Air Frying Chicken Breasts: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, and they can be ready in as little as 8 minutes. The key to getting juicy chicken breasts is to not overcook them, and to brine them beforehand if you have time. You can also pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.

To cook chicken breasts in an air fryer, first pat them dry and rub them with oil and your chosen seasonings. Then place them in the air fryer basket and cook for around 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and your air fryer, but they are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How long to cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer

The air fryer has become a popular kitchen appliance for those wanting to cook food quickly and with less oil. It is also handy for cooking frozen food, such as chicken breasts, without the need to defrost them first.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the temperature of the air fryer. A general rule of thumb is that it will take around 5 minutes longer to cook frozen chicken than it would to cook fresh meat. So, for chicken breasts that are:

• Small (4-5 oz/113-142 g) – 20 minutes
• Medium (6-8 oz/170-227 g) – 25 minutes
• Large (10-12 oz/283-340 g) – 30 minutes

However, it is always best to check that the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer. Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Step-by-step guide

• Preheat the air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
• Season the frozen chicken breasts with salt and any other spices or herbs of your choice.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F/180°C for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and rub them with oil. Return them to the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

How to serve air fryer chicken breasts

There are many ways to serve air fryer chicken breasts. Here are some ideas:

Salads

You can add the chicken to your favourite salad recipe, such as a spinach strawberry salad, a Caesar salad, or a roasted peanut kale salad.

Wraps and Sandwiches

You can use the chicken to make a chicken Caesar wrap, or add it to an avocado grilled cheese sandwich with herbed goat cheese and garlic.

Pasta

You can add the chicken to a veggie pasta dish, such as Brussels sprouts pasta with brown butter, or a creamy kale pasta.

Pizza

You can use the chicken to make a buffalo chicken pizza.

Stir Fry

You can add the chicken to a vegetable Lo Mein.

Soups

You can add the chicken to soups, such as chicken and rice soup.

Tacos

You can use the chicken to make chicken tacos.

Sides

You can serve the chicken with sides such as roasted potatoes and carrots, steamed veggies with cheddar cheese sauce, or roasted spaghetti squash.

How to store air fryer chicken breasts

To store your air fryer chicken breasts, place them in an airtight container and put them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to four days.

If you want to freeze your chicken breasts, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Be sure to let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to reheat air fryer chicken breasts

Preparation

If your chicken has been stored in the fridge, remove it and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will help it to heat more evenly. You can also brush the chicken with a little oil or use a cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Air Fryer Setup

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for the air to circulate. If you are reheating larger pieces, you may need to do this in batches. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). You can skip preheating the air fryer if you like.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken for 6 minutes, then flip it for even reheating. Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, they should be heated through in 10 to 20 minutes. Start checking the internal temperature after 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Optional Crisping

If you prefer your chicken to be crispier, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking. Be careful not to overcook it.

Top Tips

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can cause uneven reheating.
• If your chicken is coated with sauce or breadcrumbs, place it on parchment paper in the basket to prevent sticking.
• Remember to adjust the reheating time based on the thickness of your chicken pieces.
• Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached at least 165°F (74°C).
• Experiment with seasonings or sauces to add extra flavor.

Reheating Time

The time needed to reheat chicken breasts can vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the chicken, the starting temperature, and the model of the air fryer. Here is a rough guide:

• Smaller pieces: 6-10 minutes
• Larger pieces: 10-15 minutes
• Very large or bone-in pieces: 15-20 minutes

Safety Tips

• Always use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the reheated chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria.
• Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw chicken separate from cooked chicken. Wash your hands, utensils, and countertops with soap and water after handling raw chicken.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Store leftovers in shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling.
• Reheat chicken via air frying only once to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.

Storing Reheated Chicken

• After reheating, let the chicken cool down to room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
• Divide larger batches of reheated chicken into smaller portions before storing.
• Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags for storage.
• Label the containers with the contents and date of reheating.
• Place the containers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of reheating.
• While you can freeze cooked chicken, it is generally not recommended to freeze chicken after reheating.

How to know when air fryer chicken breasts are cooked

There are a few ways to know when your air fryer chicken breasts are cooked. The most important thing to remember is that you don't want to overcook the chicken, as this will result in dry meat. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken is cooked just right:

• Use an instant-read thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). However, some people prefer to remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches around 155-160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise slightly as it rests.
• Check the juices: If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can check the doneness of the chicken by inserting a knife into the thickest part of the meat. If the juices run clear and are not cloudy or red, the chicken is likely cooked through.
• Rest the chicken: After removing the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and will result in juicier meat.
• Don't overfill the air fryer: Make sure there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. The hot air needs to circulate evenly to ensure even cooking.
• Flip the chicken: Be sure to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure both sides cook evenly.
• Pound the chicken: If you have thicker chicken breasts, you can use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent undercooked or overcooked spots.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: If you are cooking more than two chicken breasts, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer: Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer, especially if you want a crispy exterior. However, others suggest that preheating is not necessary and can lead to the outside of the chicken cooking faster than the inside.
• Size and timing: The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Smaller breasts (around 5-7 ounces) will take around 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 10-15 minutes, and larger breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12-20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions