Air-Frying Thin Chicken Breasts: Quick Grilling Perfection

Thin chicken breasts are a great option for a quick and easy meal. You can cook them in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes, and they'll come out juicy and tender every time. The key to success is to ensure your chicken breasts are evenly sliced and well-seasoned before cooking. You can also brine the chicken to make it even more juicy and flavourful.

Brining the chicken

Wet brining involves submerging the chicken in a saline solution, typically made with saltwater, for at least 12 hours and up to 18 hours. This process helps the meat retain moisture and enhances its flavour. However, it requires a lot of space and time.

On the other hand, dry brining is a simpler method where you coat the surface of the meat with kosher salt and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours or up to one day. During this process, you can also add herbs and spices to boost the flavour. Dry brining results in meat with a stronger savory flavour and a crispier skin.

If you're short on time, dry brining is a great option as it requires less space and no water. However, if you want the juiciest chicken possible, wet brining is the way to go.

Regardless of the method you choose, brining is an essential step in preparing your chicken for air frying. It ensures your meat will be moist, tender, and full of flavour.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for thin chicken breasts in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the chicken breasts and the desired level of doneness. Here is a general guide for cooking thin chicken breasts in an air fryer:

• Small chicken breasts (5-7 ounces): 6-10 minutes at 375-415°F
• Medium chicken breasts (8-10 ounces): 10-12 minutes at 375-415°F
• Large chicken breasts (11 ounces or more): 12-16 minutes at 375-415°F

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken breasts. It is always best to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts to ensure they are cooked to the desired level of doneness. The safe minimum internal temperature for cooked chicken breast is 165°F.

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents overcooking.
• Create space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. Do not overcrowd the basket.
• Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and prevent drying out.
• You can also brine or marinate the chicken breasts before cooking to add moisture and enhance the flavor.

Resting the chicken

While the chicken is resting, you can prepare some sides to go along with it. Some great options include roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, quinoa or rice, a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese. You can also make a simple dipping sauce to go with the chicken.

If you're using an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken, make sure to do so before letting the chicken rest. The safe minimum internal temperature for cooked chicken breast is 165°F (73.9°C).

Once the chicken has rested, you can slice or shred it and serve it with your chosen sides. You can also use it in various recipes like bowls, salads, sandwiches, wraps, or pasta.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Spices and seasoning

When it comes to spices and seasonings, you can go in a few different directions with your thin chicken breast in the air fryer.

One option is to use a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. You could also use other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley. If you want to add a bit of heat, include some cayenne pepper in your blend.

Another option is to use a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Avocado oil or olive oil is also used in this recipe.

If you're looking for a pre-made blend, you could try the McCormick Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning.

For a more Mediterranean flavour, you could try a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

If you want to get creative, you can mix it up with Mexican spices, BBQ spices, Indian spices, or whatever your menu calls for.

Remember, the key to juicy chicken is brining or marinating, so don't skip that step!

Chicken preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Firstly, you'll want to ensure you have the right size of boneless, skinless chicken breasts—about 7 ounces is ideal. If you're using frozen chicken breasts, make sure to let them defrost in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours before cooking. Then, let them come to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before seasoning.

Step 2: Pound and Season the Chicken

Lightly pound the chicken to flatten the thicker side. This helps ensure even cooking and juicy results. You can also slice the chicken into thin, flat pieces, but not bite-sized. The goal is to have flat, thin pieces for more even cooking and more flavour.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and discard the water. Then, rub or drizzle the chicken with olive oil or avocado oil and make sure they are well-coated.

Step 3: Mix Spices and Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices. A simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper works well, but you can also use other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley, or a spice rub of your choice. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and rub it in well with your hands, ensuring both sides are coated.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or 400°F (200°C). Some recipes recommend not preheating the air fryer for chicken breasts, as it can result in the outside cooking faster than the inside. However, others suggest preheating for 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, smooth side down, and cook for 6 to 7 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 3 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts.

For a 6 to 7-ounce chicken breast, cook for a total of about 10 to 11 minutes.

For an 8 to 9-ounce chicken breast, cook for a total of about 11 to 12 minutes.

For a 10-ounce or larger chicken breast, cook for a total of about 13 to 14 minutes.

Always use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 160°F (71°C) to 165°F (73.9°C). The safe minimum internal temperature for cooked chicken breast is 165°F (73.9°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the chicken, making it even juicier.

Tips for Juicy Chicken Breasts

• Brining the chicken breasts in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking can help retain moisture and enhance flavour.
• Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes can also help keep the chicken juicy and add extra flavour.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts to allow for proper air circulation.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcook the chicken. Remove it from the air fryer when it reaches the desired internal temperature, as overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, add a teaspoon of water to the chicken, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. You can also reheat in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Frequently asked questions