Air-Fryer Chicken: Bone-In Breasts, Crispy And Quick

Air fryer bone-in chicken breasts are a quick, easy, and delicious meal to make any time of the day. Requiring minimal prep time, this juicy and tender chicken dish can be made in under 30 minutes. The air fryer seals in the flavour and cooks the chicken to perfection, ensuring the meat is succulent and the skin is crispy.

Choosing your chicken breasts

Type of Chicken Breasts

When selecting chicken breasts for this recipe, it's best to go for bone-in, skin-on split chicken breasts. The bone and skin help keep the meat juicy and flavourful during the cooking process. Split chicken breasts are usually sold with the skin on, but you can also find boneless and skinless options if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the cooking time and seasoning may need adjustments for boneless and skinless chicken.

Size of Chicken Breasts

The size of the chicken breasts will impact the cooking time. Larger chicken breasts will take longer to cook, while smaller ones will cook more quickly. It's important to note that most air fryers can accommodate two 12-ounce chicken breasts, but if you're cooking for a larger group, you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

Quality of Chicken

It is always best to choose the highest quality chicken you can find and afford. Look for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts from a reputable source. The quality of the meat will impact the overall taste and texture of your dish.

Brining

Brining your chicken breasts is an optional step, but it can add extra flavour and moisture to the meat. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling with salt). If you decide to brine, allow at least 30 minutes for the process.

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning your chicken breasts, you have endless options. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even barbecue, lemon pepper, or jerk seasoning. You can also use a store-bought blend, such as Montreal Chicken Seasoning, or make your own homemade blend. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the flavours that you enjoy the most.

Preparing your chicken breasts

To prepare your chicken breasts, start by removing them from their packaging and setting them aside. You can use skin-on or skinless chicken breasts, but it's worth noting that the skin helps keep the meat juicy and adds flavour. If you are using skin-on chicken, gently lift the skin and sprinkle seasoning underneath.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat. You can also brine the chicken breasts in saltwater or a dry brine for extra flavour and moisture.

Next, you'll want to coat the chicken with oil and your chosen seasonings. You can use any combination of seasonings you like, but some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also use a pre-made seasoning blend.

Once the chicken is seasoned, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer.

Cooking your chicken breasts

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your chicken breasts.

First, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 360 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat.

After that, you can season your chicken breasts. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a simple combination of salt and pepper. You can also coat the chicken with olive oil to help the skin crisp and the seasonings to stick. Make sure to season all sides of the chicken breasts, including under the skin.

Once your chicken is seasoned, place it in the air fryer basket, skin side down. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but it usually ranges from 20 to 30 minutes for two breasts. For larger breasts, you may need to add a few extra minutes. It's important to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

To check if your chicken is done, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, being careful not to touch the bone.

Finally, let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender chicken breast.

And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked, juicy and flavourful air-fried bone-in chicken breasts.

Resting your chicken breasts

It is important not to overcook your chicken breasts, as this will result in dry meat. The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly is to use an instant-read thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F, but you can remove it from the heat once it reaches 155-160°F as the residual heat will continue to cook the meat.

If you are cooking frozen chicken breasts, it is best to thaw them first before coating them with spices and placing them in the air fryer. This will ensure the best texture and even cooking.

By following these simple tips, you'll be able to enjoy juicy and tender air-fried chicken breasts every time!

Serving your chicken breasts

Now that you've cooked your chicken breasts, it's time to serve them! Here are some tips and ideas to make the most of your meal.

Resting the Chicken

Always let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps to redistribute the juices and ensures your chicken is juicy and tender.

Checking the Temperature

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should have reached 165°F at its thickest point. This will ensure your chicken is cooked safely without being overdone.

Serving Ideas

These juicy, crispy chicken breasts are delicious served with a simple side dish or two. Here are some suggestions:

• Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables
• Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Green Beans
• Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
• Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots
• Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
• Air Fryer Acorn Squash
• Air Fryer Pita Chips and Napa Cabbage Slaw
• Haricot Verts
• Air Fryer Cauliflower
• Fried Cabbage
• Mashed Potatoes
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Salad

Reheating and Storing

To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven or microwave.

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Note that while you can regain crispiness by reheating in the air fryer, the inside may be slightly drier than when freshly cooked.

Frequently asked questions