How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer (2024)

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How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer – the perfect juicy boneless skinless chicken breast, ready in under 20 minutes. Quick, effortless and easy to make weeknight chicken dinner.

How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer (1)

This is the most requested recipe lately, my popular air fried chicken breast – seasoned, perfectly cooked on the inside, tasty and crispy on the outside. I usually add it to my favorite Strawberry Spinach Salad or a homemade Caesar Salad.

Quick chicken dinner recipe, just pair it with a nice side dish like fresh or steamed vegetables, or you can even use it to make tacos with it. So easy, mess free and foolproof.

Just follow the instructions and make sure you keep an eye in the temperature of the chicken in the final minutes.

Since the Air Fryer works with convection heat, there is no need to cook chicken at very high temperatures, as it may quickly dry out and turn rubbery.

The hot air circulating inside the closed Air Fryer ensures the chicken breast cooks quickly, evenly and the meat gets perfectly crispy on the outside.

This recipe uses a simple seasoning, no breading or brining and is perfect for anyone who is on the Keto (Low -Carb) dies, Whole 30 or Paleo.

How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer (2)

How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer?

I’m sharing with you a simple way to cook

What type of Air Fryer I use?

I currently use the Phillips XXL air fryer and like it a lot. I can fit 3-4 medium sized boneless skinless chicken breasts at a time, but I usually cook 2-3 , so they have space in between and cook evenly.

Oil – canola, grapeseed, vegetable or olive oil can be used. I usually stick to grapeseed oil for my Air Fryer recipes, because of its high burn point and neutral flavor.

Breadingthere is no breading in this recipe, it is lighter, healthier and low carb. The heat of the air fryer, some oil and good quality chicken meat ensure crispy meat without the breading. You can definitely sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the cooked chicken breasts.

Seasoning –Yes, of course, you can use a seasoning of your choice, homemade or store bought. Italian, Cajun, Taco or Lemon Pepper seasonings are great options.

How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer (3)

I used my favorite spice blend with seasonings, that I always have in my pantry. They are : slat, black pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder and dried parsley (optional).

  • boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • grape seed oil
  • paprika or smoked paprika
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • dried thyme
  • dried parsley (optional)

Directions:

In a bowl combine all the spices – salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme and parsley).

Preheat Air Fryer for 5 minutes at 375 F.

Spray the basket with cooking spray.

Drizzle oil over the chicken breasts and then coat in the mixture of spices.

Add to the Air Fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes on one side. Turn and cook for 4-7 minutes (or more if needed) on the other side, until the chicken breasts are golden on the outside and a thermometer inserted into the thickest past reads 165 F.

Serve immediately or store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

What is the best cooking temperature for chicken breast in an air fryer?

Cook boneless skinless chicken breasts that are about 6 oz (170 grams) each and is around 1-inch (or less) thick at 375 F (190 C) in a preheated Air Fryer for 6 minutes on one side, then turn and cook for 4-7 more minutes, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 165 F (74 C).

Cooking time greatly varies, depending on the type of chicken breast, thickness, Air Fryer size and type. Make sure you keep a eye o the chicken and do not overcook it.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes and then cut.

How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer (4)

What to serve this air fried boneless skinless chicken breast with?

This chicken is perfect to add to salads, soups, grain (or grain free) bowls, sandwiches and wraps. You can also serve it on its own with a fresh green salad, mashed potatoes, Oven baked okra, rice (like this cilantro rice) or Grilled Vegetables.

Prepare and cook in advance and store in the fridge for up to 4 days, in an airtight container or a zip lock bag. Use cold or reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to use. (Quick 30-60 second reheat in the microwave or 5 min in the oven, otherwise you are risking to overcook it).

More Air Fryer Recipes:

Now, knowing how to cook chicken breast in an air fryer, you may want to try some other quick and simple Air Fryer recipes:

  • Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs – these are juicy, flavorful and delicious. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
  • This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken from Food Doodles is amazingly easy, juicy and tender on the inside, and sweet and crispy on the outside. And it’s ready in only 20 minutes.
  • Easy Salmon in the Air Fryer Recipe -Quick and Easy Salmon In The Air Fryer Recipe – the best way to cook salmon fillets in the air fryer. Ready in 10 minutes, perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and juicy and moist on the inside.
  • Air Fryer Chickpeas – quick and simple way to prepare seasoned, super crispy, crunchy and delicious chickpeas to snack on, add to salads, grain bowls or soups. All you need is just a can of chickpeas, olive (or vegetable) oil, lemon juice, seasoning of your choice and 15 minutes to make.
How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer (5)

5 from 2 votes

How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer

How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer – the perfect juicy boneless skinless chicken breast, ready in under 20 minutes. Quick, effortless and easy to make.

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 12 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Video

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 24 oz chicken breast, four 4-6 oz chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp grape seed oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp dried parsley
  • Alternatively use store bought chicken seasoning of your choice, cajun seasoning or blackened seasoning

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • In a bowl combine all the spices.

  • Preheat Air Fryer for 2 minutes at 375 F.

  • Spray the basket with cooking spray.

  • Drizzle oil over the chicken breasts and then coat in the mixture of spices.

  • Add to the Air Fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes on one side. Turn and cook for 4-7 minutes (or more if needed) on the other side, until the chicken breasts are golden on the outside and a thermometer inserted into the thickest past reads 165 F.

  • Serve immediately or store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 36g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 109mg, Sodium: 489mg, Potassium: 649mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 300IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 12mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @cookinglsl or tag #cookinglsl!

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How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer (10)

Hi! I'm Mira.

I share simple, mostly low-carb and Keto recipes, that don't take a lot of time to make and use mostly seasonal, easy to find ingredients. I'm a supporter of healthy eating, but you'll also find some indulgent treats too.

More about me

How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer (2024)

FAQs

How long should you put a chicken breast in the air fryer? ›

Air fry: Preheat the air fryer. Place the chicken on the air fryer basket / grate in an even layer, leaving a bit of space for air to circulate around. Air fry the chicken at 415 degrees for 10 minutes. If you have larger pieces of chicken, you'll want to go closer to 13 minutes.

How do you keep chicken breast from drying out in an air fryer? ›

The #1 tip for the best chicken breasts in an air fryer is: Don't overcook them! Chicken breasts should be cooked to 160°F, but if you cook them all the way to that temperature in the air fryer, carryover cooking will take them beyond that temp and cause them to dry out.

Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer? ›

Yes, you put raw frozen chicken in the air fryer! You won't be able to brine it first or pound it to an even thickness (so the results are not *as* juicy) but if you forget to thaw your chicken, it's a great option to have on hand.

Is it better to bake or air fry chicken breast? ›

Which is better between air frying vs. oven baking? Air-frying is a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods, but oven-baking often preserves good nutrients while filtering out the bad ones, making oven-baked foods even healthier than most air-fried foods.

How long do you air fry just bare chicken breast? ›

Air fry according to the size of your chicken breasts — again, 4-5oz breasts will take 10-12 minutes, 6-8oz breasts will take 13-15 minutes, and 9-120z breasts could take 16-20 minutes — or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees as measured by an instant read thermometer, flipping the chicken breasts ...

Is 30 minutes long enough to cook chicken breast? ›

If you're following a specific recipe, then don't deviate! Otherwise, follow this general formula: Cook large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 20 to 30 minutes in a 375-degree-F oven. Cook large, bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for 35 to 40 minutes in a 375-degree-F oven.

Should I coat chicken in oil before air frying? ›

While I do recommend very lightly spraying the fried chicken with oil before and during air frying, you don't submerge the pieces entirely in oil, and as a result, they undoubtedly absorb less oil in the process.

Should I put foil in my air fryer for chicken? ›

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

Do you have to flip chicken in the air fryer? ›

Cook at 360° for 9 minutes. Then flip the chicken breast over and cook for another 9 minutes. Larger chicken breasts need more cook time, and smaller ones need less time. Open the air fryer immediately so it doesn't continue cooking in the heat.

Does chicken need to be turned over in air fryer? ›

Cook for 30 mins, turn the chicken over and cook for a further 10 mins. Turn the heat up to 200C and cook for a final 10-15 mins to crisp the skin, until a temperature probe reaches 70C when inserted at the thickest part of the chicken or the juices run clear when pierced.

How do you clean an air fryer after raw chicken? ›

Usually, my go-to air fryer cleaning method is to soak the chamber in warm, soapy water for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, I tackle any residue (and there's always residue) by scrubbing it with a sponge. It's not the most glamorous household task, but it usually does the trick.

Why is my air fryer chicken breast tough? ›

Overcooked chicken is tough, dry, and just not good. Chicken should be done actively cooking at around 160ºF, then it should be rested for about five minutes, which is when the chicken will inactively cook, or "carry-over cook", bringing the internal temperature up to 165ºF.

What are the disadvantages of an air fryer? ›

What are Disadvantages of Using an Air Fryer? Air fryers vary in the amount of foods they can hold, but usually do not have a large capacity. Air fryers may not be convenient when cooking for large groups. Foods that are air fried have different sensory characteristics than foods that are deep fried.

Is air fry chicken good or bad? ›

Air fryers may be better for you than deep fryers, but they're only as healthy as the food you put inside. They won't magically remove the saturated fat from bacon or the trans fats from a bag of processed chicken wings. To reap the benefits, reach for better-for-you options like vegetables and lean proteins.

How long can chicken be in an air fryer at 375 degrees? ›

Place the chicken in the basket of the air fryer and cook at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the outside is golden brown and the inside is cooked through to 160-165 degrees F. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

How long does it take to air fry chicken at 350? ›

Generally speaking, air frying chicken at 350 degrees F takes roughly 20 minutes. But you always want to check the temperature of the chicken to make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

How long to heat cooked chicken breast in air fryer? ›

To reheat chicken in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. If the chicken is still not heated through, you can cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes.

How do you know when chicken is cooked in Airfryer? ›

Roll each oiled chicken breast in the seasoning and put in your air fryer basket. Cook at 180C for 18-20 mins, turning after 10 mins. To check it is cooked, pierce the chicken with a knife at the thickest part to see if the juices run clear. Or insert a temperature thermometer and it should read 70C.

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