Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breasts: Perfect Timing

Cooking boneless chicken breasts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare juicy, tender chicken. Depending on the size of the chicken breasts, the cooking time can vary from 10 to 14 minutes. However, it's important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to 165°F for food safety.

How long to cook boneless chicken breasts in an air fryer

Cooking boneless chicken breasts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, tender chicken. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but generally, it should take around 10 to 14 minutes.

First, lightly pound the chicken to flatten the thicker side. This will help the chicken cook evenly and ensure it stays juicy. Then, coat the chicken in some oil and season with salt or your choice of spices.

Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, smooth side down, and cook for 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C). After 7 minutes, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or more if your chicken breasts are larger.

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. If the temperature hasn't reached 160°F, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the carryover cooking to increase the internal temperature by a few more degrees. Finally, slice the chicken and serve with your favourite sides or use it in salads, bowls, or casseroles.

How to prepare the chicken before cooking

Preparing chicken before cooking in an air fryer is simple. Firstly, you should lightly pound the chicken to flatten the thicker side. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy. Next, coat the chicken in oil and season with salt and any other spices you like. You can then place the chicken breasts inside the air fryer basket, smooth side down, and cook for 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C). After 7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts and cook for a further 3 minutes. The total cooking time will be 10 minutes, but you can add a couple more minutes if the chicken breasts are larger. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the carryover cooking to increase the internal temperature by several more degrees. Finally, use a meat thermometer to check the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or 165°F. If not, return to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.

How to check if the chicken is cooked

To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the temperature is below this, cook the chicken for another 1-2 minutes and check again.

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can check if the chicken is cooked by cutting into it. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked. If the juices are pink or red, the chicken needs to be cooked for longer.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the power of your air fryer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your air fryer and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How long to rest the chicken for after cooking

It is important to let chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to settle and redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender. This is especially important for boneless chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly.

Most recipes recommend letting the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This is because the internal temperature of the chicken will continue to rise by several degrees while it rests, so it's important to take it out of the air fryer before it reaches the desired temperature of 165°F (74°C).

One recipe suggests letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing, which should be plenty of time for the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax. This will help ensure your chicken breasts are juicy and tender.

However, if you are short on time, you can get away with resting the chicken for just a minute or two. This will still give the meat a chance to rest and ensure it is not dry.

What to serve with the chicken

Boneless chicken breasts can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 10 minutes, but for the best results, it's recommended to cook them for 13 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Salads, such as a Greek salad or a cold macaroni salad
• Roasted vegetables, such as sweet potato gratin or roasted fennel with delicata squash and apples
• Potatoes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or French onion baked potatoes
• Bread, such as Parmesan-crusted Brussels sprouts
• Pasta, such as orzo al limone or fettuccine Alfredo

Frequently asked questions