Air Fryer Chicken Breasts: How Long Until They're Done?

Chicken breasts are a versatile protein that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches and soups. Cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy and tender piece of meat. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breast and the desired level of doneness, but on average, it takes around 10 minutes for a single breast.

How to prepare chicken breasts for the air fryer

Preparing chicken breasts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, juicy, and tender piece of meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

First, take your chicken breasts out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. You can also use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to fully defrost them first. If you are using fresh chicken, pat the breasts dry with a paper towel. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Then, use a meat mallet, rolling pin, or the palm of your hand to lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness. This will help ensure that your chicken cooks evenly.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

There are endless options for seasoning your chicken breasts. You can simply rub them with salt and pepper, or get creative with different spice blends. Some popular options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, thyme, and cayenne pepper. You can also try a dry brine by sprinkling the chicken with salt and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help keep the chicken moist and enhance the flavour.

In addition to dry spices, you can also use olive oil or avocado oil to help the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keep it moist. You can also try marinating the chicken in Italian dressing, or a blend of spices, oil, and other liquids like soy sauce or vinegar. If you choose to marinate your chicken, be sure to pat it dry before placing it in the air fryer.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook the chicken for 7-10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2-8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered fully cooked.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help keep the chicken juicy. Enjoy your air fryer chicken breasts as-is or add them to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or any other dish!

How to season chicken breasts for the air fryer

The Basics

Before seasoning your chicken breasts, it's important to note that the air fryer is a quick cooker, so it's crucial to pay close attention to the cook time. It's also important to remove the chicken from the air fryer as soon as it's done, as it will continue to cook and dry out otherwise.

When it comes to seasoning, you can use a simple mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley to enhance the flavour. Additionally, a little olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Start by gathering your ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil or avocado oil, and your desired spices.
• Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl. You can use a basic blend of garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder.
• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and lightly pound them to an even thickness using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm. This step ensures even cooking and helps keep the chicken juicy.
• Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring both sides are well coated. You can use your hands to rub the spices in for a more thorough coating.
• If desired, let the chicken sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to absorb. This step is optional, but it can enhance the taste.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, smooth side down, and cook for 6-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 3-8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.

Tips and Tricks

• Size matters: The weight of your chicken breasts will impact the cooking time, so it's helpful to use a kitchen scale to get accurate results. As a general rule, smaller breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 10-12 minutes, and larger breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12-16 minutes.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
• Flip halfway through: For even cooking and a juicy texture, flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process.
• Use room temperature chicken: Using chicken that is already at room temperature will ensure more accurate and consistent cooking times.
• Avoid parchment paper: While it may be tempting to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or tin foil for easier cleanup, it's best to avoid this. The chicken cooks more evenly and tastes better without it.

How long to cook chicken breasts in the air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on the size of the breasts. Chicken breasts are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Here is a general guide for how long to cook chicken breasts of different sizes in an air fryer:

Small Chicken Breasts (4-7 ounces)

Small chicken breasts typically take 6 to 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer. Some sources recommend cooking small breasts at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, while others suggest cooking at 375°F for 7 to 10 minutes.

Medium Chicken Breasts (6-10 ounces)

Medium chicken breasts usually take 7 to 15 minutes in the air fryer. It is recommended to cook medium breasts at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes or at 400°F for 13 to 15 minutes.

Large Chicken Breasts (11 ounces or more)

Large chicken breasts typically require 10 to 20 minutes in the air fryer. It is best to cook large breasts at 375°F for 12 to 16 minutes or at 400°F for 16 to 20 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken breasts. To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before placing them in the air fryer. Additionally, flipping the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process is crucial for even browning and cooking.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

• Brining or marinating the chicken breasts before cooking can enhance their flavor and juiciness.
• Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts is the best way to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
• Allowing the chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain their juices and prevents overcooking.

How to serve air-fried chicken breasts

Air-fried chicken breasts are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Sandwiches or Wraps

You can use the air-fried chicken breasts to make sandwiches or wraps. Add some avocado, keto tortillas, keto bread, or low-calorie wraps for a delicious and healthy meal.

Pasta

Slice the air-fried chicken breasts and toss them with your favourite pasta. You can also serve it on the side of a veggie pasta dish or with high-protein or low-calorie pasta.

Pizza

Add your air-fried chicken to a pizza for a protein boost. Try it on a Sicilian pizza or a cast-iron pizza for a scrumptious treat.

Sides

Make the air-fried chicken the star of your meal by serving it with sides such as smoked mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, or curry fried rice.

Salad

Serve your air-fried chicken breast on a bed of greens such as a low-carb broccoli salad, keto coleslaw, or a keto potato salad. You can also chop it up and add it to a simple green salad or a spinach strawberry salad.

Meal Prep

Air-fried chicken breasts are great for meal prep. Cook them at the beginning of the week and slice them up. Store them in meal prep containers along with your favourite sides, salads, soups, or casseroles.

Other Ideas

• Chicken Caesar Wrap
• Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Herbed Goat Cheese and Garlic
• Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
• Stir Fry
• Chicken and Rice Soup
• BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
• Chicken Caesar Salad Pasta
• Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
• Sesame Peanut Sauce Noodles
• Chicken Burrito Bowls

How to store leftover air-fried chicken breasts

Air-fried chicken breasts are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.

When it comes to reheating, it's best to avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. Instead, use your air fryer or oven at 350°F to gently rewarm the chicken.

• Let the chicken cool completely before storing or freezing.
• Use a container that fits the chicken snugly to minimize air exposure.
• Label and date your container to keep track of how long the chicken has been stored.
• When freezing, separate the chicken breasts with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
• Thaw frozen chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• If reheating in the microwave, add a teaspoon of water and cover with a microwave-safe lid to create steam and prevent dryness.

Frequently asked questions