Air Fryer Chicken Breast: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken breasts are a versatile protein that can be used in a variety of dishes, but they have a reputation for being dry and bland. However, with the right techniques and tools, you can transform them into juicy and flavourful additions to your meals. One such tool is the air fryer, which can give you tender and succulent chicken breasts in a short amount of time.

The key to achieving juicy chicken breasts in the air fryer is to ensure they are not overcooked. This can be done by brining the chicken, using a dry brine or simply keeping a close eye on the temperature and removing the chicken from the heat at the right time. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken breast is 165°F (73.9°C), but some recipes suggest removing the chicken from the heat at around 155°F to let the carryover cooking bring it to temperature.

In terms of cooking time, this will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Small breasts (5-7 ounces) will take around 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 10-12 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12-16 minutes. It is also important to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

When it comes to seasoning, you can use a variety of herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences and the dish you are preparing. Some common options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, thyme, cayenne pepper, and parsley. You can also try more specific blends such as taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, Greek seasoning, or ranch seasoning.

So, if you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious way to cook chicken breasts, give the air fryer a try!

How to prepare the chicken breasts for the air fryer

Preparing chicken breasts for the air fryer is a straightforward process, but there are a few steps you can take to ensure they turn out juicy and tender. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare chicken breasts for the air fryer:

Brining (Optional)

Brining is a crucial step in preparing chicken breasts for the air fryer if you want them to be extra juicy. It involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution, which helps the meat retain moisture and enhances its flavour. To brine chicken breasts, follow these steps:

• Prepare a brine solution by dissolving 1/4 cup of kosher salt in 6 cups of lukewarm water.
• Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine solution and let them sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Remove the chicken from the brine, pat it dry with paper towels, and discard the brine solution.

Preparing the Chicken

Whether you choose to brine or not, the next steps are crucial to ensuring your chicken breasts turn out perfectly in the air fryer:

• Pound the chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to lightly pound them to an even thickness. This step helps ensure even cooking and tenderises the meat.
• Season the chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it all over to ensure they are well coated. Then, sprinkle your desired seasonings over the chicken. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or dried thyme. Massage the seasonings into the chicken to ensure they are well distributed.
• Preheat the air fryer: While some recipes don't require preheating the air fryer, it can be beneficial if you want a crispy exterior. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, use that. Otherwise, turn it on and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding the chicken.

Cooking the Chicken

Once your chicken breasts are prepared and your air fryer is ready, it's time to cook them:

• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Leave some space between them to ensure even cooking.
• Set the air fryer temperature: The ideal temperature for cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer is around 360-380°F (180-190°C). However, some recipes recommend higher temperatures, such as 400-415°F, for a crispier exterior.
• Cook the chicken: The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the temperature of your air fryer. For a 7-ounce chicken breast, cook for about 10 minutes at 375°F. For larger breasts, add 1-4 minutes to the cooking time. Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken.

How long to cook the 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 chicken breasts. It's important to note that the air fryer temperature should be set to 375°F (190°C) and the chicken should be cooked smooth side down for the first few minutes.

Small Chicken Breasts (5 to 7 ounces)

Small chicken breasts weighing between 5 and 7 ounces should be cooked in the air fryer for a total of 7 to 10 minutes.

Medium Chicken Breasts (8 to 10 ounces)

Medium chicken breasts weighing between 8 and 10 ounces should be cooked in the air fryer for a total of 10 to 12 minutes.

Large Chicken Breasts (11 ounces or more)

Large chicken breasts weighing 11 ounces or more should be cooked in the air fryer for a total of 12 to 16 minutes.

It's important to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Additionally, the safe minimum internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (73.9°C), so it's recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature before serving.

How to season the chicken breasts for the air fryer

There are many ways to season chicken breasts for the air fryer, and you can use your favourite herbs and spices. Here is a detailed, direct, and instructive guide on how to season chicken breasts for the air fryer:

Firstly, you can use a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley. Mix the spices together in a small bowl and set aside.

Secondly, you can coat the chicken breasts in olive oil and then roll them in the seasoning mix. Ensure the chicken is well coated and rub the seasoning into the meat with your hands.

Alternatively, you can use a dry brine by sprinkling the chicken breasts with salt and leaving them to rest for at least 30 minutes or up to one day in the refrigerator. Then, remove the chicken and let it come to room temperature before adding the other spices to the mix.

Finally, you can try a wet brine by creating a saltwater solution for the chicken to absorb. This will help to keep the meat moist and enhance the flavour.

Some other spice combinations you could use include:

• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper
• Paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper
• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper

How to reheat the chicken breasts after cooking in the air fryer

Reheating chicken in an air fryer can be tricky, but it's a great way to retain the original taste and flavor of the dish. Here are some detailed instructions on how to reheat chicken breasts after cooking them in the air fryer:

Preparation:

First, let the chicken breasts sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove some of the chill. This helps the chicken heat more evenly during reheating. You can also brush the chicken breasts lightly with oil or use a cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Air Frying:

Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between them for proper airflow. Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C) and reheat. For even reheating, flip the chicken breasts after 6 minutes. Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, the reheating process could take between 10 and 20 minutes.

Monitoring:

To prevent overcooking, start checking the internal temperature of the chicken breasts with a meat thermometer after 10 minutes of reheating. The chicken breasts are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken is thoroughly reheated and safe to eat, according to USDA guidelines.

Optional Crisping:

If you prefer your chicken breasts to be crispier, you can increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the last minute of cooking time. However, be careful not to overcook the chicken.

Top Tips:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even reheating.
• If your chicken breasts are coated with sauce or breadcrumbs, place them on parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Remember to adjust the reheating time based on the thickness and size of your chicken breasts.
• Always ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Experiment with seasonings or sauces to add extra flavor to your reheated chicken breasts.

Storage:

After reheating, allow the chicken breasts to cool down to room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Divide them into smaller portions if needed. Then, transfer the chicken breasts to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags for storage. Label the containers with the contents and the date of reheating. Finally, place the containers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of reheating.

Enjoy your juicy and flavorful reheated chicken breasts!

What to serve with the chicken breasts

Now that you've cooked your chicken breast in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with it. Here are some ideas to accompany your juicy chicken:

Salads and Veggies

You can add your chicken to a Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing, or serve it with roasted veggies like potatoes and carrots, corn on the cob, or air fryer mushrooms. If you're looking for something a little more substantial, try a Brussels Sprouts Pasta with Brown Butter.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Try a Chicken Caesar Wrap, or add your chicken to an Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Herbed Goat Cheese and Garlic.

Pizza

Use your air fryer chicken to make a scrumptious Buffalo Chicken Pizza.

Stir Fry

Add your chicken to a Vegetable Lo Mein for a tasty and easy stir fry.

Other Ideas

You could also serve your chicken with air fryer French fries, sweet potato fries, or zucchini fries. Or, if you're feeling creative, try making air fryer samosas, pizza puffs, or egg rolls as a side dish.

Frequently asked questions