Air Fryer Chicken Breasts: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They can cook food quickly and easily, and produce succulent results. One food that can be cooked to perfection in an air fryer is chicken breasts.

There are a few steps to follow to ensure your chicken breasts are cooked to perfection. Firstly, you should pat the chicken dry and rub it with olive oil. Then, you should add your chosen spices and seasonings. Some recipes suggest a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper, while others recommend cumin, onion powder, smoked paprika and Italian seasoning.

Once your chicken is coated, place it in the air fryer basket and cook for around 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but you should ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

And that's it! You can now enjoy your juicy, tender and golden air-fried chicken breasts.

How long to air fry chicken breasts in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to air fry chicken breasts depends on the size of the breasts and the temperature of the air fryer.

Size of Chicken Breasts

Small chicken breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 6-10 minutes to cook. Medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 7-12 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 10-16 minutes.

Temperature of Air Fryer

The optimal temperature for air frying chicken is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 400 or 415 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other Factors

It is important to ensure that there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking will help ensure even cooking.

Doneness

The best way to check if the chicken is cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Brining and seasoning the chicken

Brining your chicken breasts before air frying them is a crucial step in achieving juicy, tender, and flavourful meat. Brining is the process of salting meat and letting it rest before cooking. You can use a wet brine, which involves submerging the chicken in a saltwater solution, or a dry brine, which involves sprinkling salt directly on the meat. For a wet brine, fill a large bowl with about 6 cups of lukewarm water and add 1/4 cup of kosher salt, stirring to dissolve. Add the chicken breasts to the brine and let them sit for 1 to 2 hours. If you opt for a dry brine, simply cover the chicken breasts with a layer of kosher salt and let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.

After brining, remove the chicken from the brine, pat it dry with paper towels, and season it with your desired herbs and spices. You can use a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, or get creative with other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley. If you're feeling adventurous, try a blend of smoked or sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried parsley. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile.

Once you've seasoned the chicken to your liking, it's time to add a bit of oil to help the seasonings adhere to the meat and keep it moist. You can use olive oil or avocado oil, whichever you prefer. Drizzle the oil over the chicken and make sure it's well coated. Then, use your hands to rub the seasoning blend into the chicken, ensuring it's evenly distributed on both sides.

Air Frying the Chicken

Now that your chicken is brined and seasoned, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken breasts inside, making sure they have enough space for air to circulate. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73.9°C). The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, so it's always a good idea to use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.

And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavourful air-fried chicken breasts. Serve them with your favourite sides, slice them up for salads or sandwiches, or enjoy them as is. Bon appétit!

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for air frying chicken breasts is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly and thoroughly without drying out.

The air fryer uses convection heat, which circulates hot air around the food. This means that the air fryer cooks food faster and at a lower temperature compared to a conventional oven.

For example, in a regular oven, the ideal temperature for baking chicken is around 425 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in an air fryer, a lower temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient and recommended.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Here is a general guide:

• Small breasts (5 to 7 ounces): 6 to 10 minutes
• Medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 12 to 16 minutes

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model, so it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure that your chicken breasts are cooked properly, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, some people prefer to remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, as the temperature will continue to rise slightly during the resting period.

Tips for Juicy Chicken Breasts

• Brining: Brining the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking can help keep it moist and enhance the flavour. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling salt directly on the meat).
• Don't Overcook: Overcooking is the main cause of dry chicken breasts. Remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches the desired temperature, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Use Olive Oil: Coating the chicken breasts with olive oil helps the seasonings adhere and keeps the meat moist.
• Flip Midway: Be sure to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

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

Chicken breast size

The size of the chicken breast will determine the cooking time.

Small chicken breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 6 to 10 minutes to cook. Medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 7 to 12 minutes. Large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 10 to 16 minutes.

However, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the desired level of doneness. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F to be considered fully cooked.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, the air fryer basket should not be lined with parchment paper as this can affect the cooking process and the taste of the chicken.

Resting the chicken

During the resting period, the chicken will continue to cook slightly due to carryover cooking. This means that even if your chicken breasts are a few degrees shy of the target internal temperature of 165°F, they will continue to cook and reach the safe temperature while resting. This is especially important if you are cooking larger chicken breasts, as they may take longer to reach the desired internal temperature.

While the chicken is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to go along with your meal. Some suggested sides include mashed potatoes, homemade mac and cheese, steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad. You can also use this time to set the table or prepare any other components of your meal.

Additionally, resting the chicken gives you a chance to clean up your air fryer or any other cooking tools you may have used. It is important to note that you should not cover the chicken while it is resting, as this can trap the heat and moisture, affecting the texture and taste of the chicken.

Finally, once the resting period is over, you can slice and serve the chicken. Enjoy your juicy and tender air-fried chicken breasts!

Frequently asked questions