Air Frying Chicken Breasts: Temperature And Timing Tips

Chicken breasts are a versatile meal option, but they can be dry and bland. Air frying is a great way to cook chicken breasts, as it ensures they are tender and juicy. The key to success is to ensure the chicken is not overcooked and to use a brine or dry rub to add flavour.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, but it should take between 7 and 16 minutes in an air fryer preheated to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chicken breasts in an air fryer: how long and at what temperature?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, giving them a crispy texture without the need for deep frying. In this article, we will explore the ideal temperature and cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure juicy and tender results.

Temperature

The optimal temperature for cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is around 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly and efficiently without drying out. It is important to note that air fryers circulate hot air to cook food, so it is crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and ensure proper airflow.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer will depend on the size of the breasts. Here is a general guide for cooking times:

• Small breasts (5-7 ounces): 7 to 10 minutes
• Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 12 to 16 minutes

It is important to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Additionally, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken is considered safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F (71°C).

Tips for Juicy and Tender Chicken Breasts

• Brining: Brining the chicken breasts in a saltwater solution or dry brine (sprinkling with salt) for at least 30 minutes can help keep the meat juicy and flavourful.
• Avoid overcooking: Overcooking is the main reason for dry and rubbery chicken breasts. Remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 155-160°F, as the residual heat will continue to cook the meat.
• Pounding the chicken: Gently pounding the thicker side of the chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch helps ensure even cooking.
• Using olive oil: Coating the chicken breasts with olive oil helps the seasonings adhere and keeps the meat moist.
• Resting the chicken: Allow the chicken breasts to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, tented with foil, to let the juices redistribute and the chicken to finish cooking.

Seasoning Ideas

A simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper can enhance the flavour of plain chicken breasts. Other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley can also be used. For a smokier flavour profile, try adding smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder.

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare juicy and tender meat. By following the recommended temperature and cooking times, as well as incorporating some simple tips and seasoning ideas, you can achieve delicious and versatile chicken breasts perfect for any meal.

How to make air fryer chicken breasts

Air fryer chicken breasts are a quick and easy meal that can be ready in under 20 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make juicy and tender air fryer chicken breasts.

Ingredients:

Boneless and skinless chicken breasts

Olive oil

Seasoning of your choice (e.g. steak seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)

Instructions:

• Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them on a cutting board and covering them with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a rolling pin or meat tenderizer to gently pound the thicker side of the breast until it is an even thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. This step ensures even cooking and helps the chicken cook faster.
• In a small bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like oregano or thyme.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, don't worry, just skip this step.
• Brush or drizzle olive oil on both sides of the chicken breasts. The oil helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and keeps it moist.
• Generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with your chosen seasoning blend. Use your hands to rub the spices evenly over the chicken.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure there is enough space between them for air to circulate.
• Cook the chicken for 7 minutes, then flip the breasts over and cook for an additional 3 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. For smaller breasts (5 to 7 ounces), cook for a total of 10 to 11 minutes. For medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces), cook for 11 to 12 minutes. For larger breasts (10 ounces or more), cook for 13 to 14 minutes.
• To check if the chicken is done, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (71°C). Chicken is considered safe to eat at this temperature.
• Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and makes the chicken even more juicy.

Tips:

• If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper, as this can affect the cooking process and the taste of the chicken.
• For extra juicy chicken, brine the chicken before cooking by sprinkling with salt and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes.
• You can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of spices and oil for up to 24 hours before cooking for added flavour.
• If using frozen chicken breasts, thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
• Add vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers to the air fryer basket halfway through cooking for a complete meal.
• Serve your air fryer chicken breasts with your favourite sides, such as roasted potatoes, salad, or steamed vegetables.

Air fryer chicken breast recipes

The air fryer is a fantastic way to cook chicken breasts, giving them a juicy, tender texture and a delicious flavour. It's a quick and easy method that delivers impressive results every time. Here are some mouth-watering recipes to try!

Basic Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

This simple recipe is a great starting point for cooking chicken breasts in your air fryer. It uses a basic spice blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper to season the chicken, giving it a wonderful flavour.

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 plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness.
• For a dry brine (recommended): sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to one day.
• In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• Place the chicken in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and rub it in evenly.
• 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 and cook for an additional 2 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of the 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.

Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

This recipe adds a kick of spice to your chicken breasts, with the addition of cayenne pepper to the spice blend.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 7 ounces each)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, oregano or other herbs
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil

Method:

• In a small bowl, mix together the salt, paprika, garlic powder, thyme and cayenne pepper.
• Lightly pound the chicken to flatten and reduce the thicker side.
• Drizzle the oil over the chicken and coat it well.
• Sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides of the chicken and rub it in with your hands.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer, smooth side down, and cook at 375°F for 7 minutes.
• Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts with Brown Sugar and Cornstarch

For something a little different, try this recipe which includes brown sugar and cornstarch in the spice blend, giving the chicken a crispy, golden exterior.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin, flat pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons avocado oil or olive oil

Method:

• In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, brown sugar and cornstarch.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry and cut them into thin, flat pieces.
• Toss the chicken with the spice blend and avocado oil, making sure every piece is well coated.
• Preheat the air fryer to 415°F.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate.
• Air fry the chicken for 10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a moment before slicing and serving.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts with Steak Seasoning

If you're looking for a simple, flavourful option, this recipe uses a basic steak seasoning blend to create delicious, juicy chicken breasts.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2/3 pound each)
• 2 teaspoons steak seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method:

• In a small bowl, mix together the steak seasoning, sweet paprika, smoked paprika and black pepper.
• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin or meat tenderizer to gently pound the thicker side until the breast is an even thickness (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick).
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Brush the olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts.
• Generously coat both sides of the chicken with the seasoning blend, rubbing it in with your hands.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes.
• Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to serve air fryer chicken breasts

Air fryer chicken breasts are a quick, easy, and healthy meal option. They are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Sandwiches or Wraps

You can use the air fryer chicken breasts to make sandwiches or wraps. Add some avocado, keto tortillas, keto bread, or low-calorie wraps for a delicious and healthy meal.

Pasta

Slice the chicken breasts and add them to a pasta dish. It goes well with a veggie pasta or a high-protein or low-calorie pasta. You can also serve it on the side of some Brussels sprouts pasta with brown butter.

Pizza

Add the air fryer chicken breasts to a pizza for a protein boost. It goes well with a Sicilian pizza or a cast-iron pizza.

Sides

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

Salad

Serve the chicken breasts on a salad, such as a low-carb broccoli salad, keto coleslaw, or a spinach strawberry salad. You can also add it to a wrap, like Thai peanut wraps, or shred it into a simple crustless quiche.

With Dipping Sauces

Serve the air fryer chicken breasts with dipping sauces such as a gochujang dipping sauce made by mixing gochujang sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar.

With Vegetables

You can also add vegetables to your air fryer along with the chicken. Try zucchini, Brussels sprouts, red peppers, broccoli, or asparagus. Add them halfway through the cooking time.

With Sauces

Add a delicious sauce to your chicken breasts, such as a creamy mushroom sauce, white BBQ sauce, Peruvian green sauce, or lemon butter sauce.

For Meal Prep

Air fryer chicken breasts are perfect for meal prep. Cook them at the beginning of the week and slice them up. Store them in meal prep containers along with your favorite sides, salads, sandwiches, wraps, or chicken burrito bowls.

Air fryer chicken breast cooking times

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, as they can make the meat tender and juicy. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the temperature of the air fryer.

Air Fryer Temperature

Most sources recommend cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer at a temperature of between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. One source recommends a temperature of 415 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking Times

The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Here is a general guide:

• Small breasts (5 to 7 ounces): 6 to 10 minutes
• Medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces): 7 to 12 minutes
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 10 to 16 minutes

Tips for Cooking Chicken Breasts in the Air Fryer

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
• Brining or marinating the chicken breasts before cooking can help keep them juicy, but it is not necessary.
• Coat the chicken breasts with oil and seasoning before cooking.
• Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Allow the chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.

Frequently asked questions