Air Fryer Chicken Fillet: How Long To Fry?

Chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be used in salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses less oil. The air fryer's convection heat ensures even cooking, resulting in juicy chicken breasts every time. The cooking time varies based on the size of the chicken breasts, but on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes at 360-415°F.

How long to cook chicken in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken breasts. Chicken breasts can be divided into three categories: small, medium, and large. Small breasts typically weigh between 5 and 7 ounces, medium breasts weigh between 8 and 10 ounces, and large breasts weigh 11 ounces or more.

For small chicken breasts, it is recommended to air fry for 7 to 10 minutes. This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. For medium breasts, increase the cooking time to 10 to 12 minutes. Large breasts will need the most time, with a cooking time of 12 to 16 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken breasts. To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process.

Additionally, the ideal temperature for air frying chicken is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures that the chicken is cooked thoroughly without drying out.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer

• Brining or marinating the chicken before cooking can enhance its flavor and juiciness.
• Using a dry brine of kosher salt is less messy than a wet brine and can yield tasty results.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken, as this can lead to dryness. Remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute and results in moister meat.
• If using frozen chicken breasts, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking.
• Spices and herbs such as paprika, garlic powder, thyme, cumin, and onion powder can enhance the flavor of the chicken.
• A touch of olive oil or avocado oil can help keep the chicken moist and juicy.

Air fryer temperature for chicken fillets

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken fillets in an air fryer is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out, and it also produces a juicy, tender, and flavourful result.

How to Cook Chicken Fillets in an Air Fryer

First, prepare your chicken fillets by patting them dry and rubbing them with olive oil. Then, mix your chosen spices and rub them onto the chicken. You can use a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, or try other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken fillets in the air fryer basket, smooth side down, and cook for 7 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 3 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken fillets.

For smaller chicken fillets (5 to 7 ounces), cook for a total of 10 to 11 minutes. For medium-sized fillets (8 to 9 ounces), cook for 11 to 12 minutes. And for larger fillets (10 ounces or more), cook for 13 to 14 minutes.

Always ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is fully cooked. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Fillets in an Air Fryer

• Ensure there is enough space between the chicken fillets in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and a juicy final product.
• Always use room-temperature chicken for accurate and consistent cooking times.
• Avoid lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper or tin foil, as this can affect the evenness of cooking and the taste of the chicken.
• Do not overcook the chicken, as this will result in dry and rubbery meat.
• Brining the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking can help improve its texture and flavour.
• If using frozen chicken, ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Once your chicken fillets are cooked, you can serve them in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• Sandwiches or wraps: Try a chicken and avocado sandwich or wrap using keto tortillas, keto bread, or low-calorie wraps.
• Pasta: Slice the chicken and add it to a healthy pasta dish or serve it on the side.
• Pizza: Add the chicken as a protein topping to a pizza.
• Sides: Make the chicken the star of the dish and serve it with sides like smoked mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, or curry fried rice.
• Salad: Serve the chicken over a low-carb salad, such as a keto coleslaw or broccoli salad.

Chicken fillet preparation

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Garlic powder or granulated garlic
• Spices/seasoning blend (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cumin, black pepper)
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Cornstarch (optional)

Method

• Prep the chicken: If desired, pound the chicken breasts with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to an even thickness. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
• Brine the chicken (optional) : Sprinkle salt all over the chicken and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. Brining improves the texture and flavour of the meat.
• Season the chicken: Mix your chosen spices and seasonings in a small bowl. Drizzle the chicken with oil and ensure it is well-coated. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, rubbing it in evenly on both sides.
• Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 360-415°F (180-210°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, smooth side down, and cook for 6-7 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 2-8 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 160-165°F (71-74°C) when fully cooked.
• Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• It is recommended to use room temperature chicken for accurate and consistent cooking times.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts to allow hot air to circulate.
• Do not line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or tin foil. This will result in more even cooking and better-tasting chicken.
• Always use an accurate timer to keep track of cooking times.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking and drying out.

Chicken fillet seasoning

Chicken breasts can be incredibly versatile, yet also incredibly finicky to work with, especially when baked in the oven. Seasoning chicken fillets is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat, ensuring that it turns out juicy, tender and delicious.

How to season chicken fillets

There are endless options for seasoning chicken fillets, from simple salt and pepper to more complex blends of herbs and spices. Here are some popular seasoning options for chicken fillets:

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Cayenne pepper
• Chilli powder
• Brown sugar

Tips for seasoning chicken fillets

• When using dried herbs, it is best to rub them between your fingers to release their flavour before adding them to the chicken.
• It is also a good idea to let the chicken sit for a few minutes after seasoning to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.
• For a simple and tasty option, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This blend is flavorful, versatile, and delicious!
• For a spicier blend, add some cayenne pepper or chilli powder to the mix.
• Brining the chicken before seasoning can also help to add moisture and flavour. Simply soak the chicken in a saltwater solution for 15 minutes to an hour before cooking.
• If you're short on time, you can also just sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking.

Storing and reheating seasoned chicken fillets

• Seasoned chicken fillets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.
• When reheating, it is best to use the air fryer or oven at a low temperature (around 350°F) to avoid drying out the meat.

Serving suggestions

• Salads
• Sandwiches or wraps
• Pasta
• Pizza
• Stir-fry
• Rice bowls
• Potato salad

Chicken fillet serving suggestions

Chicken fillets are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for serving chicken fillets:

Sandwiches and Wraps

Chicken fillets can be used to make sandwiches or wraps. For example, you could make a chicken and avocado sandwich or wrap using keto tortillas, keto bread, or low-calorie wraps. You could also add the chicken to a Chicken Caesar Wrap or an Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Herbed Goat Cheese and Garlic.

Pasta

Chicken fillets can be added to pasta dishes to boost the protein content. For instance, you could add chicken to a Brussels Sprouts Pasta with Brown Butter or a Thai Basil Fried Rice.

Pizza

Chicken fillets can be used as a topping for pizza. For a unique twist, try a Caesar salad pizza, or add the chicken to a Buffalo Chicken Pizza.

Salads

Chicken fillets are a great addition to salads. Try adding chicken to a Spinach Strawberry Salad or a Cobb Salad.

Sides

Chicken fillets can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes and carrots, smoked mac and cheese, or scalloped potatoes.

Soups

Chicken fillets can be added to soups, such as a chicken noodle soup or a coconut curry soup.

Other Ideas

• Chicken fillets can be served with rice or quinoa bowls.
• They can be used as a filling for egg rolls or chimichangas.
• Chicken fillets can be baked, grilled, or fried and served as a main course.

Frequently asked questions