Air Fryer Chicken Breasts: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, and the best part is that it takes very little time. Depending on the size of the chicken breasts, the cooking time will vary. For instance, small chicken breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 6 to 10 minutes, while large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12 to 16 minutes.

The key to getting juicy and tender chicken breasts is to ensure they are evenly cooked. To do this, you can pound the thicker side of the chicken breast with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer until it is an even thickness throughout. Additionally, it is important to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Some recipes also recommend brining or marinating the chicken before cooking to enhance the flavour and moisture. However, this is not necessary, and you can still achieve delicious results without this step.

Overall, cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender results, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Cooking time

The cooking time for two chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on the size of the breasts. The cooking time also depends on the temperature of the air fryer.

Small Chicken Breasts (5 to 7 ounces)

Small chicken breasts weighing between 5 and 7 ounces will take between 6 and 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer. This includes cooking the chicken for 4 minutes on each side at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or 7 minutes on one side and 3 minutes on the other at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Medium Chicken Breasts (8 to 10 ounces)

Medium chicken breasts weighing between 8 and 10 ounces will take between 10 and 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer. This includes cooking the chicken for 7 minutes on one side and 6 minutes on the other at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or 10 to 12 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Large Chicken Breasts (11 ounces or more)

Large chicken breasts weighing 11 ounces or more will take between 12 and 16 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, large chicken breasts will take 10 to 14 minutes to cook, with 7 minutes on one side and 6 minutes or more on the other.

Checking for Doneness

To check if the chicken is cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to see if the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The chicken is considered cooked at this temperature. However, some recipes recommend removing the chicken from the air fryer when the temperature reaches 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, as the carry-over cooking will bring the chicken to temperature and make it safe to eat.

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

To make juicy, tender, and tasty chicken breasts in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

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

Preparation

• Pound the chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to lightly pound the thicker side until the breast is an even thickness (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.
• Brining (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.
• Let the chicken come to room temperature: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it stand for about 15 minutes.
• Mix the spices: In a small bowl, mix together the spices and oil to create a paste.
• Coat the chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and rub it in evenly on both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature (360-400°F).
• Place the chicken in the air fryer: Put the chicken in the air fryer basket, smooth side down, and cook for the recommended time based on the size of your chicken breasts.
• Flip the chicken: After cooking for the initial recommended time, use tongs to carefully flip the chicken over and continue cooking for the remaining time.
• Check the temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 160-165°F. If not, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps retain the juices and ensures the chicken is cooked through.

Cooking Times

The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer will depend on their size:

• Small breasts (5-7 ounces): 6-10 minutes
• Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 10-15 minutes
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 12-20 minutes

Tips

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts for the hot air to circulate.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Do not overcook the chicken. Remove it from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 155-160°F, as the residual heat will continue to cook the chicken.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture and juices.

Air fryer temperature

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, and the best temperature to air fry chicken breasts is 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks through without drying out, and it also helps to create a crispy exterior.

Some recipes recommend a higher temperature of 400°F or even 415°F, but this is not necessary and can result in the outside of the chicken cooking faster than the inside, leading to dry meat.

It is also important to note that the size of the chicken breasts will affect the cooking time. Larger breasts will take longer to cook, and it is recommended to pound the chicken to an even thickness before cooking to ensure even cooking.

• Small breasts (5-7 ounces): 7-10 minutes at 375°F
• Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 10-12 minutes at 375°F
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 12-16 minutes at 375°F

It is also important to let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.

Additionally, it is recommended to brine the chicken before cooking, as this helps to keep the meat juicy and flavourful. Brining can be done with a simple saltwater solution or by sprinkling salt on the meat and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Finally, it is important to not overcook the chicken breasts, as this will result in dry meat. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be 165°F when done.

By following these tips and the recommended air fryer temperature, you can ensure that your chicken breasts turn out juicy and tender every time!

Chicken size

The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on their size.

Small chicken breasts (5-7 oz) will take 6-10 minutes to cook.

Medium chicken breasts (8-10 oz) will take 10-12 minutes to cook.

Large chicken breasts (11 oz or more) will take 12-16 minutes to cook.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F.

Additionally, it is advised to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Chicken quality

The quality of the chicken you use in your air fryer will have a significant impact on the taste and texture of the cooked product. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results:

Choose the Right Type of Chicken

For air frying, it is best to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This type of chicken cooks evenly and results in tender and juicy meat. Skin-on chicken or bone-in chicken may not cook as evenly and can be more difficult to work with.

Check the Size of the Chicken Breasts

The size of the chicken breasts you choose will impact the cooking time and temperature. For the best results, look for chicken breasts that are around 7-8 ounces in size. Larger breasts will take longer to cook and may require additional time in the air fryer. Smaller breasts may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Opt for High-Quality Chicken

When shopping for chicken, look for high-quality, fresh chicken breasts. Avoid chicken that looks discoloured or has an odd smell. Frozen chicken can also be used in the air fryer, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Brining and Marinating

Brining or marinating your chicken before cooking can help to enhance its flavour and juiciness. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution, while marinating involves soaking it in a mixture of oil, acids, and spices. Both methods can add moisture and flavour to the chicken, resulting in a more tender and tasty final product.

Pounding the Chicken

Chicken breasts can vary in thickness, which can lead to uneven cooking. To ensure even cooking, place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound it to an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and prevent overcooking.

Seasoning

Seasoning your chicken before cooking is essential to enhancing its flavour. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also get creative and experiment with different spice blends, such as Creole seasoning or lemon pepper seasoning.

Cooking Temperature and Time

The ideal temperature for air frying chicken breasts is around 360-400°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, but on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook thoroughly. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Resting the Chicken

Once your chicken is cooked, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and juicy final product. Simply transfer the cooked chicken to a plate or cutting board and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions