Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to make fried chicken breasts that are crispy, juicy, and tender. The air fryer's convection heat ensures even cooking, and its high temperature bakes the chicken in a short time.

To make fried chicken breasts in an air fryer, coat the chicken with a dry rub or a wet marinade of your choice. You can also use a brine solution to keep the chicken moist. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at around 375°F for 10-14 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts.

Using an air fryer to make fried chicken breasts is a healthier alternative to deep frying or pan-frying, as it requires less oil. It is also more time-efficient, with a shorter cooking time and easier cleanup.

How to make air fryer chicken breast

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
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme, oregano, or other herbs (optional)

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 breasts until they are of an even thickness.
• To dry brine, sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and place in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. If you are not dry brining, 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 (190°C). This should take around 3 minutes.
• Place the chicken 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, or until the internal temperature reaches between 155°F and 160°F (71°C). The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and your air fryer model.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Brining the chicken will improve its texture and flavour. It will be juicier, plumper, and more evenly seasoned.
• Do not overcook the chicken breast, as this will dry it out.
• If you are using frozen chicken breasts, make sure to defrost 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.
• If you are cooking more than two chicken breasts, work in batches to ensure the air can circulate around the chicken.
• For extra crispy chicken, you can preheat the air fryer. However, this may result in the outside of the chicken cooking faster than the inside.

Air fryer chicken breast ingredients

Air fryer chicken breast is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook chicken. The air fryer's convection heat means you can cook chicken breast in under 15 minutes, and the high temperature keeps it tender and juicy.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika or regular paprika

Optional Ingredients

• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Cayenne pepper
• Chicken spice/chicken seasoning
• Any dried herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, or parsley)
• Buttermilk
• Flour

Steps

First, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Then, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and other seasonings of your choice. You can also brine the chicken in saltwater or dry brine with salt for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. Next, coat the chicken in oil and ensure it is well coated. Finally, place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 7-10 minutes at 375°F/190°C, flipping the chicken halfway through.

How to air fry chicken breast

Air-fried chicken breast is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook chicken. It's also versatile, as you can season it in many different ways. Here's a step-by-step guide to making juicy and tender air-fried chicken breast.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika (optional)
• Cumin (optional)
• Other dried herbs and spices of your choice (e.g. thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper)

Step-by-Step Guide

• Prepare the chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and lightly pound them with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to flatten and even out the thickness. You can also cut the chicken breasts into thinner, smaller, flat pieces for more even cooking and juicier meat. Pat the chicken breasts dry if they have a lot of moisture.
• Brine the chicken (optional): For extra juicy chicken, you can brine the chicken before cooking. Sprinkle salt all over the chicken and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If you're short on time, a dry brine is less messy and still effective.
• Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix your chosen spices and herbs with the oil to create a paste. Coat the chicken breasts with the paste, making sure to rub it in well and cover all sides.
• Air fry the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, smooth side down, and cook for 7-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). For best results, flip the chicken halfway through cooking. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked to your liking. The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F for fully cooked chicken.
• Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The residual heat will increase the internal temperature by a few degrees.

Tips

• You can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to defrost them in the fridge overnight or for at least 4-5 hours before cooking. Then, let them come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before seasoning.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space between the chicken breasts to allow for proper air circulation.
• Avoid lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper or tin foil, as this can affect the cooking process and flavour.
• If you're cooking chicken strips or tenders, check them frequently to avoid overcooking. They will cook faster than bone-in pieces.
• If you're using an air fryer with a preheat function, you can preheat it to 375°F for 3 minutes before adding the chicken. However, preheating may not be necessary and can sometimes dry out the chicken.
• If you don't have an instant-read thermometer, insert a knife into the thickest part of the chicken to check if it's cooked. If the juices run clear, the chicken is done.

Air fryer chicken cooking time

The cooking time for chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the temperature of the air fryer.

Air Fryer Temperature

Air fryers usually cook at temperatures between 360°F and 415°F.

Chicken Breast Size

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Here is a general guide:

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

Checking for Doneness

Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.

Tips for Juicy Chicken

To ensure juicy chicken breasts, it is important not to overcook the chicken. It is best to remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F to 160°F. The chicken will continue to cook and will reach the final temperature of 165°F while resting.

Brining the chicken before cooking is also a great way to keep it juicy. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. This process helps the meat absorb extra liquid and salt, resulting in a more flavoursome and moist chicken breast.

Preheating the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before placing the chicken inside. This ensures that the surface of the basket is hot enough for the chicken to sizzle when added.

Air Frying Frozen Chicken

It is possible to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. However, it is best to thaw the chicken first for the best texture. To cook frozen chicken, preheat the air fryer to 360°F, drizzle the chicken with olive oil, season as desired, and air fry for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to serve air fryer chicken breast

Air fryer chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious dish:

Salads

Air fryer chicken breast goes well with a variety of salads. Try adding it to a spinach strawberry salad, a simple garden salad, or a shaved fennel and celery salad. You can also dice or shred the chicken to add to a wrap or a crustless quiche.

Sandwiches and Wraps

The chicken breast can be used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Try a chicken Caesar wrap or an avocado grilled cheese sandwich with herbed goat cheese and garlic.

Pasta

Add some protein to your veggie pasta by tossing in air fryer chicken breast. It would be delicious with Brussels sprouts pasta with brown butter or creamy kale pasta.

Pizza

Use your air fryer chicken to make a scrumptious buffalo chicken pizza.

Stir Fry

Vegetable Lo Mein or any other stir fry would be delicious with some air fryer chicken added to it.

Sides

Serve your air fryer chicken breast with sides such as roasted potatoes and carrots, instant pot corn on the cob, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Sauces

Try adding a delicious sauce to your chicken breast, such as a creamy mushroom sauce, white BBQ sauce, or a Peruvian creamy green sauce.

Reheating and Storage

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350°F. You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions