Air-Frying Chicken Breasts: A Healthy, Quick Option?

Chicken breasts are a versatile protein that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to salads. Cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare juicy and tender chicken.

The air fryer's high-temperature baking and convection heat ensure the chicken is cooked evenly, resulting in moist and succulent meat. The key to achieving this is to ensure the chicken breasts are of a similar size, lightly pounded to an even thickness, and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket.

A simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, and pepper can be used, or more intricate spice blends such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme can be added for extra flavour.

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts, but on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes in an air fryer set to 360-400°F. It is important to ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

So, if you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious way to cook chicken breasts, the air fryer is a great option!

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 Breasts (5 to 7 ounces)

Small chicken breasts will take 7 to 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Medium Breasts (8 to 10 ounces)

Medium chicken breasts will take 10 to 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Large Breasts (11 ounces or more)

Large chicken breasts will take 12 to 16 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer. It's recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Chicken is considered safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Additionally, it's suggested to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

How to season chicken breast for the air fryer

There are several ways to season chicken breast for the air fryer.

One option is to use a dry brine. To do this, sprinkle kosher salt all over the chicken and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to one day. After removing from the refrigerator, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. You can then add your desired seasonings—a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper is recommended—and cook as usual.

If you don't want to use a brine, you can simply season the chicken with salt and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also skip this step and season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or blends, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or cayenne pepper.

For a more complex flavor, you can marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for up to 24 hours before cooking. Be sure to drain and pat the chicken dry before air frying.

Can you put frozen chicken breast in the air fryer

Yes, you can put frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer. This is a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken breasts straight from frozen.

To cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Then, coat the chicken breasts in olive oil and season as desired. You can use a variety of seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, basil, and cayenne pepper.

Next, place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have space between them and are not overlapping. Set the timer for around 30 minutes, flipping the chicken breasts after 10-15 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, so it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving.

What to serve with air fryer chicken breast

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

Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, green beans, asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
• Steamed veggies with cheddar cheese sauce.
• Air-fried veggies like French fries, sweet potato fries, okra, corn on the cob, zucchini chips, or potato wedges.

Breads

• Gluten-free biscuits, cornbread, or focaccia.
• Garlic bread.

Salads

• Mediterranean orzo salad.
• Marinated vegetable salad.
• Spinach strawberry salad.

Pasta

• Angel hair pasta with garlic and herbs.
• Creamy garlic shells.
• Pasta with brown butter.

Other Sides

• Gluten-free gravy.
• Healthy mashed potatoes.
• Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms.
• Baked potato.

How to store air fryer chicken breast

Storing air fryer chicken breast is a straightforward process. You can keep the cooked chicken breasts in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to freeze the leftovers, use an airtight freezer-safe storage container, and they will last for up to three months.

When it comes to reheating, you can gently warm the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For a smoother reheating process, it is recommended to slice, dice, or shred the chicken before freezing.

Additionally, if you are using a microwave for reheating, a helpful tip is to add a teaspoon of water on top of the chicken and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. This will create a steaming effect, helping the chicken absorb moisture and making it juicier.

Frequently asked questions