Air fryer chicken breast has become one of the staples in my kitchen for so many reasons. Firstly, chicken breast contains lean protein and I love that cooking it in the air fryer has skipped deep frying, hence another point for eating healthy!
Are you ready for the secret to achieving perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breast with a crispy exterior?
MY tips for a perfect air fried Chicken Breast
Marinate your chicken breast for the best juicy and evenly cooked chicken. This is done by allowing your chicken to “rest” for about 30 minutes after seasoning it before cooking in the air fryer.
Do not overcook your chicken! For a Juicy and tender chicken breast. My tip is in the weight of the chicken breast. Use the table below for a guide.
| Chicken Breast Size/Weight | Temperature | Cooking Time (Flip halfway) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (4-6 oz / 115-170g) | 375°F (190°C) | 16-18 minutes |
| Medium (6-8 oz / 170-225g) | 375°F (190°C) | 18-20 minutes |
| Large (8-10 oz / 225-280g) | 375°F (190°C) | 20-22 minutes |
| Extra Large (10-12 oz / 280-340g) | 375°F (190°C) | 22-26 minutes |
| Frozen Chicken Breast (Regardless of size) | 375°F (190°C) | Add an extra 5-10 minutes |
Ingredients for air fryer chicken breast
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 5 pcs. Go for an even size, if not you can cut to a similar thickness. This ensures even cooking. You can use either fresh or frozen chicken. Make sure to thaw the frozen chicken before cooking.
- Olive oil infused with chili – 2 tbsp. For extra spice. I particularly like the rich color it adds to my chicken breasts.
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp. This is to prevent the chicken from stitching to the air fryer basket or racks.
- Seasoning Mix – 2 Tsp. I made my seasoning which comprises sea salt, thyme, onion powder, and ginger. This mixture comes in handy whenever I am cooking chicken.
- Optional seasonings: Paprika, or herbs of choice
How to make Juicy Chicken breasts in the air fryer
Step 1: Prep Chicken – Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Season – Rub olive oil over both sides of the chicken. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs. Place in a container, cover, and marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken breasts in the fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Rest and Serve – Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This retains its juiciness. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy.
How to store leftover air-fried chicken breast
Make sure your leftover chicken breast is properly cooled, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat leftovers in the air fryer?
Absolutely! It’s a great way to retain the crispy texture. Heat at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-4 minutes. For thicker chicken breast, you can increase the timing of your air fryer to about 5 – 6 minutes to allow for even cooking while reheating.
Why is my chicken not crispy?
It might be too wet when placed in the air fryer. Always pat dry and avoid overcrowding the basket. For an extra layer of crispy chicken breast, add a final coating of olive oil 5 minutes before the end of cooking.
Can I cook frozen chicken in the air fryer?
I will generally not cook my chicken frozen to ensure they are properly and evenly cooked. Thaw the chicken before cooking it in the air fryer and always ensure the internal temperature is ideal before eating.
Can I stack chicken breasts in the air fryer?
Avoid stacking. Overlapping can cause uneven cooking and less crispiness. You can batch-cook your chicken.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 5 pcs.
- Olive oil infused with chili - 2 tbsp.
- Olive oil - 2 tbsp.
- Seasoning Mix - 2 Tsp. (Sea salt, thyme, onion powder, and ginger)
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or herbs of choice
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Chicken - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Season - Rub olive oil over both sides of the chicken. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs. Keep inside a container and cover, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken breasts in the fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Rest and Serve - Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This retains its juiciness. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy.
