Why Air Fryer Chicken Breast?
Chicken breasts have a bad reputation for drying out, but the air fryer keeps that from happening. The quick cook time means they stay nice and tender, and the breading still gets extra crispy (with no oil required). If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, then skip turning on the oven—make this air fryer chicken instead.
Basic Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
This foolproof recipe makes flavorful and tender air fryer chicken breasts every time, seasoned with herbs and spices. Air frying is the best way to cook tender chicken in less time, since there’s no preheating the oven. And with my simple seasoning blend, these flavorful chicken breasts not only make an easy weeknight dinner, but they’re perfect for meal prep too. This recipe results in super flavorful, tender chicken breasts with no brining!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 7 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Lightly pound the chicken to flatten and reduce the large bump on one end.
- Drizzle the oil over the chicken and make sure the chicken is well coated.
- In a small bowl, stir together the spices. Sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides of the chicken and rub it into the chicken with your hands.
- Add the chicken to the air fryer and cook smooth side down for 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Flip the chicken over and cook an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a minute or two before serving.
Notes:
- 6 to 7-ounce chicken breasts: about 10 to 11 minutes total
- 8 to 9-ounce chicken breasts: about 11 to 12 minutes total
- 10-ounce or larger chicken breasts: about 13 to 14 minutes total
- Do not preheat the air fryer for this recipe to avoid drying out the exterior.
Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast
This air fryer fried chicken is crispy, juicy, and delicious. If you’re craving a fried chicken with a little less fat, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Soak the chicken in buttermilk for 4 hours or overnight.
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dip in flour mixture, coating evenly.
- Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray.
- Place in air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 10 minutes. Flip chicken, and cook for another 5 minutes, until coating is golden and chicken is cooked through.
Tip: For my air fryer chicken, I like to soak the chicken in buttermilk to give it that classic fried chicken tenderness. Then, I dip it once in very well seasoned all-purpose flour. That provides a nice layer of breading on the chicken, but it isn’t so much flour that it’ll be a problem in the air fryer.
Blackened Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Cook these blackened chicken breasts in your air fryer — there’s no need to dirty a cast iron skillet and fill your house with smoke!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Mix paprika, thyme, cumin, cayenne, onion powder, black pepper, and salt together in a bowl; transfer to a large plate.
- Rub oil over each chicken breast until fully coated, then press into spice mixture until all sides are coated.
- Let sit for 5 minutes while the air fryer preheats to 360°F (175°C).
- Place into the air fryer basket. Air-fry chicken until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Note: This has a nice kick, for sure! I love spicy, but if you don’t, reduce the cayenne, for sure.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Air Fryer for Chicken Breast
Selecting the right air fryer can elevate your chicken breast cooking experience. Here are key factors to consider:
- Capacity: For cooking multiple chicken breasts, choose a 5.8-quart or larger air fryer to avoid overcrowding.
- Temperature Control: Look for precise temperature settings (350°F–400°F) for consistent cooking.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nonstick baskets or dishwasher-safe parts save time.
- Additional Features: Digital displays, preset cooking modes, and timers enhance usability.
Top Product Recommendation: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
The Ninja AF101 is a 4-quart air fryer perfect for small families. It offers precise temperature control, a nonstick basket, and a compact design.
- Pros: Easy to clean, fast cooking, reliable temperature accuracy.
- Cons: Smaller capacity may not suit large batches.
Alternative Recommendation: Cosori Air Fryer Max XL
The Cosori Max XL has a 5.8-quart capacity, ideal for cooking multiple chicken breasts. It features 11 presets and a digital touchscreen.
- Pros: Large capacity, user-friendly interface, even cooking.
- Cons: Slightly bulkier, higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I prevent air fryer chicken breast from drying out?
Use a light coating of oil to lock in moisture and avoid overcooking. Check the internal temperature early, aiming for 160°F–165°F, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
2. Can I cook frozen chicken breast in an air fryer?
Yes, but thaw completely first for even cooking. If cooking from frozen, increase cooking time by 5–7 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is optional. For juicy chicken breast, skipping the preheat can prevent the exterior from drying out before the inside cooks.
4. What sides pair well with air fryer chicken breast?
Try roasted vegetables, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad with vinaigrette. For a crispy pairing, make air fryer fries or Brussels sprouts.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to maintain crispiness, or use an oven to avoid burning the exterior.