasts.

Now you're ready to cook delicious and juicy chicken breast in your air fryer! Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and serving your creations with your favourite sides.

How to prepare chicken breast for an air fryer

Preparing chicken breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, juicy, and healthy meal. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Spices/seasoning of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or other vegetables

Instructions:

• Prepare your chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat and patting them dry. You can also pound the thicker side of the breast to make it an even thickness, which helps with even cooking.
• In a small bowl, mix your chosen spices and seasoning. You can also add salt and pepper, but be mindful that some seasoning blends already contain salt.
• Rub or brush the chicken breasts with a light coating of oil. This helps the spices adhere to the meat and promotes even browning.
• Generously sprinkle or rub your spice mix onto both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. You can let the chicken rest at this stage for a more intense flavour, but it's not necessary.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F (180-200°C).
• Place the chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the chicken for around 10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-9 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. The total cooking time will vary based on the size of your chicken and your air fryer model.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is considered safe to eat at 165°F (74°C), but you can remove it from the heat a few degrees earlier as the residual heat will continue to cook the meat.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps retain juices and prevents the chicken from drying out.

Tips:

• You can experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile.
• For extra juicy chicken, try brining or marinating the chicken before cooking.
• If you're cooking frozen chicken breasts, it's best to thaw them first and bring them to room temperature before cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Always ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly before consuming.

What to serve with chicken breast from an air fryer

There are many side dishes that go well with air fryer chicken breast. Here are some ideas:

• Salads, such as a spinach strawberry salad, roasted peanut kale salad, avocado kale caesar, or a simple green salad
• Rice bowls
• Roasted vegetables, like potatoes, carrots, or sweet potatoes
• Pasta, such as a creamy kale pasta or mushroom gnocchi
• Sandwiches or wraps, like a chicken caesar wrap or avocado grilled cheese sandwich
• Dips, such as a gochujang dipping sauce
• Soups or tacos
• Green beans
• Air fryer asparagus or arugula salad
• Mashed potatoes
• Air fryer zucchini fries
• Crispy air fryer tater tots
• Air fryer salmon
• Air fryer brussels sprouts
• Air fryer french fries
• Air fryer chicken wings

Frequently asked questions