Air Fryer Chicken: Chefman's Quick, Crispy, Tender Feast

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook chicken breasts, with minimal clean-up required.

Chicken breasts can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 8 minutes, depending on their size. The key to achieving juicy, tender chicken breasts is to ensure they are not overcooked. This can be done by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (74°C).

There are a variety of seasoning blends that can be used to add flavour to air fryer chicken breasts, such as paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Some recipes recommend brining the chicken breasts before cooking, which involves dissolving salt in water and letting the chicken sit in the solution for at least 15 minutes. This helps to add moisture and flavour to the meat.

Overall, air fryer chicken breasts are a quick, easy, and healthy option for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

How long to cook chicken breast in the air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook chicken breast in an air fryer depends on the weight of the chicken breast and the temperature of the air fryer.

It takes 18 minutes to cook chicken breast in the air fryer at 360°F. This includes 9 minutes of cooking, then flipping the chicken and cooking for another 9 minutes.

It takes 10 minutes to cook chicken breast in the air fryer at 375°F. This includes 7 minutes of cooking, then flipping the chicken and cooking for an additional 3 minutes.

It takes between 10 and 15 minutes to cook chicken breast in the air fryer at 400°F. This includes 12 minutes of cooking, then checking the internal temperature of the chicken and returning it to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes if it has not reached 165°F.

It takes 10 minutes to cook chicken breast in the air fryer at 415°F.

It takes between 6 and 8 minutes to cook chicken breast in the air fryer that weighs between 5-7 ounces.

It takes between 7 and 10 minutes to cook chicken breast in the air fryer that weighs between 8-10 ounces.

It takes between 10 and 14 minutes to cook chicken breast in the air fryer that weighs 11 ounces or more.

Air fryer chicken breast ingredients

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How to air fry chicken breast

Air-fried chicken breast is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook chicken. It is also a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of recipes, such as salads, sandwiches, pasta, and pizza. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to air fry chicken breast:

Preparation:

First, you will need to gather your ingredients. For a basic air-fried chicken breast, you will need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil or another mild-flavoured oil
• Spices and seasonings of your choice, such as paprika, garlic powder, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

You can also brine the chicken beforehand by dissolving 2 tablespoons of salt in 2 cups of room-temperature water and letting the chicken sit in this solution for at least 15 minutes. This step is optional but will result in juicier and more tender meat.

Step 1:

Pat the chicken dry and place it in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 2:

In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices and seasonings. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken, ensuring that both sides are generously coated. You can also add some oil to the spice mixture to help it stick to the chicken.

Step 3:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking chicken breast in the air fryer at temperatures between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to refer to your air fryer's specific instructions.

Step 4:

Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook the chicken in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.

Step 5:

Cook the chicken for 7-10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-9 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. The total cooking time will be around 10-15 minutes. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6:

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Air-Fried Chicken Breast:

• Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking for accurate and consistent cooking times.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will affect the cooking time and the crispiness of the chicken.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and a juicy final product.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken, as overcooking can lead to dry meat.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.

Storing and Reheating:

Air-fried chicken breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds or place back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

Variations:

You can bread the chicken breast before air frying for a crispier texture. To do this, coat the chicken in seasoned dried breadcrumbs after rubbing with oil. You can also use the traditional method of breading chicken by dipping it in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs.

Additionally, you can customise your spice blend to suit your taste preferences or the dish you are preparing. Some popular variations include Mexican spices, BBQ spices, Indian spices, or a simple combination of salt and pepper.

Tips for the juiciest air fryer chicken

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, as they are quick, easy to clean, and produce juicy and tender results. Here are some tips to ensure your air-fried chicken is as juicy as possible:

Use Olive Oil

A light coating of olive oil will help to crisp the skin and ensure the herbs and spices adhere well to the meat.

Space Out the Chicken Breasts

Ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air, so it is important that air can circulate around each piece of chicken. If you are cooking a large batch, cook the chicken in batches rather than overcrowding the basket.

Check the Temperature

Check the temperature of the chicken earlier than you think, as you don't want to overcook it. Appliances can vary, so it is best to go by the temperature of the chicken rather than the time. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (71°C to 75°C). An instant-read thermometer is a useful tool to check this.

Let the Chicken Rest

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the chicken, keeping it moist and juicy.

Brine the Chicken

Brining the chicken beforehand will make it super tender and juicy. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 2 cups of room-temperature water and let the chicken sit in this solution for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have time, or even up to 6 hours in the fridge. Then, rinse the chicken and pat it dry before cooking.

Thinly Slice the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast into thin, flat pieces before cooking. This will ensure more even cooking and a juicier end result. It will also increase the surface area for the seasoning to adhere to, adding more flavour.

Flip the Chicken

Flip the chicken halfway through cooking so that both sides cook evenly, resulting in a juicier end product.

How to store and reheat air fryer chicken

Storing Air Fryer Chicken

Air fryer chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It is not recommended to freeze reheated chicken as this can affect its texture and taste.

Reheating Air Fryer Chicken

To reheat chicken in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for airflow. Reheat for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. If the chicken is not yet heated through, continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.

Tips for Reheating Air Fryer Chicken

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent uneven reheating.
• If the chicken is coated in sauce or breadcrumbs, place it on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Adjust the reheating time based on the thickness of the chicken.
• Experiment with seasonings or sauces to add extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions