Air Fryer Chicken Breast

As an individual who savors chicken breasts on a weekly basis, I previously adhered to a familiar cooking routine. I would marinate them for extended periods, then either pan-fry or bake them in the oven. The drawback was the considerable time investment.

Then came the revelation of preparing chicken in the air fryer. Similar to air fryer salmon, air fryer pork tenderloin, and air fryer chicken tenderloins, it has revolutionized my approach to cooking in numerous ways, and I won’t return to any other method of cooking chicken breasts again.

Recipe Features

• No need for marination. Brining is also unnecessary. While most air fryer chicken breast recipes typically require the chicken to be marinated or brined beforehand, this one does not!
• Ready in under 8 minutes. Simply air fry the chicken for 4 minutes on each side, and voilà!
• Highly adaptable. Keep it straightforward with some salt and pepper, or elevate it with a variety of complex and flavorful spices or playful sauces.
• Ideal for meal prepping. I adore preparing a batch of this chicken over the weekend, enjoying it for swift and nutritious lunches throughout the week.

Shall we discuss the exceptional texture? It’s succulent and tender, with cooking in the air fryer ensuring consistently flawless results every time.

Required Ingredients

Apart from the chicken and a selection of seasonings, there’s little else required for preparing this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken fillets – Boneless and skinless chicken fillets. I suggest opting for chicken fillets of uniform size to ensure uniform cooking.
• Olive oil – A splash of oil maintains the moisture and tenderness of the chicken.
• Seasonings – Smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder contribute a delightful smoky and savory taste.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – To your liking.

Instructions for Preparing Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Below, you’ll find visual aids outlining each step to simplify the recipe’s execution at home. For comprehensive printable instructions and ingredient measurements, refer to the recipe card located at the end of this article.

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Commence by blotting the chicken dry, transferring it to a bowl, and applying olive oil to each fillet. Combine the spices in a separate bowl and coat each side of the chicken breast with the mixture. Optionally, allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes to allow the spices to permeate.

Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer Next up, heat up the air fryer to 200C/400F and lightly coat the basket with cooking spray.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F. Repeat this procedure until all chicken breasts are cooked.

Air Fryer Chicken Cooking Duration

The standard cooking time for an average 8-ounce portion of chicken is 8 minutes. However, the cooking duration varies based on the size of your chicken breasts.

• Smaller breasts (5-7 ounces): 6 to 8 minutes
• Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 7-10 minutes
• Larger breasts (11 ounces or more): 10-14 minutes

Keep in mind, the most reliable method to verify if the chicken is cooked thoroughly is by using an instant-read thermometer (meat thermometer). According to FDA guidelines, fully cooked chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165F.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

• Ensure ample space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. The air fryer relies on circulating hot air to cook the protein, making this crucial.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and achieve juicy chicken breasts.
• Use chicken at room temperature to ensure accurate and consistent cooking times.
• While it may be tempting to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent mess, it’s best to refrain from doing so for this chicken recipe. Cooking without lining produces more even results and enhances the flavor.