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

Chicken breasts are a versatile staple for any meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious results. The air fryer's convection heat means you don't need to set it as high as a regular oven, and it cooks the chicken in less time.

There are many ways to season chicken breasts for the air fryer, from a simple spice blend of steak seasoning, paprika, and black pepper to a combination of chicken spice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. You can also try Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or a dry brine of salt to enhance the flavour.

The key to juicy chicken is to not overcook it. You can also brine the chicken or use olive oil to keep it moist. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but generally, it will take around 10-20 minutes in the air fryer.

So, if you're looking for a simple, tasty, and healthy way to cook chicken breasts, give the air fryer a go!

Air fryer chicken breast with avocado oil and spices

Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt (use table salt for better coating)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons avocado oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

Method

• Cut the chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces (not bite-sized). Pat the chicken breasts dry if they are very moist.
• In a bowl, toss the spices together and sprinkle the mixture over the chicken pieces. Add the avocado oil and toss to thoroughly coat the chicken.
• Preheat the air fryer. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate.
• Air fry the chicken at 415 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. For larger pieces of chicken, increase the time to 13 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• You can use olive oil or any other neutral-flavoured high-heat oil instead of avocado oil.
• For best results, use an air fryer with a preheat setting.
• If you have more than 1 pound of chicken, increase the amount of spices by 1.5x.
• You can marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, but add the cornstarch just before air frying.
• For a spicier version, add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.

Air fryer chicken breast with olive oil and Italian seasoning

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Optional

Brussels sprouts or broccoli

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 360–375°F for 5 minutes.
• Coat the chicken breasts in olive oil and rub Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper all over.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for around 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For extra juicy chicken, try brining or marinating the chicken before cooking.
• Pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if necessary.
• Check the temperature of the chicken early to avoid overcooking.

Air fryer chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika

This recipe is perfect for a quick, tasty, and healthy midweek meal. It takes less than half an hour from start to finish and is a great way to cook chicken breast without the splattering grease of pan-frying or the hassle of heating up the oven.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 inch thick at the thickest point)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method:

First, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, cumin, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Generously spray each chicken breast with cooking spray and place them into the air fryer basket.

Preheat the air fryer to 375˚F, if needed, and air fry the chicken for 6 minutes. Flip the breasts and continue to air fry for an additional 4 to 6 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer to a cutting board. Allow the meat to rest for 6 to 8 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

You can eat the chicken breasts as an entrée, but they also work well chopped up and used in wraps, salads, or pasta.

While brining isn't necessary, it can help to increase the tenderness and juiciness of the meat.

Storage:

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or diced and frozen for up to three months.

To reheat without drying out the meat, preheat the oven to 300˚F and add a small amount of water to a shallow baking dish. Place the chicken in the dish, cover, and bake for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Air fryer chicken breast with lemon pepper seasoning

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Lemon pepper seasoning

Method

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. With a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm, lightly pound into an even thickness.
• Place the chicken on a plate and sprinkle all over with the kosher salt. Place in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
• When ready to air fry, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top. Toss to coat the chicken, ensuring you rub the spices evenly over both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 360–390 °F. Place the chicken presentation side (smooth side) down in the air fryer and let cook for 6–10 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket, then with tongs, carefully flip the chicken over. Continue cooking until the chicken registers an internal temperature of 165 °F, which should be around 14–18 minutes in total.
• Remove the chicken to a plate. Cover and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice and serve!

Tips

• For extra flavour, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for up to 2 days before cooking.
• For a crispier texture, place the chicken on the grill pan accessory instead of the basket.
• For a zesty coating, marinate the chicken in lemon juice.
• For a juicier texture, brine the chicken before cooking.

Air fryer chicken breast with Creole seasoning

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Creole seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, white pepper, red pepper flakes, and celery salt)

Method:

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm, lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness.
• For a dry brine: Sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and place in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper with the Creole seasoning. If you did not dry brine the chicken, add the salt now.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, smooth side down, and cook for 6 minutes.
• Flip the chicken over and continue cooking for 2 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• Creole seasoning can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness.
• For a wet brine, dissolve the salt in water and let the chicken soak in the solution for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. Rinse the chicken before cooking.
• If using frozen chicken, thaw it first and increase the cooking time as needed.
• For extra crispy chicken, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions