Air Fryer Chicken Breasts: Thin Slices, Quick Cooking Time

Thinly sliced chicken breast is a great option for a quick and easy meal. It cooks faster than a full chicken breast, and when cooked in an air fryer, it's done in just 10 minutes. The air fryer also ensures the chicken is juicy and tender, with a crisp exterior.

To make thin sliced chicken breast in an air fryer, start by patting the chicken dry and coating it in oil and seasonings. Then, preheat your air fryer to between 375 and 415 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken for 7 to 10 minutes. The exact temperature and time will depend on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your chicken. Always make sure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it's safe to eat.

Brining the chicken

To brine the chicken, create a saltwater solution using a ratio of 1 tablespoon of salt to 1 cup of water. You will need enough water to completely submerge the chicken. For example, if you are using 4 cups of water, add 4 tablespoons of salt. Stir the water until the salt is completely dissolved, then submerge the chicken in the saltwater solution. You can also add your preferred spices to the brine. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.

After brining, remove the chicken from the saltwater solution and pat it dry with a kitchen towel. This step is important to ensure the chicken skin becomes crispy when cooked. Then, brush the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with your chosen spices or a spice mixture.

You can also opt for a dry brine, which involves sprinkling salt directly onto the chicken and letting it rest before cooking. Even just 30 minutes of brining can make a difference.

Pre-heating the air fryer

Pre-heating your air fryer is a crucial step to achieving the best results for your thin sliced chicken breast. While some recipes and air fryer models may not require pre-heating, doing so will ensure your chicken is cooked evenly with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Step 1: Understand your air fryer model

Before pre-heating your air fryer, it is important to consult your air fryer's manual to understand its specific features and requirements. Some air fryers have a dedicated pre-heat function, which simplifies the process.

Step 2: Prepare the air fryer basket

Ensure that the air fryer basket, which will be in direct contact with your food, is inside the unit during pre-heating. However, if you plan to use parchment paper, do not place it in the unit during pre-heating, as it may blow into the heating element and burn. Instead, wait until after pre-heating to place the parchment paper, weighing it down underneath your food.

Step 3: Set the temperature

Set the air fryer to the desired temperature according to your recipe. For thin sliced chicken breast, a temperature of around 400°F is typically recommended.

Step 4: Pre-heat the air fryer

Turn on the air fryer and let it heat up for a short period. The pre-heating time can vary depending on the size of your air fryer, but generally, it should be between 3 to 5 minutes for small air fryers (less than 3 quarts) and around 5 minutes for larger models.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect pre-heat for your air fryer, setting the stage for delicious thin sliced chicken breast or any other dish you plan to cook!

Oil and seasoning

The oil you choose for your chicken breast will help to crisp the skin and ensure that the herbs and spices adhere to the meat. You can use any cooking oil, but olive oil, avocado oil, and olive oil spray are all popular options.

Coat both sides of the chicken breast with a thin layer of oil. You can brush it on or use an oil spray.

For seasoning, you can use a combination of salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add brown sugar and cornstarch for a sweet and savoury blend.

If you want to experiment with different flavours, you can try Italian seasoning, Mexican spices, BBQ spices, Indian spices, or sauce.

Once you have coated the chicken with oil, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken pieces in a bowl. Toss the chicken so that each piece is thoroughly coated. You can use your hands or tongs to do this.

You can let the chicken sit with the spices for an extended period of time—up to 24 hours in the fridge. However, for the best results, it is recommended to wait to add the cornstarch until just before putting the chicken in the air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for thin-sliced chicken breasts in an air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the wattage and type of air fryer being used.

For a small chicken breast (5-7 ounces), the cooking time will be around 7-10 minutes. For a medium-sized chicken breast (8-10 ounces), the cooking time will be 10-12 minutes. A large chicken breast (11 ounces or more) will need to be cooked for 12-16 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may also vary depending on the number of chicken breasts being cooked at once. Cooking a full basket may take 1-2 minutes longer than cooking a single piece.

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is between 375-415°F. However, some air fryers may not reach temperatures above 400°F. In this case, it is recommended to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

It is also recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken. This will help ensure even cooking and browning.

When cooking thin-sliced chicken breasts in an air fryer, it is important to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the doneness of the chicken.

Brining the chicken breasts before cooking can also help ensure juiciness and enhance the flavor. A basic brine solution can be made by mixing 4 tablespoons of salt with 6 cups of water. The chicken breasts should be submerged in the brine solution for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

By following these guidelines for cooking time and temperature, you can ensure that your thin-sliced chicken breasts will turn out juicy and flavorful every time.

Serving suggestions

Thinly sliced chicken breast cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas:

Salads

You can serve the chicken on top of a salad, adding greens, nuts, avocado, and a light vinaigrette dressing. For a heartier salad, try a spinach and strawberry salad with balsamic poppy seed dressing. Alternatively, you can chop up the chicken and eat it cold in a salad.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Use the chicken to make sandwiches or wraps, such as a chicken Caesar wrap or an avocado grilled cheese sandwich with herbed goat cheese and garlic.

Pasta

Add the chicken to a veggie pasta dish for some extra protein. It would be a tasty addition to a Brussels sprouts pasta with brown butter.

Pizza

Use the air-fried chicken to make a scrumptious buffalo chicken pizza.

Sides

Serve the chicken with sides such as roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, asparagus, quinoa or rice, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or baked potatoes.

Other Ideas

• Stir Fry: Add the chicken to a vegetable lo mein.
• Tacos: Use the chicken as a filling for tacos.
• Bowls: Add the chicken to bowls with grains, salads, or casseroles.

Frequently asked questions