Air-Fryer Split Chicken Breast: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to make a tasty meal. Air fryers are healthier than other cooking methods as they require less oil, and they also produce a crispy finish.

This guide will show you how to make juicy and tender split chicken breasts in an air fryer.

Choosing the right seasoning

Dry Rub

A dry rub is a mixture of dried herbs, spices, and other flavourings that are rubbed onto the surface of the chicken before cooking. This technique is ideal for air frying as it helps to create a crispy, flavourful exterior. A simple dry rub can include a combination of garlic powder, brown sugar, chilli powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other spices like onion powder, Italian seasoning, or even a premade spice blend such as lemon pepper or Greek seasoning.

Marinating

Marinating your chicken in a mixture of oil, herbs and spices, and an acidic ingredient (like vinegar or lemon juice) can add a burst of flavour to your dish. Marinades are especially useful if you want to add moisture to your chicken or if you're cooking boneless chicken, which tends to dry out more easily. Try a marinade with balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with substitutions and additions to create your own unique flavour profile.

Simple Seasoning

If you're short on time or prefer a more minimalist approach, you can simply rub your chicken with oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper or another spice blend of your choice. This method still adds flavour to the chicken while allowing the natural taste of the meat to shine through.

Brining

Brining is a technique where you submerge your chicken in a saltwater solution, often with other flavourings like garlic or herbs, for several hours or overnight. This helps to add moisture and flavour to the meat, resulting in juicy, tender chicken breasts. After brining, you can pat the chicken dry, season it with your choice of spices, and cook it in the air fryer.

Customising Your Seasoning

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your perfect blend. You can also adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you like your food spicy, add more red pepper flakes, chilli powder, or hot sauce. If you're a fan of garlic, add some extra garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves to your marinade or dry rub. Get creative and make your chicken dish your own!

How to prep the chicken

Preparing the chicken is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection.

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you will require bone-in, skin-on split chicken breasts. The amount you use will depend on the size of your air fryer, but as a guide, two 12 oz chicken breasts will fit in a 5-quart air fryer.

Next, you will need to pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it will allow the seasonings to stick to the meat. Once the chicken is dry, sprinkle your chosen seasonings onto all sides of the chicken breasts. You can also gently lift the skin and sprinkle seasoning underneath for added flavour. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or try a blend such as garlic and herb, lemon pepper, or Greek seasoning.

Now your chicken is prepped and ready for the air fryer!

Air-frying the chicken

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your chicken in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer

Set your air fryer to 360–375 °F. This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat. Then, rub the chicken with oil and coat it with your chosen seasonings. You can lift the skin gently and sprinkle seasoning under it for extra flavour.

Step 3: Air fry the chicken

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook for 15 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F.

Step 4: Rest the chicken

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavourful chicken breast.

Tips for crispy skin

For crispy skin, some recipes suggest cooking the chicken skin side down first, while others recommend basting the chicken with butter or oil. You can also try drying the chicken thoroughly before seasoning to ensure the skin crisps up.

Checking for doneness

To ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165 °F.

Reheating and storing

You can reheat your chicken in the air fryer, oven, or microwave. When reheating, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to store leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers are important steps in keeping your food safe and delicious. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat leftovers of air-fried split chicken breast:

Storing Leftovers:

• Cooling Time: After cooking your split chicken breast in the air fryer, allow it to cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial for food safety and maintaining the quality of your leftovers.
• Portioning: If you have cooked a large batch of chicken breasts, consider dividing them into smaller portions. This will help with quicker cooling and more convenient reheating.
• Storage Containers: Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to store the chicken. Make sure the containers are clean and dry before placing the chicken inside.
• Labelling: Label the containers with the contents and the date of cooking or reheating. This helps you keep track of how long the chicken has been stored and ensures you consume it within a safe timeframe.
• Refrigeration: Place the containers of split chicken breast in the refrigerator as soon as possible, ideally within 2 hours of cooking or reheating.
• Storage Duration: You can safely store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Consume or freeze the chicken within this timeframe to ensure optimal taste and food safety.

Reheating in an Air Fryer:

• Temperature Adjustment: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature setting will help prevent the chicken from drying out while ensuring it is thoroughly reheated.
• Arranging the Chicken: Place the leftover split chicken breast in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there is space between each piece to allow proper air circulation. You may need to reheat in batches if you have larger pieces or a bulk of chicken.
• Optional Oil/Spray: If desired, brush the chicken breast lightly with oil or use a cooking spray. This step can help enhance the crispiness of the skin.
• Reheating Time: For even reheating, flip the chicken halfway through. Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, the reheating process could take between 10 and 20 minutes.
• Temperature Check: Start monitoring the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer after 10 minutes. The chicken is safely reheated when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Crisping Option: If you prefer a crispier skin, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking. However, be cautious not to overcook the chicken.

Food Safety Tips:

• Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep raw and cooked chicken separate to prevent cross-contamination. Wash your hands, utensils, and countertops with soap and water after handling raw chicken.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking or reheating.
• Reheat Only Once: Avoid reheating leftovers multiple times. Repeated reheating can increase the risk of bacterial contamination.
• Freeze Caution: While cooked chicken can be frozen, it is generally not recommended to freeze leftovers after reheating. Freezing, thawing, and reheating chicken multiple times can affect its taste, texture, and safety.

By following these instructions, you can safely store and reheat your air-fried split chicken breast, ensuring delicious and healthy meals every time.

How to reheat the chicken

Now that you've cooked your split chicken breast in the air fryer, you might be wondering how to reheat it without drying it out. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheating your chicken so that it stays moist and juicy.

Preparation:

If your chicken is in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove some of the chill. This helps it reheat more evenly. You can also brush the chicken breast with a little bit of oil or use a cooking spray to help bring out the crispiness.

Air Frying:

Place the chicken breast in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for proper airflow. Set the air fryer temperature to between 350°F and 375°F and reheat. Flip the chicken after about 6 minutes for even heating. Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, it could take between 10 and 20 minutes to heat through.

Checking for Doneness:

After the 6-minute flip, start checking the internal temperature of the chicken breast using a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure it is thoroughly reheated and safe to eat, according to USDA guidelines.

Optional Crisping Step:

If you prefer your chicken to be crispier, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the last minute of cooking time. However, be careful not to overcook it.

Top Tips for Reheating:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and prevent uneven reheating.
• If your chicken is coated with sauce or breadcrumbs, place it on parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Remember to adjust the reheating time based on the thickness of your chicken pieces.
• Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
• Experiment with seasonings or sauces to add extra flavor.

Safety Tips:

• Always use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F, killing any harmful bacteria.
• Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw chicken separate from cooked chicken. Wash your hands, utensils, and countertops after handling raw chicken.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and store in shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling.
• Avoid reheating leftovers multiple times, as this increases the risk of bacterial contamination.

Storing Reheated Chicken:

• Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature within 2 hours of reheating.
• Divide larger batches into smaller portions before storing.
• Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags for storage and label with contents and date of reheating.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of reheating.
• While cooked chicken can be frozen, it is generally not recommended to freeze after reheating as it can affect texture and taste.

Now you're ready to enjoy your juicy and flavorful reheated split chicken breast!

Frequently asked questions