Air-Fried Chicken Breast: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

If you're looking for a quick, easy and healthy way to cook chicken, then look no further than the air fryer. This handy appliance can cook food that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside in just 10-15 minutes.

The key to this recipe is to buy the right size of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 7 ounces) and to lightly pound and coat them in oil and seasoning before placing them in the air fryer. You can also use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure you defrost them first.

The air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying or pan-frying and it's also quicker and easier to clean up. So, if you're short on time or want to cut down on the amount of oil in your food, then this could be the perfect method for you.

Choosing the right chicken breasts

Size Matters:

When cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer, opt for smaller to medium-sized breasts. Larger breasts tend to take longer to cook and can result in uneven cooking. Aim for chicken breasts that are around 6 to 10 ounces in weight. This size will ensure they cook through evenly and remain juicy.

Boneless and Skinless:

For air fryer fried chicken, it's best to use boneless and skinless chicken breasts. This is because the air fryer cooks the chicken quickly, and bones can impede even cooking and make it challenging to get juicy results. Skin-on chicken may also not crisp up as desired in the air fryer, so removing the skin beforehand is advisable.

Fresh or Thawed:

While you can use frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer, it's best to thaw them first. Allow them to defrost overnight in the refrigerator or for at least 4 to 5 hours before cooking. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and helps prevent overcooking.

Pounding Technique:

To ensure even cooking and maximize juiciness, it's a good idea to pound the chicken breasts lightly to flatten them slightly. This helps create a uniform thickness so that the chicken cooks evenly. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or the heel of your palm to gently pound it to an even thickness.

Brining for Juiciness:

Brining the chicken breasts before cooking can make a significant difference in their juiciness and flavour. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling salt over the meat). For a dry brine, simply sprinkle kosher salt over the chicken and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Brining enhances the texture and flavour of the meat.

Freshness and Quality:

Always opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Look for chicken that is firm to the touch, with a natural pale pink colour. Avoid chicken that has an off odour or a slimy texture, as these are signs of spoilage.

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the right chicken breasts for your air fryer fried chicken recipe, ensuring delicious and juicy results every time!

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, you'll want to cut and pound the chicken. Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise, so you have long, narrow pieces. It's important to pound the chicken to an even thickness of around 1/2 an inch. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and you don't end up with dry ends. Pat the chicken dry if there is excess moisture.

Next, you'll want to coat the chicken. For a simple herb and spice coating, mix together salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl. You can also add cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and ensure it is well coated, then sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and rub it in thoroughly. You can also try a breadcrumb coating by mixing whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, and salt in a shallow bowl, then coating each chicken breast in the mixture.

Finally, you'll want to cook the chicken in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 360-415°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not touch so the air can circulate. Cook for around 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

And that's it! You're ready to enjoy your juicy, golden fried chicken.

Cooking the chicken

The key to this recipe is to cut the chicken breast into thin, flat pieces. This will ensure even cooking, juicier chicken, and more flavour coating surface area. Pat the chicken breasts dry if they are moist.

Next, you'll want to coat the chicken with your chosen spices and oil. You can use a variety of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Mix the spices together in a bowl, then sprinkle the mixture over the chicken pieces. Add the oil and toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated. You can let the chicken rest at this stage, but it's not necessary for the flavours to develop.

Now it's time to air fry! Preheat your air fryer and place the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded. The ideal temperature and cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces. For thin, flat pieces, air fry at 415 degrees Fahrenheit for around 10 minutes. For larger pieces, you may need to increase the cooking time to 13 minutes. You're looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Tips for the Juiciest Air-Fried Chicken

• Use olive oil to crisp the skin and help the spices adhere to the meat.
• Create space between the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. Don't overcrowd the air fryer and cook in batches if necessary.
• Check the temperature earlier than you think to avoid overcooking the chicken. Appliances can vary, so it's best to go by the temperature of the chicken to ensure it's done.
• Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it, allowing the juices to reabsorb.
• Try marinating or brining the chicken for extra juiciness and flavour.

Resting the chicken

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. It is important to use a plate or board with a groove or channel to catch any juices that may escape from the chicken.

Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes. This is a crucial step as it allows the juices to settle and helps prevent them from spilling out onto your plate or cutting board when you slice into the chicken.

If you are cooking a larger batch of chicken, you can keep the first batch warm in a low-temperature oven (around 250°F or 121°C) while you finish cooking the remaining chicken. This will ensure that your first batch stays warm and juicy while you finish preparing the rest.

After resting, you can slice or cut the chicken into your desired size. It is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as is or add your favourite dipping sauce or condiment.

Remember, the resting time is important to ensure that your chicken stays juicy and moist. Don't skip this step!

Serving suggestions

Salads

Add your chicken to a salad for a healthy, protein-filled meal. Try a spinach and strawberry salad, a simple green salad, or a healthy coleslaw or Asian cabbage slaw.

Wraps

Slice your chicken and add it to a wrap with some avocado or hummus.

Sandwiches

Use your chicken to make a chicken Caesar wrap or a sandwich with herbed goat cheese and garlic.

Pasta

Add your chicken to a pasta dish for some extra protein. Try it with Brussels sprouts pasta and brown butter, or a creamy mac and cheese.

Pizza

Use your air fryer chicken to make a buffalo chicken pizza.

Vegetables

Take advantage of your now free oven and roast some veggies to go with your chicken. Try roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli, or sautéed Brussels sprouts, cabbage, or carrots.

Dipping Sauces

Serve your chicken with a tasty dipping sauce like a Greek yogurt ranch dip or barbecue sauce.

Sides

Try some roasted potatoes and carrots, or mashed potatoes on the side.

Frequently asked questions