Air Fryer Chicken: Juicy, Tender Perfection In Minutes

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender, and tasty meal.

There are a few key steps to follow to ensure your chicken breast is juicy and not dry. Firstly, you can brine the chicken by salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. This helps the chicken absorb extra liquid and ensures it is seasoned throughout. Secondly, do not overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be 73-74°C/165°F when cooked. Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to reabsorb into the meat.

You can season your chicken breast with your choice of herbs and spices. A simple combination of olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper works well. Alternatively, you can use a blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder, or chicken spice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, set the temperature, and cook for around 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the model of your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it is not overcooked.

Enjoy your juicy air fryer chicken breast!

Brining the chicken

Step 1: Choose Your Brine Method

You have two options for brining: wet brining or dry brining. Wet brining involves submerging the chicken in a saltwater solution, while dry brining simply requires sprinkling salt over the meat. Dry brining is less messy and is the preferred method for many.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to lightly pound them to an even thickness. This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly. Then, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Step 3: Apply the Brine

If you're using the dry brine method, sprinkle kosher salt or sea salt over the chicken breasts. Be sure to use a sufficient amount of salt, as this will ensure proper seasoning. Place the salted chicken in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. This resting period allows the salt to penetrate the meat and enhance its flavour and texture.

If you choose to use a wet brine, create a saltwater solution by dissolving salt in water. Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine and let them soak in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 4: Rinse and Pat Dry (Wet Brine Only)

If you used a wet brine, remove the chicken from the brine and rinse it under cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Bring to Room Temperature

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This step helps the chicken cook more evenly.

Step 6: Combine with Oil and Spices

In a small bowl, mix olive oil and your desired spices. You can use a variety of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, or Italian seasoning. Generously sprinkle or rub the spice mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring that both sides are evenly coated.

Step 7: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 360-400°F (182-204°C). Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, smooth side down, and cook for 6-10 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and continue cooking for an additional 2-8 minutes. The total cook time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the model of your air fryer.

Step 8: Check Doneness and Rest

To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is considered safe to eat at 165°F (74°C), but it's best to remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 155-160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise during the resting period. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Using olive oil

Olive oil is a great option for cooking chicken in an air fryer. It helps to keep the chicken moist and juicy, and also ensures that any seasonings or spices stick to the meat.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Olive Oil

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
• Place the chicken in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
• Ensure each piece of chicken is completely coated with the oil.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• In a small bowl, combine your choice of seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or cajun spices.
• Generously rub the spice mixture onto the chicken, making sure it is well coated.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

• Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 360-380 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure there is enough space between them for even cooking.
• Cook the chicken for 7-10 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
• For smaller or medium-sized breasts, 7-9 minutes should be sufficient.
• For larger breasts, you may need to cook for up to 14 minutes.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender final product.
• Serve the chicken with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad.

Spices and seasoning

Variety of Spices:

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility when it comes to spices. While some recipes call for specific spice blends, you can get creative and experiment with different combinations. Here are some spice options to consider:

• Smoked paprika: This spice adds a rich, smoky flavour to the chicken. It's a key ingredient in many spice blends and can be adjusted to your preference.
• Garlic powder: A classic spice that enhances the savoury notes in the dish.
• Onion powder: This spice adds a subtle onion flavour without the moisture of fresh onions, keeping the chicken dry for air frying.
• Cumin: A unique spice that lends an earthy, warm flavour to the chicken.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices that gives the chicken an Italian twist.
• Mexican spices, BBQ spices, Indian spices: You can theme your chicken with these spice blends for a fun twist.

Salt and Pepper:

While salt and pepper may seem basic, they play a crucial role in bringing out the flavours of the other spices and herbs used. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste preferences.

Brining:

Brining is a technique where you soak the chicken in a saltwater solution or sprinkle it with salt (dry brining) before cooking. This process improves the texture of the meat, making it juicier, plumper, and more flavourful. It's recommended to brine the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but even just 30 minutes can make a noticeable difference.

Custom Spice Blends:

Creating your own spice blend allows you to personalise the flavours to your taste. You can mix and match different spices mentioned earlier or experiment with other options like rosemary, sage, parsley, thyme, or cajun seasoning. Don't be afraid to get creative and find your perfect combination!

Marination:

Marinating the chicken in a mixture of spices, yogurt, and other ingredients for a few hours before cooking can take your dish to the next level. It adds extra tenderness and infuses flavour deep into the meat.

Spices for Colour:

Some spices not only enhance the flavour but also add a beautiful colour to your chicken. For example, paprika or smoked paprika gives the chicken a golden hue, making it more visually appealing.

Spices for Crunch:

If you're looking for a crispy texture, spices like cornstarch or bread crumbs can help achieve that crunch. Experiment with different coatings to find your favourite!

Remember, the key to a successful juicy air fryer chicken breast is not just the spices but also the cooking technique. Ensure you follow the air fryer instructions, maintain the right temperature, and don't overcook the chicken. Happy cooking!

Air fryer temperature

The optimal temperature for cooking juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer is between 360 and 415 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the desired level of doneness, but it generally ranges from 6 to 18 minutes. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent undercooking, which could lead to foodborne illness.

• Create space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked properly.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and prevent dryness.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use room temperature chicken for accurate and consistent cooking times.

By following these tips and maintaining the appropriate temperature and cooking time, you can ensure that your air fryer chicken breasts turn out juicy and tender every time.

Resting the chicken

During the resting period, the chicken will continue to cook due to carryover cooking. This means that even after removing the chicken from the air fryer, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise and finish cooking to the recommended temperature of 165°F. This is why it is important to remove the chicken from the air fryer a few degrees early, as it will continue to cook while resting and reach the desired temperature.

The resting period also gives you the opportunity to prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your chicken breast. Some side dishes that pair well with air fryer chicken breast include roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, air fryer mushrooms, salads, pasta dishes, or sandwiches.

Additionally, resting the chicken gives you time to check the doneness of the meat using an instant-read thermometer. This is important because overcooking the chicken can lead to dry and tough meat. By checking the internal temperature, you can ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection and safe to consume.

In summary, resting the chicken is a crucial step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute, ensures the chicken is cooked to the recommended temperature, gives you time to prepare side dishes, and helps prevent overcooking. So, be patient and let your chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to enjoy a juicy and tender air fryer chicken breast.

Frequently asked questions