Air Fryer Chicken Breast is a juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned chicken dish. It is usually made with boneless chicken breasts, and a basic seasoning mix, and then air-fried at the perfect temperature. The recipe I have shared here shows you how to make Air Fryer Chicken Breasts with easy step-by-step instructions for you to try and enjoy at home.
I have also shared a detailed video of this recipe to show the cooking process is simple. This crispy golden air-fried chicken breast is one best air fryer chicken recipes that come together in under 30 minutes. And the best part is it is healthy compared to other fried chicken recipes and can be perfect to serve for lunch and dinner.
Jump to:
What is Air Fryer Chicken Breast?
Air Fryer Chicken Breast is a juicy, tender, and succulent healthy dish. It is usually made with boneless chicken breast and a basic seasoning mix that is air fried at the perfect temperature. This chicken breast in the air fryer is one of the easy-to-make dishes that comes all together in under 30 minutes.
Even though the baked chicken breasts are popular at our home for their juicy and golden crispy edges, this air-fried version is worth the hype. I have figured out how to make a perfectly flavorful, and juicy chicken breast using the air fryer.
It is not only healthy but also helps you to make a quick lunch or dinner on a busy tiring day. And the best part is you can also modify the seasoning according to your family preferences.
Ingredients
The ingredients you will need to make this Air Fryer Chicken Breast are pretty basic pantry elements. And they should be easily available in most supermarkets around. Let's see what are they below.
- Chicken Breasts - Skinless and boneless breasts are perfect for this recipe, And breasts are also a good source of lean proteins
- Olive Oil - You can use any neutral-tasting oil that is handy to you
- Seasoning Powders - I have used basic seasoning powders and feel free to customize them according to your taste preferences
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to make Air Fryer Chicken Breast?
The recipe I have shared here is a juicy, tender, and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Breast. Similar to my Oven Baked Chicken Breast this air fryer version also delivers the perfect juicy breast. Even though you have to play with the temperature and time settings with the air fryer you own, the below recipe is what I discovered to achieve a juicy and succulent Chicken Breast using Air Fryer.
Following are the high-level instructions to make this recipe but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and video, please check out the recipe card below.
- Prep Seasoning Mix -Add the onion, garlic, ginger, black pepper powder, salt, lime zest, and paprika to a glass bowl. Combine well and reserve the seasoning mix for later use
- Pound - Cover the cutting board with plastic wrap and place the chicken breast. Cover them with plastic wrap as shown in the picture. Pound the breasts using a meat tenderizer. You can also use the rolling pin to pound the chicken (pounding the breast helps to cook them evenly)
- Oil Coat - Remove the plastic wraps and transfer the pounded chicken breasts to the glass bowl. Pour a tsp of oil and coat the breasts well
- Season - Now season the breasts with a reserved seasoning mix. Then add a tsp of Lime juice and coat the breast well and it is now ready to be air fried
- Preheat - Oil spray your Air Fryer basket and preheat it at 360° F for 4 minutes. The time may depend upon the air fryer you are using
- Arrange - After preheating, open and place the seasoned chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer
- Air Fry - Set the Air Fryer at 360° F for 12 minutes and air fry the wings for 6 minutes
- Pause- Pause the Air Fryer half the way (when time reaches 6 minutes). Open the basket and flip the chicken breasts
- Resume - Resume the Air Fryer and cook the breasts for the rest of the 6 minutes
- Open - Once the alarm beeps, open and enjoy the juicy chicken breasts
- Enjoy - Serve this air fryer Chicken Breasts with rice, roasted broccoli, roasted green beans, roasted asparagus, or with your favorite salad
How long to Air Fry Chicken Breasts?
The temperature to air fry the chicken breast may vary depending on the size of the breasts and the air fryer brand you are using. However, I have shared some of the ideal and recommended temperature settings and times below for making things simple and clear. But whatever the temperature setting, I recommend always checking the internal temperature of the chicken. The safe and minimal internal temperature recommended by FDA is 165°F for poultry and you could also cook up to higher temperatures according to your preferences.
- Large to Medium Breasts - Preheated Air Fryer at 360°F for 12 to 15 minutes
- Small Breasts - Preheated Air Fryer at 360°F for 10 to 12 minutes
Note: Always make sure to pause halfway through and flip the breast and cook for the remaining time for evenly cooked breasts.
To cook the frozen breast, I would recommend the frozen option in the air fryer. If not cook them in the preheated air fryer at 360°F for about 18 to 20 minutes. But the frozen ones do not deliver juicy breasts compared to room temperature ones. This method really helps if you forget to thaw the chicken.
Tips
- Pounding the breasts - Pounding the chicken helps them to cook evenly resulting in juicy and tender breasts
- Brining - You may also brine the chicken in warm water with a tsp of salt for at least 15 minutes to achieve a succulent breast. And make sure to pat dry the brined breast with tissue paper before seasoning them
- Air fryer Temperature - Choosing the right temperature and time in the air fryer helps to achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts. But it may depend on the air fryer you are using, so always make sure to read the instruction manual carefully
- Do Not Over Cook - Over cooking the breasts will turn them rubbery, hard, and unappetizing to eat. So always make sure to check the internal temperature to be 165°F and they are safe to eat
- Seasoning - Even though I have used a basic seasoning mix for this recipe, you can always customize it according to your liking
Calories
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast contains 354 calories per serving and it is an estimation by the nutrition calculator. The calorie count may change if you change any of the ingredients. You could also find the detailed nutritional information in the recipe card below.
Storage Suggestions
I would always recommend enjoying the food as fresh as possible. But the leftover chicken breast stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Make sure to reheat them at 360°F until it is warm. You can also freeze them in a freezer-friendly container for up to a month. To reheat the frozen breast, thaw them to room temperature and then reheat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast with rice, roasted broccoli, roasted green beans, roasted asparagus, or your favorite salad of your choice. You can also use it in salads such as cobb salad.
Related Recipes
You could also find similar chicken breast recipes below and more at chicken recipes.
- Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Lemon Chicken
- Chicken Parmesan
- Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Garlic Butter Chicken
- Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Fried Chicken
- Roasted Chicken
More air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe below that I hope will help you to make a healthy dish at home. You could also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken breast, 3 breasts
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Ginger Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Pepper Powder, black or white pepper
- Salt, as needed
- 1 tsp Oil
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Lime Zest
- Oil Spray
Instructions
To make Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- In a glass bowl, add the onion, garlic, ginger, black pepper powder, salt, lime zest, and paprika. Combine well and reserve the seasoning mix for later use
- Cover the cutting board with plastic wrap and place the chicken breast. Cover them with plastic wrap as shown in the picture
- Pound the breasts using a meat tenderizer. You can also use the rolling pin to pound the chicken (pounding the breast helps to cook them evenly)
- Remove the plastic wraps and transfer the pounded chicken breasts to the glass bowl. Pour a tsp of oil and coat the breasts well
- Now season the breasts with a reserved seasoning mix. Then add a tsp of Lime juice and coat the breast well and it is now ready to be air fried
- Oil spray your Air Fryer basket and preheat it at 360° F for 4 minutes. The time may depend upon the air fryer you are using
- After preheating, open and place the seasoned chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer
- Set the Air Fryer at 360° F for 12 minutes and air fry the breasts for 6 minutes
- Pause the Air Fryer half the way (when time reaches 6 minutes). Open the basket and flip the chicken breasts
- Resume the Air Fryer and cook the breasts for the rest of the 6 minutes
- Once the alarm beeps, open and enjoy the juicy chicken breasts.
To Serve
- Serve this air fryer Chicken Breasts with rice, roasted broccoli, roasted green beans, roasted asparagus, or with your favorite salad
Video
Notes
- Pounding the breasts - Pounding the chicken helps them to cook evenly resulting in juicy and tender breasts
- Air fryer Temperature - Choosing the right temperature and time in the air fryer helps to achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts. But it may depend on the air fryer you are using, so always make sure to read the instruction manual carefully
- Seasoning - Even though I have used a basic seasoning mix for this recipe, you can always customize it according to your liking
Nutrition
FAQ
Air Fryer Chicken Breast is a juicy, tender, and succulent healthy dish. It is usually made with boneless chicken breast and a basic seasoning mix that is air fried at the perfect temperature. This chicken breast in the air fryer is one of the easy-to-make dishes that comes all together in under 30 minutes.
The cooking time and temperature might vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts. But for the overall idea, for large to medium breasts - Preheated Air Fryer at 360°F for 12 to 15 minutes. For small breasts - Preheated Air Fryer at 360°F for 10 to 12 minutes
Yes, you can put the raw chicken seasoned with your favorite spices in the air fryer and cook them for a delicious meal.
Yes, it is a healthy alternative to the oil-fried chicken. Enjoying the air-fried chicken usually cuts downs the oil intake and other side effects of deep oil fried foods.
I hope you enjoyed the recipe that I have shared here and I would love to hear from you about how it turned out for you. Please let me know.
If you have any other questions, feel free to post them in the comment section below and I will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Happy Cooking!
Leave a Review