This air fryer chicken breast takes less than 8 minutes to make and turns out perfectly juicy and tender every time- it’s truly the best! A secret trick guarantees the chicken never dries out.
As someone who enjoys chicken breasts weekly, I used to follow the same method of cooking them. I’d marinate them for several hours, then pan-fry or bake them in the oven. The downside to this was how time-consuming it was.
Enter- cooking chicken in the air fryer. Like salmon, pork tenderloin, and chicken tenders, it’s been a game changer in many ways, and I’ll never cook chicken breasts any other way again.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- No marinating needed. Or brining either. Most air fryer chicken breast recipes need the chicken to be brined or marinated beforehand, but not this one!
- Ready in 8 minutes. Air fry the chicken for 4 minutes on each side, and you are done.
- Easy to customize. Keep it simple with some salt and pepper or jazz it up with more intricate and flavorful spices or some fun sauces.
- Perfect for meal prep. I love to whip up a batch of this chicken on a weekend and enjoy it for quick and healthy lunches during the week.
Can we lament about how incredible the texture is? It’s juicy and tender, and cooking it in the air fryer guarantees consistent and perfect results every time.
Ingredients Needed
Besides the chicken and some seasonings, there isn’t much else that goes into making this recipe. Here is what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts- Boneless skinless chicken breasts. I recommend choosing equal-sized chicken breasts, so they cook evenly.
- Olive oil- A touch of oil keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
- Spices- Smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder add a delicious smokey and umami flavor.
- Salt and black pepper- To taste.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make air fryer chicken breast
This recipe is very simple, and the air fryer takes care of all the hard work!
Step 1- Prepare the chicken. Start by pat drying the chicken, add it to a bowl and rub olive oil on each fillet. Mix the spices in a bowl and rub them on each side of the chicken breast. If desired, let the chicken sit for 10 minutes for the spices to absorb.
Step 2- Preheat the air fryer. Next, preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray.
Step 3- Cook the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Repeat the process until all chicken breasts are done.
How long to cook chicken in the air fryer?
The basic time for a standard 8-oz portion of chicken is 8 minutes. However, the size of your chicken breasts determine the exact cooking time.
- Small breasts (5-7 ounces): 6 to 8 minutes
- Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 7-10 minutes
- Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 10-14 minutes
Remember, the best way to check if the chicken is cooked is to use an instant read thermometer (meat thermometer). As per the FDA recommendations, fully cooked chicken should have an internal temperature of 165F.
What temperature do you cook chicken breast in the air fryer?
The best temperature to cook chicken breast in an air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is slightly higher than an oven, as the air fryer uses conventional heat to cook.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. The air fryer cooks the protein by circulating the hot air, so it is important.
- Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time so both sides cook equally and yield a juicy chicken breast.
- Always use room temperature chicken so the cooking time is accurate and consistent.
- I know that often with air frying meat, the air fryer basket turns out a little dirty, and it’s tempting to line it with parchment paper or tin foil. For this chicken, try to avoid this. The chicken cooks more evenly and tastes better.
Ways to use air fryer chicken
Once your chicken breast is ready, here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Pasta- Slice the chicken and add it to a healthy pasta or over some keto pasta. Serve it on the side of some high protein pasta or low calorie pasta.
- Pizza- Add a protein and flavorful hit to some Sicilian pizza or a cast iron pizza.
- Sides- Make the chicken the star protein dish and serve it with mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, or fried rice.
- Salad- Serve it over a broccoli salad, coleslaw, or even a mock potato salad.
- Sandwiches or wraps- Make a chicken and avocado sandwich or wrap using keto tortillas, keto bread, or some low calorie wraps.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to five days.
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled chicken breasts in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating: Microwave the chicken for 20-30 seconds or in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breast fillets 4-6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
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Pat dry the chicken breasts then add them into a bowl and rub the oil generously over them all.
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Add the spices in a bowl, then rub on both sides of the chicken breast fillets. If desired, let the chicken sit for 10 minutes.
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Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
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Remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and serve immediately.