Air Fryer Chicken: Optimal Cooling Time

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts. They are versatile, can be used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and even chicken burrito bowls. They can be paired with a variety of sauces, such as creamy mushroom sauce, white barbecue sauce, or Peruvian green sauce.

The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts. Small breasts (5-7 oz) will take 6-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 oz) will take 10-12 minutes, and large breasts (11 oz or more) will take 12-16 minutes. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly to avoid food poisoning.

Some recipes suggest brining or marinating the chicken before cooking, but this is not necessary. A simple spice blend of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder will do the trick.

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook chicken breasts, and with the right seasoning and cooking time, they can be juicy and tender.

How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to lightly pound the chicken into an even thickness.
• To dry brine, sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and place in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. If you're not dry brining, skip this step.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you didn't dry brine the chicken, add the salt now.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top and toss to coat the chicken, ensuring the spices are rubbed evenly over both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer, smooth side down, and cook for 6 minutes.
• Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 2 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• If you want to add extra flavour to your chicken, you can brine it before cooking. Brining is the process of salting the meat and letting it rest prior to cooking. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). Dry brining is less messy and works wonders for the texture and flavour of the meat.
• If you're using frozen chicken, you don't need to defrost it first. Simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• To prevent your chicken from drying out, don't overcook it. Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, but you can remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 155°F to 160°F as the residual heat will continue to cook the meat.
• You can use a variety of seasonings and spices to flavour your chicken. Try a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, or experiment with other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley.

How long to cook chicken breast in an air fryer

How Long to Cook Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

The length of time it takes to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on the size of the breasts.

Small Breasts (5 to 7 ounces)

Small chicken breasts will take 7 to 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Medium Breasts (8 to 10 ounces)

Medium chicken breasts will take 10 to 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Large Breasts (11 ounces or more)

Large chicken breasts will take 12 to 16 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Checking the Chicken is Cooked

Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check this.

It is recommended that you do not overcook the chicken breasts, as this will result in them becoming dry.

How to serve air fryer chicken breast

Air fryer chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve this juicy and tender chicken dish:

Sandwiches or Wraps

You can use the air fryer chicken breast to make sandwiches or wraps. For a healthier option, use keto tortillas, keto bread, or low-calorie wraps. Add some avocado, lettuce, and tomato for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Pasta

Slice the chicken breast and add it to your favourite pasta dish. It goes well with a veggie pasta or a high-protein pasta. You can also serve it on the side with some brown butter or pesto.

Pizza

Give your pizza a protein boost by adding air fryer chicken breast to it. It will go well with a Sicilian pizza or a cast-iron pizza.

Sides

Make the chicken breast the star of your meal by serving it with sides such as smoked mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, curry fried rice, or roasted vegetables.

Salad

Air fryer chicken breast is an excellent addition to your salad. Try it with a low-carb broccoli salad, keto coleslaw, or a simple side salad with your favourite dressing.

Rice Bowls

Slice the chicken breast and serve it on a bed of rice with your choice of vegetables and sauces. It goes well with green rice or coconut rice.

Stir Fry

Add the chicken breast to your favourite stir fry dish. It will taste great with some vegetable lo mein or fried rice.

Dips

Slice the chicken breast and serve it with your favourite dips such as hummus, tzatziki, or a spicy dip.

Meal Prep

Air fryer chicken breast is perfect for meal prep. Slice the chicken into portions and add your favourite sides and vegetables. It will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

How to store leftover air fryer chicken breast

If you're looking to store leftover air fryer chicken breast, you're in luck! Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to ensure your chicken stays fresh and tasty.

Firstly, it's important to let the chicken cool down after cooking. The amount of time this takes will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Small breasts (5-7 ounces) will need 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will need 10-12 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will need 12-16 minutes.

Once your chicken has cooled, it's now time to store it. You'll want to place the chicken in an airtight storage container and put it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

If you're looking to freeze your leftover chicken, that's also an option! Simply place the chicken in an airtight freezer-safe storage container and it will last for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and enjoying.

Now, let's say you've stored your chicken and are ready to enjoy it again. How do you reheat it without drying it out? Well, there are a few methods you can try. One option is to use your air fryer! Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and set the temperature to 350°F. You don't need to preheat the air fryer, just let the chicken heat for about 5 minutes. You can check if it's warm enough by using an internal read thermometer – your chicken is ready to eat when it reaches 165°F.

Alternatively, you can reheat your chicken in the oven or on the stovetop. If using the oven, set the temperature to 350°F and heat the chicken for 10-15 minutes. If using the stovetop, add a small amount of oil or butter to a skillet and heat the chicken over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side.

There you have it! A few simple steps to store and reheat your leftover air fryer chicken breast. Now you can enjoy your juicy, tender chicken again and again.

How to reheat air fryer chicken breast

Preparation

Before reheating your chicken breast, it's important to let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps it heat more evenly and reduces the risk of bacteria growth.

You can also brush the chicken breast with a little bit of oil or cooking spray to enhance crispiness and prevent it from drying out.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C).

Place the chicken breast in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for the air to circulate effectively. If your chicken breasts are on the larger side, you may need to do this in batches.

Reheat for about 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. For smaller pieces, 5-6 minutes should be enough, while larger pieces may take up to 10-15 minutes.

Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the reheating process to ensure even cooking.

Always use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the reheated chicken breast reaches at least 165°F (74°C). This ensures that any harmful bacteria are killed, making it safe to eat.

Tips for Crispy Skin

If you're reheating skin-on chicken breasts and want crispy skin, you can cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Storing and Safety Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and reheating.
• Store leftovers in shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling.
• Divide larger batches of reheated chicken breast into smaller portions before storing.
• Place the containers of reheated chicken breast in the refrigerator within 2 hours of reheating.
• Avoid freezing reheated chicken, as this can affect its texture and taste.
• Do not reheat leftovers multiple times, as this increases the risk of bacterial contamination.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your reheated chicken breast with sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for mid-week salads. It also goes well with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Frequently asked questions