Air-Fryer Chicken Breasts: The Perfect, Quick, Crispy Treat

The air fryer is a great way to cook chicken breasts, yielding juicy and tender results in a short amount of time. The key to success is to avoid overcooking the meat, which can lead to dryness. To prevent this, it is recommended to cook the chicken for around 7-10 minutes at 190ºC/375ºF, flipping the chicken halfway through, and then checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature for cooked chicken is 165ºF. Before cooking, the chicken can be seasoned with a variety of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. A thin coating of oil will also help to keep the chicken moist during cooking.

Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Chicken breast preparation

Once the chicken is thawed and dry, the next step is to season it. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to season your chicken, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, rosemary, sage, parsley, thyme, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Simply combine your chosen spices and herbs with oil in a small bowl to create a paste, and then coat the chicken breasts generously with this mixture. You can also add some lemon juice to the spice paste for extra flavour. If you have time, you can season the chicken up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge before cooking.

After seasoning, it is important to let the chicken come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. This helps ensure accurate and consistent cooking. When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer if it has a preheat setting. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure there is enough space between them for good air circulation.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the model of your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 7 to 10 minutes at 370-375°F (190°C). For thicker chicken breasts, you may need to cook them for a longer time, around 13 minutes at 415°F (213°C). Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

To check if the chicken is done, use an instant-read thermometer to see if the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). The chicken is considered cooked when it reaches this temperature. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken juicy and tender.

Air fryer settings

Preheating the Air Fryer:

While some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer, others advise against it specifically for cooking chicken breasts. Preheating can be beneficial if you want a crispier exterior, but it may cause the outside of the chicken to cook faster than the inside, leading to dryness. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid preheating when cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer.

Temperature and Timing:

The ideal temperature and timing for cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer can vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the meat. Most recipes suggest cooking at a temperature between 370°F and 400°F. For thinner, smaller, or medium-sized breasts, 7 to 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) is often sufficient. Flip the chicken halfway through, around the 7-minute mark, and then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. If you're cooking larger breasts, simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes. For thicker, unsliced chicken breasts, you can air fry at 415°F for a minimum of 13 minutes, checking the temperature to ensure they're cooked through.

Using Frozen Chicken:

If you're using frozen chicken breasts, it is best to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and the best texture. You can also cook frozen chicken directly in the air fryer, but you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes per side.

Checking for Doneness:

It is important not to overcook chicken breasts, as this can lead to dryness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F to 165°F (71°C to 73°C). If you don't have a thermometer, insert a knife into the thickest part of the meat, and if the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.

Resting the Chicken:

Once your chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows carryover cooking to increase the internal temperature further, and the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender results. Tenting the chicken with foil during the resting period is also recommended.

Cooking time

The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on the size of the breasts and the temperature setting. It is important to note that chicken breasts should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to eat.

For thicker, un-sliced chicken breasts, it is recommended to air fry at 415°F (213°C) for a minimum of 13 minutes, checking the temperature at that time to confirm doneness. If using frozen chicken, it is best to thaw it first and pat it dry before coating with spices and cooking in the air fryer. This will create a better texture for the chicken.

If you are using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a temperature setting of 375°F (190°C) is recommended. At this temperature, the chicken will take around 7-10 minutes to cook, depending on the size of the breasts. Larger breasts will require a longer cooking time, while small or medium breasts should be done in about 10 minutes. It is important to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

For a slightly lower temperature setting of 370°F (188°C), it is recommended to cook the chicken for 10 minutes, flip, and then cook for an additional 4-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This will result in juicy and tender chicken breasts.

It is worth noting that some recipes suggest cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer for as little as 8 minutes, but this requires pounding the chicken very flat before cooking. This method can result in thin, dry chicken, so it is important to find a balance between cooking time and thickness for the best results.

Chicken breast seasoning

Brining:

Brining is an optional but recommended step to ensure your chicken breasts are juicy and well-seasoned. It involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling salt on the meat). Let the chicken rest for at least 30 minutes to absorb the extra liquid and salt. This method ensures the chicken is seasoned throughout, enhancing the flavour.

Spices and Herbs:

A variety of spices and herbs can be used to season chicken breasts for air frying. Some popular options include:

• Paprika (regular or smoked)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
• Cumin
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Cajun seasoning
• Taco seasoning

Preparing the Chicken:

Before seasoning, it is essential to lightly pound the chicken breasts to flatten them and ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove any excess moisture. You can also trim the chicken breasts to ensure they are of similar size, which helps with even cooking.

Coating the Chicken:

Combine your chosen spices and herbs with oil in a small bowl to create a paste or coating. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any neutral-flavoured high-heat oil. Coat the chicken breasts generously with the paste, ensuring all pieces are well coated. You can also add a sprinkle of brown sugar and cornstarch for a unique flavour profile.

Resting and Cooking:

After coating the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes to bring it to room temperature. This helps ensure accurate and consistent cooking. Then, place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring good airflow around each piece. Preheat the air fryer if you desire a crispy texture, but this step may not be necessary. Air fry the chicken according to the settings and timings provided in the recipes you've found.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer chicken breasts are incredibly versatile and can be served hot or cold. They can be added to salads, wraps, sandwiches, rice bowls, or enjoyed as a simple, juicy chicken breast with a side of your choice.

Some tasty side dish suggestions include mashed potatoes, green beans, Brussels sprouts, air fryer asparagus, and arugula salad.

If you're cooking chicken breasts in advance, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or four to five days. They can also be frozen for up to a month or several months. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently asked questions