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

Air fryer chicken breast is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be made in under 20 minutes. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the temperature of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer.

The key to juicy air fryer chicken breasts is to ensure they are not overcooked. Chicken breasts dry out when they are left in the air fryer for too long or when the air fryer temperature is too high. It is also important to let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Some recipes recommend brining or marinating the chicken breasts before cooking, but this is not necessary. Simply seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice will result in a delicious and juicy air fryer chicken breast.

How to season chicken breast fillets for the air fryer

This guide will show you how to season chicken breast fillets for the air fryer. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your chicken is full of flavour and seasoned to perfection.

Step 1: Choose Your Seasonings

The first step is to select your seasonings. A simple yet effective combination is paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley to find your perfect blend. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder for a smoky and savoury flavour profile.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Before seasoning the chicken, it's important to prepare the fillets. Start by patting them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. If you're using frozen chicken, ensure it's completely thawed and brought to room temperature before proceeding.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken fillets in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or avocado oil. Ensure the fillets are well-coated by using your hands or tongs to distribute the oil evenly.

Next, it's time to add the seasonings. Sprinkle the spice blend generously over the chicken fillets, making sure to coat all sides. Again, use your hands or tongs to rub the spices into the chicken, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.

Step 4: Let it Sit (Optional)

At this point, you can choose to let the chicken sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to truly absorb into the meat. However, this step is optional, and you can proceed to cook the chicken immediately if desired.

Step 5: Air Fry

Once your chicken is seasoned and ready, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 375°F (190°C), and place the chicken fillets inside.

Cook the chicken for 7-10 minutes on one side, depending on the size of the fillets, and then flip them over. Continue cooking for an additional 2-4 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is juicy and tender. Finally, serve the chicken with your favourite sides and enjoy your delicious, perfectly seasoned air-fried chicken breast fillets!

How long to cook chicken breast fillets in the air fryer

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

As a general rule, the heavier the chicken breast, the longer it will take to cook. Here is a breakdown of the average cooking times for different weights of chicken breasts:

• Small chicken breasts (4-7 oz): 6-10 minutes
• Medium chicken breasts (8-10 oz): 10-12 minutes
• Large chicken breasts (11 oz or more): 12-20 minutes

The cooking time will also depend on the temperature of your air fryer. Most sources recommend cooking chicken breast fillets at 360-400°F. At 375°F, the average cooking time is 10-14 minutes. If you are cooking at a higher temperature of 400°F, the average cooking time is 10-15 minutes.

Checking for doneness

It is important to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked before consuming it. The best way to check if your chicken is cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. According to FDA recommendations, fully cooked chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F. Another way to check for doneness is to insert a knife into the thickest part of the chicken breast. If the juices run clear, then the chicken is cooked.

How to serve air-fried chicken breast fillets

There are many ways to serve air-fried chicken breast fillets. Here are some ideas:

Salads

You can serve the chicken breast fillets on a bed of greens, such as spinach, or try a broccoli salad, keto coleslaw, or even a keto potato salad. You can also add them to a Greek salad or a quinoa black bean salad.

Sandwiches and wraps

Get creative with your choice of bread—use keto tortillas, keto bread, or low-calorie wraps to make a chicken sandwich or wrap. You can also add other ingredients like avocado to your sandwich for a more filling meal.

Pasta

Slice up your air-fried chicken breast fillets and toss them with your favourite pasta. You can also add them to a veggie pasta dish or a Brussels sprouts pasta for an extra protein boost.

Pizza

Use your air-fried chicken breast fillets as a topping on a pizza. Try a Sicilian pizza or a cast-iron pizza for a unique flavour combination.

Stir-fry

Add your air-fried chicken breast fillets to a stir-fry. They would go well with a vegetable lo mein or any other stir-fried vegetables.

Sides

Make a star protein dish by serving the air-fried chicken breast fillets with sides like smoked mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, or curry fried rice.

Other dishes

You can also use air-fried chicken breast fillets in dishes like chicken pasta bake, chicken pesto pasta, or chicken pot pie.

How to store leftover air-fried chicken breast fillets

To store leftover air-fried chicken breast fillets, follow these steps:

Firstly, allow the chicken to cool down completely. This is important to prevent condensation from forming when you store the chicken, which can lead to a loss of crispiness. Aim to let the chicken sit at room temperature for around 15-20 minutes.

Next, choose an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag for storage. Make sure the container is clean and dry, and avoid using containers that don't provide an airtight seal. If you don't have an airtight container, you can use aluminium foil to wrap the chicken tightly.

Before placing the chicken in the container, it's a good idea to line the bottom with a layer of paper towel. This will help to absorb any excess moisture and keep the chicken crisp. You can also add another layer of paper towel on top of the chicken once it's in the container.

Now it's time to arrange the chicken. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure they don't touch or stack on top of each other. This is important to prevent the chicken from becoming damp and losing its crispiness.

Once you've arranged the chicken, seal the container tightly to create an airtight environment. If using a resealable plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

Label and date the container so you can keep track of how long the chicken has been stored. Consume the leftover chicken within 3-5 days for the best quality and flavour.

If you want to store the chicken for a longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap the chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place them in airtight freezer bags. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to two months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover chicken, avoid reheating it in the microwave as this can make it soggy. Instead, use an air fryer or a conventional oven set to around 350°F (180°C) and reheat for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the coating becomes crispy again.

How to reheat air-fried chicken breast fillets

Preparation

Before reheating your chicken breast fillets, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will help them heat more evenly.

If you want to add some crispiness, brush the fillets with a little bit of oil or cooking spray.

Reheating

Place the chicken fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between them for airflow. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven reheating.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F. The higher temperature is better for crispiness, but the lower temperature will help prevent the chicken from drying out.

Reheat for about 5 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the centre of the fillet reads an internal temperature of 165°F.

For larger pieces of chicken, reheat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

If you are reheating skin-on chicken breasts and want to crisp up the skin, cook for 1-2 minutes longer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your reheated chicken breast fillets in sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for a mid-week salad. They also go well with a batch of mashed potatoes!

Frequently asked questions