Tiffany Haney
Chicken breasts are a versatile meal-prep staple that can be used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and pasta dishes. Cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve juicy and tender results. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 7 to 13 minutes to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer.
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for frozen chicken breasts
You can cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer without defrosting them first. This can be done in around 30 minutes.
First, preheat your air fryer to 360°F–400°F for 3–4 minutes. You can then season the chicken breasts with salt, or a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper.
Next, place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The chicken breasts should now be fully or almost thawed.
After this, remove the chicken breasts from the basket and rub them with olive oil or avocado oil, and your chosen spice mix. Put them back into the air fryer and cook for another 10–20 minutes at 400°F, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Larger breasts will require a longer cooking time, while smaller breasts should be done in around 10 minutes. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through.
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Brining and seasoning
Brining is a process of salting meat and letting it rest before cooking. During brining, the meat absorbs extra liquid and salt, which helps keep it moist and allows the salt to flavour the meat throughout. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). If you are using a wet brine, make a solution with about 6 cups of lukewarm water and 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 are using a dry brine, simply sprinkle the chicken with salt and leave it to rest for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
After brining, remove the chicken from the brine, pat it dry with paper towels, and let it come to room temperature. Then, you can add your seasoning. A simple seasoning mixture includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper. You can also try Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a spice rub of your choice. Combine the chicken, olive oil or avocado oil, and the spice mixture in a bowl. Make sure each piece of chicken is well coated.
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How to check if the chicken is cooked
The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the breasts and the model of the air fryer. Generally, it takes around 7-10 minutes at 190ºC/375ºF to cook smaller chicken breasts, while larger ones may need an extra 5-7 minutes.
To check if the chicken is cooked, you can use an instant-read thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the meat. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF/74ºC. It is recommended to remove the chicken from the heat around 155-160ºF as the temperature will continue to rise and the meat will continue to cook during the resting period.
It is important to note that overcooking chicken breasts can lead to dryness, so it is advisable to keep a close eye on the temperature and remove the chicken from the air fryer once it reaches the desired temperature.
Additionally, the color and texture of the meat can also provide visual cues. Perfectly cooked chicken breast should be opaque white throughout, with a golden brown exterior. It should also feel juicy and tender when probed with a thermometer or pierced with a knife.
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Chicken breast size and cooking time
The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on the size of the breasts and the temperature of the fryer. Large chicken breasts will require a longer cooking time, while small breasts will be done in less time. It's important to note that chicken breasts should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
For thicker, un-sliced chicken breasts, it is recommended to air fry at 415°F (213°C) for a minimum of 13 minutes, checking the temperature at that time to confirm they are done. If the internal temperature has not reached 165°F (73°C), cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
If you prefer thinner, smaller, flat pieces of chicken breast, it is recommended to cook at a lower temperature of 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes, and then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. This method is ideal for more even cooking and juicy chicken, as it allows for more surface area to be coated in spices or seasonings.
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts of about 7 ounces, a cooking time of 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) is recommended. This includes 7 minutes on the first side and 3 minutes on the second side. However, some sources suggest that larger chicken breasts may require an additional 5-7 minutes to cook through, while thinner chicken breasts may only need a total of 8 minutes.
It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the number of chicken breasts being cooked. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).
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Oil types and preheating
When cooking chicken breast in an air fryer, you can use a variety of oils, including avocado oil and olive oil. Avocado oil is a good option because it has a high smoke point, a neutral flavor, and is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats. If you prefer to use olive oil, opt for refined olive oil (also known as light or extra light olive oil) as it has a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil.
You can spray, brush, or toss your chicken with oil before placing it in the air fryer. If you have a non-stick air fryer, you may not need to use oil at all. However, if you're cooking something that tends to stick, like salmon with the skin on, it's a good idea to spray or brush the basket with oil or use a silicone liner or perforated parchment paper.
When preheating your air fryer, simply set it to the desired cooking temperature and let it warm up for a few minutes before adding your food. Preheating helps to ensure that your food cooks evenly and can improve the texture of certain dishes, such as steaks, burgers, or breaded foods. However, it may not be necessary for all dishes, especially delicate foods like shrimp or garlic, or dishes with longer cooking times, like roasted chicken or baked potatoes.
Most air fryers can preheat to 400° F in three to five minutes, but smaller air fryers may preheat faster, sometimes in just two to three minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, you can manually preheat it by setting the timer for a few minutes longer than your desired cooking time and pausing it when the preheat time has elapsed.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 10 minutes to cook chicken breast in an air fryer. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller breasts can be done in 7-8 minutes, while larger ones may require up to 13-14 minutes.
Set your air fryer to 375ºF (190ºC).
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breast. It should have reached 165ºF (73ºC) when it is cooked. If you don't have a thermometer, insert a knife into the thickest part of the meat. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.
