Air-Frying Chicken Breasts: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts. They're quick, easy, and result in juicy, tender meat. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the temperature of your air fryer, but on average, it takes around 10-20 minutes to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer.

Before cooking, you can season your chicken breasts with a variety of spices, herbs, and oils. Some recipes also suggest pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.

Once cooked, air fryer chicken breasts can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, sandwiches, and casseroles. They're also great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.

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. Chicken breasts are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to check for doneness.

Small Chicken Breasts (5 to 7 ounces)

Small chicken breasts weighing between 5 and 7 ounces will take around 7 to 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer. Some sources recommend cooking small breasts for 10 to 12 minutes at 360°F.

Medium Chicken Breasts (8 to 10 ounces)

Medium-sized chicken breasts, weighing between 8 and 10 ounces, will take a little longer, around 10 to 12 minutes, or 13 to 15 minutes at 360°F.

Large Chicken Breasts (11 ounces or more)

Large chicken breasts, weighing 11 ounces or more, will take the longest to cook. They will need to be in the air fryer for 12 to 16 minutes, or 16 to 20 minutes at 360°F.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

• It is important to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• For best results, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents thinner parts from drying out.
• Brining or marinating the chicken breasts before cooking can add moisture and flavour, but it is not necessary. A simple spice rub or a coating of olive oil and seasonings will also produce juicy, flavourful chicken.
• To prevent overcooking, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F. The temperature will continue to rise as the chicken rests.
• Let the chicken breasts rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat juicy.

How to make air fryer chicken breasts

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Steak seasoning
• Sweet paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Dried thyme, oregano, or other herbs

Method:

• First, prepare your chicken breasts. If they are frozen, make sure to defrost them in the fridge overnight or for at least 4-5 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can also place them in a Ziplock bag and submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes to speed up the thawing process.
• Take the chicken breasts out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This step is important because it ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.
• Prepare your seasoning mix by combining salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, or any other dried herbs and spices of your choice. You can also use a store-bought seasoning blend like steak seasoning or lemon pepper seasoning.
• Pound the chicken breasts lightly to flatten them and ensure they are of even thickness. This step helps the chicken cook more evenly and prevents dry, overcooked chicken.
• Drizzle or brush olive oil on both sides of the chicken breasts. This helps the seasonings stick to the meat and also promotes browning.
• Generously coat the chicken breasts with your chosen seasoning blend, making sure to rub it in well with your hands. You can also place the chicken and seasoning in a Ziplock bag and shake to coat evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360-415°F. Different air fryer models may have slightly different temperature settings, so adjust accordingly. Preheating is not necessary for all air fryer models, but it can help ensure crispy results.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
• Cook the chicken for 7-10 minutes at 360-415°F, then flip the breasts over and cook for an additional 3-8 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the power of your air fryer. Smaller breasts (around 5-7 ounces) will take about 10-12 minutes, while larger breasts (10 ounces or more) may take up to 18 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is considered safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F. However, removing it from the air fryer at around 155-160°F and letting it rest for a few minutes will allow the carry-over cooking to bring it to the desired temperature without overcooking.
• Once the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken.
• Serve your air fryer chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.

Tips:

• If you're short on time, you can skip the brining or marinating step and still get delicious results.
• For extra crispy chicken, try breading the chicken with cornstarch or breadcrumbs before air frying.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the chicken breasts to allow for proper air circulation.
• Always make sure your air fryer is clean and free of any burnt residue before cooking. This will help prevent your chicken from picking up any unwanted flavors.

How to air fry chicken breast

Air-fried chicken breast is a quick and easy way to cook chicken that results in tender and juicy meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the best air-fried chicken breast.

Ingredients and Equipment:

Firstly, you will need an air fryer. You will also need the following ingredients:

• Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Spices/seasoning of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, oregano)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. If the breasts are very thick, you can use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness of around 1/2 to 3/4 inch. This will help the chicken cook more evenly.

Step 2: Brine the Chicken (Optional):

Brining the chicken is not essential, but it can help to make the meat juicier and more flavoursome. To dry brine, sprinkle salt all over the chicken and place it in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 3: Season the Chicken:

Drizzle or brush oil over the chicken to ensure the seasonings stick. You can then add your chosen spices or seasoning blend. You can also use a marinade, such as Italian dressing, for extra flavour. Ensure the chicken is well coated.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken:

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-415°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space for air to circulate. Cook for around 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. For smaller breasts (4-7oz), cook for 10-12 minutes. For medium breasts (8-10oz), cook for 12-15 minutes. For larger breasts (11oz+), cook for 16-20 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time.

Step 5: Rest the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the chicken stays moist.

Tips:

• If using frozen chicken, thaw it first before coating with oil and seasonings.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket – ensure there is space for air to circulate.
• Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check this.
• To reheat chicken, add a teaspoon of water and cover with a lid or plastic wrap before microwaving. This will help keep the meat moist.

Enjoy your delicious, air-fried chicken breast!

Tips for making air fryer chicken breasts

Prepare Your Chicken Breasts

Before you begin cooking, it's important to prepare your chicken breasts for the best results. Use a rolling pin or meat tenderizer to gently pound the thicker side of the chicken breast until it is an even thickness throughout. This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and helps prevent overcooking. Additionally, if your chicken breasts are frozen, be sure to let them thaw completely before cooking.

Seasoning is Key

A well-seasoned chicken breast can take your dish to the next level. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, or dried herbs like oregano or parsley. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend. You can also try marinating your chicken in Italian dressing or making a paste with the seasonings and oil to coat the chicken.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

While some recipes don't require preheating, it is generally recommended to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 360-400°F. This helps ensure even cooking and can lead to a crispier exterior.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Small breasts (around 5-7 ounces) will take about 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 10-12 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will need 12-16 minutes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your chicken is cooked through. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F, so use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Flip Your Chicken

For even cooking and browning, it's important to flip your chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that both sides cook evenly and helps prevent overcooking on one side.

Resting the Chicken

Once your chicken is cooked, it's crucial to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps the chicken stay moist and tender. Cover the chicken loosely with foil and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Add Vegetables

If you want to include vegetables with your chicken, add them to the air fryer basket at the halfway point of cooking. This way, they will cook through without overcooking. Zucchini, Brussels sprouts, red peppers, broccoli, and asparagus are all great options.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

When placing your chicken breasts in the air fryer, make sure they are not overlapping. They can touch, but ensure there is enough space for air to circulate properly. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and affect the crispiness of your chicken.

Brining and Marinating

While not necessary, brining or marinating your chicken can add extra flavor and moisture. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution or sprinkling it with salt and letting it rest before cooking. Marinating involves soaking the chicken in a mixture of oil, herbs, and spices, or even Italian dressing. These techniques can enhance the flavor and juiciness of your chicken breasts.

Reheating and Storing

When reheating your air fryer chicken breasts, add a teaspoon of water to the top of the chicken and cover it before microwaving. This helps keep the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out. As for storage, chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

What to serve with air fryer chicken breasts

There are many side dishes that go well with air fryer chicken breasts. Here are some ideas:

Roasted Vegetables

Air-fried vegetables are a great option to serve with chicken breasts. Some vegetables that can be cooked in an air fryer include:

• Green beans
• Asparagus
• Okra
• Corn on the cob
• Sweet potatoes
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts

Salads

A fresh salad can complement the chicken well. Some salad options include:

• Spinach strawberry salad
• Avocado kale Caesar salad
• Roasted peanut kale salad

Starch Sides

Starch sides can round out the meal and satisfy heartier appetites:

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Potato wedges
• Hash browns
• Baked potatoes

Breads

Bread can be a nice addition to the meal, providing something to soak up any juices or sauces:

• Garlic bread
• Pizza
• Wraps
• Sandwiches

Other Sides

There are also some other side dish options that can be served with air fryer chicken breasts:

• Zucchini chips
• Egg rolls
• Samosas
• Latkes
• Plantains

Frequently asked questions