Air-Fried Chicken Breasts: Crispy, Juicy Perfection

Air fryers have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They're a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook food, and they're incredibly versatile. One of the best things to cook in an air fryer is chicken breast, and it's a great way to ensure your chicken is juicy and tender.

There are a few key steps to follow to ensure your air-fried chicken breast is perfect. Firstly, you'll want to coat the chicken in oil and your chosen seasonings. You can use any combination of spices, but some popular options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Once your chicken is seasoned, it's time to cook it. Preheat your air fryer to around 360-400°F, and then place the chicken inside. Cook times will vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts, but generally, you'll want to cook them for around 10-15 minutes. It's important to keep an eye on your chicken to ensure it doesn't overcook, as this will dry it out.

Finally, once your chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure the juices are locked in, and you'll be left with delicious, juicy chicken breast.

Choosing the right chicken breasts

Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts

When making roast chicken in an air fryer, it is best to use boneless and skinless chicken breasts. This is because they cook more evenly and quickly in the air fryer, resulting in juicy and tender meat. Skin-on chicken breasts may not cook as evenly, and the skin may not crisp up as desired.

Size of Chicken Breasts

The size of the chicken breasts also matters. For the best results, look for chicken breasts that are around 7 ounces (200 grams) each. Larger breasts will take longer to cook and may require additional time in the air fryer. If you are using smaller chicken breasts, adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Fresh or Frozen Chicken Breasts

While fresh chicken breasts are always preferable, you can also use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. If using frozen chicken, ensure that you defrost them properly before cooking. Let the chicken breasts defrost overnight in the refrigerator or for at least 4 to 5 hours. Then, bring them to room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before seasoning and cooking.

Quality of Chicken

The quality of the chicken breasts you choose will significantly impact the final dish. Look for chicken breasts that are firm to the touch, with a fresh, pinkish colour. Avoid chicken that has an off-putting odour or discolouration. Opting for higher-quality, free-range, or organic chicken can also enhance the flavour and texture of your roast chicken.

Brining or Marinating

To add extra moisture and flavour to your chicken breasts, consider brining or marinating them before cooking. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution, while marinating involves coating the chicken in a mixture of oil, herbs, and spices. Both techniques can enhance the flavour and juiciness of the meat. If you decide to brine or marinate, plan ahead, as these processes can take several hours or even overnight.

Thickness of Chicken Breasts

For even cooking and optimal results, it is essential to ensure that your chicken breasts are of uniform thickness. If you encounter thicker parts, use a heavy rolling pin or a flat meat mallet to flatten them gently. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and prevent overcooking or undercooking.

Brining the chicken

If you opt for a dry brine, simply sprinkle the chicken with salt and place it in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes or up to a day. If you have the time, dry brining is highly recommended as it improves the texture and flavour of the meat.

If you prefer a wet brine, you can create a simple saltwater solution by dissolving salt in water. Completely submerge the chicken in the brine and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to a day.

After brining, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This step helps ensure even cooking.

It's important to note that brining is optional but highly recommended, especially if you want juicy, flavourful chicken. If you decide to brine, be sure to plan ahead as it requires some time for the chicken to rest.

Preparing the chicken

The first step in preparing your chicken is to pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help the oil and seasoning stick to the chicken. Next, lightly pound the chicken with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to ensure it is an even thickness. This step is optional but will help the chicken cook more evenly.

Now it's time to add the oil and seasoning. You can use any type of oil, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil. Brush or drizzle the oil over the chicken, ensuring each piece is completely coated.

For the seasoning, you can use any combination of spices and herbs you like. Some popular options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. You can also try more unique blends like brown sugar, cornstarch, and smoked paprika. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then sprinkle or rub the mixture generously over both sides of the chicken.

At this point, you can choose to let the chicken sit with the spices for a short time or even refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This step is optional but will enhance the flavour.

Cooking the chicken

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your chicken! Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• If your chicken breasts are thick, you can lightly pound them to an even thickness using a rolling pin, flat meat mallet, or your palm. This step is optional but helps ensure even cooking.
• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap before pounding to avoid making a mess.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step will help the chicken brown and crisp up nicely.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings. You can use a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, or parsley. You can also get creative and experiment with other spice blends like Cajun, taco, or BBQ seasoning.
• Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the chicken breasts and ensure they are well-coated. The oil will help the seasonings stick to the chicken and promote browning.
• Generously sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Use your hands to rub the spices into the chicken, massaging them into the meat.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking chicken breasts at temperatures between 360-415°F (180-210°C). However, some recipes skip the preheating step, so refer to your specific recipe for guidance.
• Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with adequate space between them for proper air circulation. 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 the chosen temperature, flipping the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the temperature of your air fryer. Larger breasts will take longer to cook, while smaller breasts may be done in as little as 8-10 minutes.
• To check if your chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Chicken is safe to eat at this temperature. However, some recipes recommend removing the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 155-160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise as the chicken rests.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

• Once your chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate or cutting board.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken stays moist and juicy.
• After resting, slice the chicken and serve it with your favourite sides or use it in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or other recipes.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve roast chicken breast cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

• Salads: Slice or shred the chicken and serve it on top of your favourite salad. It goes well with a spinach and strawberry salad or an arugula salad.
• Sandwiches or wraps: Use the chicken to make a chicken Caesar wrap or add it to an avocado grilled cheese sandwich.
• Pasta: Add the chicken to a veggie pasta dish or toss it with Brussels sprouts pasta and brown butter.
• Pizza: Use the chicken to make a buffalo chicken pizza.
• Stir-fry: Add the chicken to a vegetable lo mein.
• Rice bowls: Slice the chicken and serve it with rice and dips or in a rice bowl.
• Tacos: Use the chicken to make chicken tacos.
• Sides: Serve the chicken with roasted potatoes and carrots, mashed potatoes, green beans, or air fryer asparagus.
• Dips: Make a gochujang dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise, gochujang sauce, grated garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
• Marinades: Marinate the chicken in a sauce before cooking, such as stone ground mustard.
• Sauces: Serve the chicken with a creamy corn sauce or a sweet and sour sauce.

You can also use the cooked chicken in other recipes, such as fried rice, pasta dishes, or salads.

Frequently asked questions