Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

The air fryer has become a kitchen staple for many, offering a healthier and faster alternative to traditional deep frying, but did you know that it is one of the best cooking methods to make chicken breast?

No, I am not talking about breaded chicken cutlets that are used to make sandwiches or chicken parmesan. Here I am talking about healthy, plain chicken breasts that you purchase from the butcher or in the refrigerator meat section at your grocery store.

With the new year resolutions in full force, it is time to pull out your air fryer and make perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breasts that you can serve as a main dish or in salads and wraps. And it couldn’t be easier!

Why Air Fry Chicken Breasts?

Air fryers use circulating hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and moist, tender interior. Compared to traditional frying or pan searing methods, this significantly reduces fat content while still delivering delicious results.

Here are some key benefits of air frying chicken breasts:

• Healthier: Lower in fat and calories compared to other cooking methods.
• Faster: Cooks significantly faster than baking, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
• Crispy exterior: Even unbreaded chicken breasts will get a crispy exterior without the greasy residue.
• Versatile: Easily adapt the seasoning and flavors based on your preferences.

Recipe Tips for Juicy Chicken Breasts

To make sure the chicken turns out nice and juicy be sure to follow these simple steps:

• Pounding: Pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of around 1 1⁄2 inches. This ensures even cooking and prevents the meat from over drying.

• Marinating: Marinating your chicken adds flavor and moisture. I have included the recipe for my favorite homemade chicken marinade below, however you can choose from a variety of marinades based on your desired taste.

• Preheating: Preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes before adding the chicken. This ensures consistent cooking and promotes a crispy exterior.

• Don’t overcrowd: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer within the air fryer basket. Overcrowding restricts air circulation and hinders even cooking.

Air Fryer Settings and Cooking Time

The ideal air fryer settings and cooking times depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts and desired level of doneness. A general rule of thumb is:

• 1-inch thick chicken breasts: 360°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes
• 1 1⁄2-inch thick chicken breasts: 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes

However, it’s important to use an instant read digital meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. The internal temperature of cooked chicken needs to reach 165°F (74°C).

The Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts, 1 1⁄2 inches thick
• 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1⁄4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

*If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute sweet paprika. However, I highly suggest you purchase smoked paprika at some point, as we use it a lot in our other recipes including: Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Pulled Pork, Smoked Brisket, Cajun Chicken, Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and more!

INSTRUCTIONS

The first thing that you need to do to make chicken breasts in an air fryer is to trim off the excess fat that is typically found around the edges. When fat cooks down, it can burn on the bottom of the air fryer and smoke.

Next, place the chicken breast in a resealable plastic bag and add the oil and seasonings. Seal the bag and using your hands, massage the spices and oil all over each side of the chicken breasts until they are well coated.

Let the marinade penetrate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you plan on cooking the chicken breast in the air fryer immediately following the marinating wait time, it is okay to leave the chicken out on the counter.

You want the chicken close to room temperature before it gets put inside the air fryer. However, if you will marinating for greater than 30 minutes place the chicken back into the refrigerator. Just be sure to get it out of the fridge a half hour prior to cooking.

When you are ready to make your chicken breast, preheat your air fryer at 375°F. Then add the marinated chicken breast to your air fryer basket.

You should not have to spray your basket with non-stick spray because there is oil already in the marinade. However if you did not marinate the chicken you will need to spray the air fryer basket.

Air Fry Cooking Time

Air fry for 15 minutes. Then flip the chicken over and air fry for another 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked to 160°F when checked with a instant read digital food thermometer.

It is extremely important to remove the chicken when it reaches this temperature in the thickest part of the breast. The chicken will continue to cook when removed and reach the safe consumption temperature of 165°F.

All too often chicken is overcooked and that is why it becomes dry. Therefore it is vital that you use the food thermometer so you know when to remove the chicken from the air fryer.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes then slice and serve. Or let it cool and refrigerate for an easy to heat up meal later in the week!

Other Recipe Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore the endless possibilities of air-fried chicken breasts.

• Breaded chicken: Coat your chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs for a classic, crispy coating.
• Parmesan-crusted chicken: Add a touch of Italian flair with a Parmesan cheese and herb crust.
• Buffalo chicken bites: Toss your cooked chicken in buffalo sauce for a spicy and flavorful appetizer.
• Chicken fajitas: Slice air-fried chicken breasts and use them for fajitas (or tacos).
• Salads and sandwiches: Dice or shred your cooked chicken and incorporate it into salads and sandwiches for added protein.

Enjoy! Mary

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