Air-Fried Chicken Breast: A Quick, Easy, And Tasty Recipe

Chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and more. Cooking chicken breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken.

The key to this recipe is to ensure that the chicken breasts are of equal size so that they cook evenly. The chicken breasts should be seasoned with oil and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. The air fryer should be preheated to 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the chicken should be cooked for 7-10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the size of the breasts. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient and tasty option for busy weeknights.

How to prepare the chicken breast for the air fryer

Preparing chicken breast for the air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Cut and Pound the Chicken

Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut them into your desired size. It is recommended to pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet or a rolling pin. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap before pounding to avoid making a mess. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and prevents it from drying out.

Step 2: Brine or Marinate (Optional)

You can enhance the flavour and juiciness of the chicken by brining or marinating it. For brining, sprinkle salt generously over the chicken and let it rest for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If you prefer to marinate, you can use Italian dressing or a blend of your choice. Place the chicken in a Ziplock bag with the marinade for at least 10 minutes or up to 24 hours. Remember to pat the chicken dry with paper towels after brining or marinating before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, prepare your seasoning blend by mixing spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add other dried herbs like oregano or parsley to enhance the flavour. Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the chicken breasts and ensure they are well-coated. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and rub it in thoroughly with your hands, making sure both sides are evenly coated.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 360-400°F (180-200°C). Different air fryer models may have specific preheat settings, so refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best results.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. For smaller chicken breasts (around 5-7 ounces), cook for about 7-10 minutes. Medium-sized breasts (8-10 ounces) will take about 10-12 minutes, while larger breasts (11 ounces or more) may need up to 16-20 minutes. For the best results, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken stays juicy. After resting, you can slice or shred the chicken and serve it with your favourite sides or use it in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or other recipes.

How to season the chicken breast

Seasoning your chicken breast is a key step in ensuring your chicken is juicy and full of flavour.

Firstly, you'll want to pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken.

Next, you'll want to brush or drizzle olive oil over the chicken. This will ensure the chicken stays moist and juicy.

Now, it's time to add your seasoning. You can use any combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cumin, or dried herbs such as oregano or parsley. You can also use a pre-made seasoning blend such as taco seasoning or Italian dressing. Sprinkle or rub your chosen seasoning onto both sides of the chicken breast.

Finally, let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes so that the seasoning can work its magic.

If you want to get ahead, you can season your chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge.

How long to cook the chicken breast for

The cooking time for your chicken breast will depend on the size of the breasts and the temperature of your air fryer.

Small chicken breasts (4-7 oz) will take 6-10 minutes to cook at 360-415°F. Medium breasts (6-10 oz) will take 10-15 minutes at 360-415°F. Large breasts (9-12 oz or more) will take 12-20 minutes at 360-415°F.

It's important to note that the cooking time will also depend on whether you are cooking more than one chicken breast at a time. If you are cooking multiple breasts, they should be spaced out in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

It's also important to ensure that your chicken breasts are not frozen before cooking. If you are cooking from frozen, you will need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.

To check if your chicken is cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F. However, it is recommended to remove the chicken from the air fryer at an internal temperature of 155-160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise as the chicken rests.

What to serve with the chicken breast

Now that you've got your juicy, tender air-fried chicken breast, it's time to think about what to serve it with. Here are some ideas for side dishes and accompaniments to make your meal complete:

• Roasted vegetables: Think roasted potatoes and carrots, or perhaps some extra-crispy air-fried veggies like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
• Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad like spinach and strawberry, arugula, or a shaved fennel and celery salad would be a great pairing.
• Pasta: Try tossing your chicken with a veggie pasta dish, or add it to a creamy mushroom sauce or white BBQ sauce for an indulgent touch.
• Rice: How about serving your chicken with some green rice or coconut rice?
• Sandwiches or wraps: Use your air-fried chicken to make a chicken Caesar wrap, or add it to an avocado grilled cheese sandwich for some extra protein.
• Pizza: Yes, you can even put your air-fried chicken on a pizza! Try a Buffalo chicken variety, or get creative with your favourite toppings.
• Stir-fry: Chicken is a great addition to a vegetable lo mein or any other stir-fry dish.
• Dipping sauces: If you're looking for something saucy, try a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, Peruvian green sauce, or a simple house-made gochujang dipping sauce.

How to store leftover chicken breast

Leftover cooked chicken should be cooled and stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible, ideally within two hours of cooking. To store, wrap the chicken tightly in an airtight container or plastic wrap, and place it on the bottom shelf of your fridge. This will prevent any raw chicken juices from dripping onto other foods.

Leftover chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days, but it's best to eat it within one to two days to maintain optimal freshness. If you don't plan on eating the chicken within this time frame, it's best to freeze it.

To freeze leftover chicken, wrap it tightly and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to three or four months. When you're ready to eat it, let the chicken thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

It's important to note that chicken should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent foodborne illnesses. Additionally, raw chicken should only be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before cooking or freezing.

Frequently asked questions