New to the air fryer recipes? Check out my Best Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners or my 50 Best Air Fryer Recipes post! The Air Fryer has quickly become one of our favorite way to cook certain things, and chicken is definitely one of them. Spoiler: this Air Fryer Chicken Breast is outstanding. I started with a simple seasoning based on this Slow Cooker Chicken Breast and these Pan Fried Chicken Breasts — when you’ve got a good thing going, why change it?! They turn out perfectly every time, and are almost completely hands off (other than a couple minutes prep!). Love a crispy coating? You might want to try these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders or Air Fryer Fried Chicken! I’m sharing all my tips and tricks below to make sure your air fryer chicken turns out just the way you want it!
Why we love to cook chicken breasts in the air fryer:
I mean, they’re perfect: they come out with the perfect combination of golden on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside! Less babysitting: I don’t have to worry about them burning, or sticking, or overcooking like I do when I’m cooking them in a skillet. You don’t have to heat up the oven: while I love my Baked Chicken Breasts, you do need to turn on the oven. In the summer time, why not air fry them instead? It’s more energy efficient and they cook up super quick! They’re great for meal prep: whether you just want some cooked chicken for sandwiches, salads, or easy lunches, they’re easy enough that you can make a batch on the weekend and enjoy them over the next few days.
How long do I cook chicken breast in the air fryer?
Well, it depends! “Thank you for sharing this recipe. I used the seasonings you show in the recipe and it turned out great. It was golden brown on the outside and very juicy inside. Great flavor and a great recipe for one!!!” Marie “This is the first air fryer recipe I have used. I was intimidated by 1) cooking and 2) using my new air fryer. This recipe came out perfect! My kids and hubby loved it. Thank you!” CM Add your review It depends on your air fryer temperature and how thick your chicken breasts are. I like to cook my chicken breasts for a shorter time at a higher temperature, so I opt for 400 degrees F for a cook time of 10-15 minutes. The exact cook time is hard to tell, and will depend on the size and shape of your chicken breast. For better results, you can use a heavy rolling pin or flat meat mallet to flatten any thicker parts of your chicken breasts so that they cook more evenly — although I don’t usually go through this extra step. And always be sure to check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees F.
Is air fryer chicken healthy?
Air fryer Chicken Breasts aren’t really any healthier than chicken breasts that are cooked with the same ingredients on the stove top, in the oven, or in the slow cooker. The air fryer is a healthier method than deep frying food, so this air fryer chicken breast is healthier than deep fried chicken, but that’s not really an equal comparison. That being said, chicken breasts are still a lean protein option, and we love cooking them in the air fryer because they are the juiciest we’ve ever had! (Check out this photo taken right after I sliced them!)
Variations on this Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe:
Swap breasts for thighs: you can swap boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts in the recipe and you won’t need to change the recipe much — I would set your air fryer timer for 8 minutes and then check for doneness with a meat thermometer, as they are usually smaller than chicken breasts. (I also recommend checking out this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe!) Swap the seasoning: have a go-to seasoning blend of spices you love? It will work perfectly here! Think garlic herb, cajun, barbecue, taco, Greek — any dry blend can be substituted. Just sprinkle on both sides evenly before cooking.
What to serve with this air fryer chicken breast:
This chicken breast is a versatile protein that goes with so many things! Chicken breasts dry out when they are overcooked because they are so lean, so the best way to have juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts is to use a meat thermometer to watch the internal temperature (165 degrees F is what you’re looking for!). Slice it to top a Caesar salad, stir it into your favorite pasta or Buttered Noodles, or serve with some of our favorite sides:
Lyonnaise Potatoes — with caramelized onions! Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Homemade Mac and Cheese — made in one pot! Roasted Potatoes and Carrots — a reader favorite!
Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Breasts? Use it in these recipes!
Stir some into this Veggie Lo Mein Use it in this Chicken Pot Pie Soup Swap your leftover chicken for the ham in this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe
Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again. Register Now Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
