Looking for a quick and easy way to cook chicken breasts that are juicy and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside? Look no further than your air fryer! Air fryer chicken breasts are a healthier alternative to deep-frying. You will have these 4-ingredient chicken breasts on the table in less than 20 minutes!
In this recipe, I'll show you how to use your air fryer to make the ultimate chicken breasts. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option, these air fryer chicken breasts are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Let's fire up our air fryers and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious chicken!
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Why this recipe works
As a family of five, three of which are growing boys, I use our air fryer more than I care to admit. I remember opening the air fryer Christmas morning and thinking, "Oh great... one more bulky appliance to find a home for in the kitchen." I resisted for several months, but once I used it a few times I was hooked.
The next thing I knew, I was looking for air fryer recipes and trying to find the best air fryer chicken recipe using boneless skinless chicken breasts. I was on the search for an air fryer method that is a healthy way to cook flavorful chicken breasts to juicy perfection. Bonus points if it is a fast and easy last minute dinner!
As with anything, it's always a good idea to follow food safety guidelines when cooking raw chicken.
Most of the recipes I found had about the same cook time. They also involved an oil or cooking spray, black pepper, kosher salt, and required minimal effort. Perfect! I love my recipes to be simple! So many that I found included soy sauce, brown sugar, bread crumbs or a specific seasoning blend.
All good things, don't get me wrong, but I was craving something simple. I would rather find delicious ways to get the best results with my chicken breast air fryer recipe. The best things in life are simple, right?
What to make with this air fryer chicken
This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Breasts goes perfectly with my Chimichurri Sauce. It also pairs well with one of my favorite Seasonal Salads from the Garden.
If you happen to have leftovers, I recommend making a Sourdough Baguette sandwich with sliced chicken breasts, salad greens or microgreens, Apricot Dressing, and your favorite melting cheese. It can be served cold or broiled until toasty! Check out the picture below for inspiration!
If you happen to have leftovers, I recommend making a Sourdough Baguette sandwich with sliced chicken breasts, salad greens or microgreens, Apricot Dressing, and your favorite melting cheese. It can be served cold or broiled until toasty! Check out the picture below for inspiration!
Another option is a quick salad with spring greens, avocado, thinly sliced radishes, apples, goat cheese and a lemon vinaigrette.
five benefits to using an air fryer for cooking chicken:
- Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep-frying, making it a healthier cooking method for chicken. This means you can enjoy crispy, delicious chicken without all the added fat and calories.
- Air frying is a much faster cooking method compared to baking or grilling, meaning you can have juicy, perfectly cooked chicken in just a matter of minutes.
- Air fryers circulate hot air evenly around the food, ensuring that your chicken is cooked to perfection every time. There's no need to flip or rotate the chicken as you would with other cooking methods.
- Air fryers have a non-stick surface that is easy to clean, making them a convenient option for cooking chicken without the hassle of scrubbing pots and pans.
- Air fryers can be used to cook a wide range of chicken recipes, from chicken wings and drumsticks to chicken breasts and thighs. You can even use an air fryer to cook chicken from frozen, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
Helpful tips
Cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer can be a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. Here are a few tips to help you cook perfect chicken breasts in an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken breasts. This helps ensure even cooking.
- If possible, use thin chicken breasts or butterfly thicker ones to make them thinner. Thin chicken breasts will cook more evenly and quickly in an air fryer.
- Rub or brush the chicken breasts with a little bit of oil and your favorite seasonings before cooking. This will add flavor and help the chicken stay moist.
- Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F. This will ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- After cooking, let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist.
Ingredients
- 2-4 chicken breasts depending on size of air fryer
- garlic powder
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Lightly rub olive oil on the breasts.
- Season generously with salt, pepper and garlic. Add any desired additional herbs and spices.
- Cook for 12 minutes. Turn the chicken over and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast, but it usually takes an additional seven minutes.
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Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. I have an air fryer that is fairly old, so I am going to recommend a newer model. When I am cooking for my family, I use the old version of a Hamilton Beach XL. Since it is no longer being manufactured, this Power XL 7 Quart gets good reviews on amazon.
Storage
Cooked chicken breast should be stored in airtight containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It should be stored in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when storing cooked chicken breast:
- Store the chicken in shallow containers to help it cool more quickly and evenly.
- Label and date the containers. It's the only way you can keep track of when the chicken was cooked.
- Store the chicken in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Avoid stacking containers too high in the fridge. This can prevent air from circulating and cause the chicken to spoil.
- When reheating cooked chicken breast, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures that it's safe to eat.
FAQ
It's not always necessary, as the air circulation in the air fryer can create a crispy texture on its own. However, adding a small amount of oil can help to enhance the flavor and texture of some foods.
Yes, but make sure it doesn't cover the entire basket or block the air flow. Additionally, be careful not to puncture the foil, as this can cause air flow problems.
Cooking in an air fryer can be a healthier alternative to traditional frying, as it often requires less oil. This means lower calories!
Use an instant-read thermometer or thermapen. Factors that play a role in determining how fast a chicken cooks include the size of the chicken breasts, the size of the air fryer basket, and many other factors.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. For more delicious recipes from scratch and homesteading tips, follow me on instagram @NinnescahHomestead
Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Lightly rub olive oil on the breasts.
- Season generously with salt, pepper and garlic. Add any desired additional herbs and spices.
- Cook for 12 minutes. Turn the chicken over and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast, but it usually takes an additional seven minutes.
Notes
-
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken breasts. This helps ensure even cooking.
-
- Use thin chicken breasts: If possible, use thin chicken breasts or butterfly thicker ones to make them thinner. Thin chicken breasts will cook more evenly and quickly in an air fryer.
-
- Season the chicken: Rub or brush the chicken breasts with a little bit of oil and your favorite seasonings before cooking. This will add flavor and help the chicken stay moist.
-
- Flip halfway through: Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides.
-
- Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F. This will ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
-
- Let the chicken rest: After cooking, let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist.
Aaron
I was skeptical that the chicken would truly have a crispy skin and juicy inside, but this is the only way to cook chicken breasts from here on out as far as I’m concerned. Excellent.
Meg
I resisted the air fryer for a long time, but now that I've experienced air fryer chicken, I'm hooked! I think wings and thighs would be excellent, too.