The Best Guide to Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Cooking skinless chicken breasts perfectly can be challenging, especially when using an air fryer.

With the right techniques and tips, you can achieve juicy and tasty results every time.

34 Air Fryer Recipes So Good, You’ll Want to Marry Your Kitchen Appliance

34 FREE delicious recipes with step by step instructions and illustrations. Instant access.

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How To Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Follow these steps to prepare your chicken breasts:

Trimming

Trim any excess fat or visible tissue from the chicken breasts using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. This will prevent the chicken from becoming greasy during the cooking process.

Pounding

If the chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, place them between cling film and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are even in thickness.

Seasoning

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs of your choice. The seasoning will make the chicken extra tasty.

Best Air Fryer Seasoning Guide

5 Air Fryer Chicken Breast Marinades

When marinating chicken for air frying, make sure it is fully covered and refrigerate for the recommended time to allow the flavours to infuse the meat.

Lemon Herb Marinade

Ingredients

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic and chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before air frying for the best results.

Teriyaki Glaze Marinade

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For an Asian-inspired twist, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil.

This marinade adds a perfect balance of sweet and savoury to your chicken.

Let the chicken infuse in this marinade for an hour or more.

Spicy Cajun Marinade

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper
• Enough olive oil to create a paste

Mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add a little olive oil to create a paste. Rub the chicken breasts with the paste until fully covered.

This marinade adds a Cajun fiery flavour to the chicken.

Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of one hour.

Honey Mustard Marinade

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• A splash of apple cider vinegar
• A pinch of salt

Mix honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Rub into the chicken breast.

This marinade creates a tangy and slightly sweet glaze.

Let the chicken marinate for about 30-60 minutes to develop.

Mediterranean Marinade

Ingredients

• 60g Greek yoghurt
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• salt and black pepper

In a bowl, mix Greek yoghurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cover the chicken breast completely.

Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of two hours or overnight for maximum flavour.

This will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts.

Air frying should take approximately 8-15 minutes.

Smaller chicken breasts (approx 170g) will take a total of about 8 minutes.

Larger chicken breasts will take between 10 and 15 minutes.

Always check with a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 74C /165F.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Temperature

For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a temperature of 190C / 380F is perfect.

This temperature allows the exterior to brown and the interior cooks thoroughly and remains moist.

Don’t forget to preheat the air fryer before cooking.

How To Air Fry Chicken Breast Fillets

1. Remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator 30 minutes before air frying and allow them to come to room temperature.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 190C / 380F for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken breasts start cooking immediately.
3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
4. The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer typically ranges between 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and that the chicken is cooked thoroughly. The chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 74C /165F.
5. Turn the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking so both sides brown evenly. Use silicon tongs or a silicon spatula to turn the chicken breasts gently. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

How To Air Fry Chicken Breasts From Frozen

Skip the thawing process and make your meal using frozen chicken breasts.

Season well and air fry at 180C / 360F for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 74C/165F.

Turn halfway through the cooking process.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Pieces

Air frying chicken breast pieces is a simple and efficient way to achieve a delicious and crispy result.

Ingredients

• chicken breast pieces
• olive oil or cooking spray
• seasonings of choice (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika)

How To Air Fry Chicken Breast Pieces

Set your air fryer temperature to 190C / 380F. Preheat for 5 minutes.

Pat the chicken breast pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a crispy texture.

In a bowl, season the chicken breast pieces with your preferred spices.

You can keep it simple with salt and pepper or get creative with various herbs and spices.

Best Air Fryer Seasoning Guide

Lightly coat the chicken pieces with olive oil or use cooking spray.

Place the seasoned chicken breast pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, the air needs to circulate the chicken pieces.

Set the timer for 15-20 minutes. Turn the pieces halfway through the cooking time for even browning. Check regularly to avoid overcooking as every air fryer works differently.

Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the chicken has reached at least 74C / 165F. This ensures that the chicken is cooked through.

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer.

Serve your air-fried chicken breast pieces with your favourite sides.

More Air Fryer Recipes

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Sweet and Sour Chicken in the Air Fryer You’ll Love!

Satisfying Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

FAQs

Should I spray oil on the chicken breasts before air frying?

It is not necessary to spray oil on the chicken breasts before air frying. The hot air circulation in the air fryer will create a crispy exterior without the need for additional oil.

Cooking bone-in chicken breasts in the air fryer?

While bone-in chicken breasts can be cooked in the air fryer, they may require additional cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.

How do I prevent the chicken breasts from drying out?

To prevent the chicken breasts from drying out, ensure that you do not overcook them. Overcooking can result in dry and tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and remove the chicken from the air fryer as soon as it reaches 74C / 165F. Marinating or basting the chicken breasts with a sauce during cooking can help retain moisture.

Do you add breadcrumbs or a coating to the chicken breasts before air frying?

Yes, you can coat the chicken breasts with breadcrumbs, panko, or a seasoned flour mixture before air frying. The coating will add an extra layer of texture and flavour to the chicken. You may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature for the chicken to cook thoroughly.

Can you use the air fryer to cook other chicken cuts, such as chicken thighs or drumsticks?

The air fryer is versatile and can be used to cook various chicken cuts, including thighs and drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require different cooking times to reach the proper internal temperature.

Can I Wrap Chicken In Foil In The Air Fryer?

Always check your user manual to ensure that foil is compatible with your air fryer model. However, if the marinade or seasoning contains any acidic ingredients (e.g., tomatoes, chillies, citrus), do not wrap the chicken in foil to cook.

Storing Leftover Cooked Chicken Breast

Let the chicken cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze Leftover Cooked Chicken Breast?

Allow the chicken breast to cool. If you shred the chicken breast before freezing it will defrost quicker when you are ready to use it.

Place in an airtight freezer bag and remove any air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before you reheat.

How Do You Reheat Leftover Chicken In The Air Fryer?

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.

Preheat the air fryer to 180C/ 350F for 5 minutes.

Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 6-8 minutes turning halfway through cooking time.

TIP: To prevent the chicken from drying out sprinkle with some cold water.

Step By Step Guide To Air Frying A Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Delicious succulent Air Fryer Chicken Breasts.
Perfect every time whether you marinade or just add herbs and spices.

Persons

1

Serving Size

1

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

20 minutes

Notes

This recipe shows you the basics of air frying one chicken breast. The principle will be the same for more chicken breasts.
Always check with a meat thermometer the internal temperature is 74C /165F.
The nutrition value is approximate.

Ingredients

• 1 Chicken Breast
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator 30 minutes before air frying and allow them to come to room temperature.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C/375°F for 5 minutes.
3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
4. The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer typically ranges between 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and that the chicken is cooked thoroughly. The chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 74C /165F.
5. Turn the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking so both sides brown evenly. Use silicon tongs or a silicon spatula to turn the chicken breasts gently.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Serves: 1

Amount Per Serving: 1
Calories		237kcal
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g		13.8%
	Saturated Fat 2g	10%
	Trans Fat 7g
Cholesterol 109mg		36.3%
Sodium 230mg		9.6%
Total Carbohydrate 2g		0.7%
	Dietary Fiber 1g	4%
	Sugars 1g
Protein 36g

Vitamin A 545IU		Vitamin C
Calcium 14mg		Iron 1mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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