Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a fast and healthy way to cook food. Their ability to crisp up food using little to no oil makes them a versatile kitchen appliance. One common question people have is whether you can cook chicken breasts in an air fryer. The short answer is yes, air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts!
Benefits of Cooking Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer
Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer to cook chicken breasts:
- Gets chicken breasts crispy on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender
- Cooks the chicken evenly throughout
- Adds little to no extra fat or calories
- Cooks the chicken fast – in around 15-20 minutes
- Easy clean up since chicken isn’t submerged in oil
- Allows you to season the chicken with your choice of herbs, spices, or sauces
The hot air circulated around the food in the air fryer basket results in chicken that gets crispy browned on the outside while the inside cooks through and stays moist. The chicken gets that crunchy texture you’d expect from deep frying but without being drenched in oil.
How to Cook Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer
Cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is simple! Just follow these easy steps:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and trim off any excess fat. This helps promote even browning.
- Season the chicken breasts as desired. Try simple salt and pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, jerk seasoning, a dry rub, or a quick marinade.
- Lightly coat the chicken with oil. You only need about 1-2 tsp oil to coat each breast to help promote browning.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not overlapping.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 380°F.
- Cook for 12-18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the internal temperature reads 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.
That’s all there is to it! The air fryer works quickly to cook the chicken through while creating that delicious crispy exterior.
Tips for the Best Air Fried Chicken Breasts
Use these tips for the juiciest, most flavorful air fryer chicken breasts:
- Don’t overcrowd – Cook chicken breasts in a single layer with space between each piece.
- Flip halfway – Flip the breasts over about halfway during cooking for even browning.
- Brush with oil – Lightly coating the chicken with oil helps promote browning and crispiness.
- Get the right temperature – Cook until the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let it rest – Letting the chicken rest 5+ minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute for a moist interior.
- Use light breading – A light coating of panko, Parmesan, or seasoned flour adds crunch without slowing the cooking.
- Keep seasoning simple – Basic seasoning brings out the chicken flavor best. Avoid wet marinades.
Following these tips will ensure you get perfectly cooked, juicy and crispy air fryer chicken breasts every time!
Common FAQs About Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer
Is Air Fryer Chicken Healthy?
Yes, air fryer chicken is a healthy cooking method! With little to no added oil, it has much less fat and calories compared to deep fried chicken or chicken cooked in high fat sauces. The chicken breast meat itself is a lean, protein-rich choice.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer?
Cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of the breasts, but in general they take 12-18 minutes at 380°F, flipping halfway through. Larger chicken breasts may take up to 22 minutes. Check that the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F when done.
Can You Put Frozen Chicken in an Air Fryer?
It’s best not to cook frozen chicken directly in the air fryer. Thaw it first by refrigerating overnight. Starting with frozen chicken can greatly increase the cook time while the inside thaws, resulting in overly browned outsides.
What Temperature Should You Cook Chicken in an Air Fryer?
380°F is the ideal air fryer temperature for cooking chicken breasts. This allows the exterior to get crispy and browned while the interior cooks through fully.
How Do You Keep Chicken Breasts Moist in an Air Fryer?
Here are some tips for moist air fryer chicken breasts:
- Don’t overcook – Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Brine before cooking – Soaking in a saltwater brine seasons and helps retain moisture.
- Spray with oil – Coating with a thin layer of oil helps prevent drying out.
- Let rest before serving – Resting 5+ minutes allows juices to disperse back into the meat.
Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes to Try
Here are some fantastic, flavorful recipes for cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer:
1. Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken
This fresh and zesty lemon pepper chicken only requires 5 ingredients. The tart lemon brightens up the savory chicken beautifully.
2. Air Fryer Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken parm is a breeze to make in the air fryer. Top crispy breaded chicken with tomato sauce and melted cheese for an Italian classic.
3. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Breasts
Spicy buffalo sauce and a yogurt ranch make these baked chicken breasts pop with the iconic Buffalo chicken flavors.
4. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Skip the oil of traditional fajitas and air fry chicken seasoned with fajita seasoning blend. Pair with fixings like peppers, onions, salsa, and more.
5. Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki’s sweet and salty flavors pair perfectly with air fried chicken. Bake the chicken coated in a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce.
6. Air Fryer Chicken Bacon Ranch
Bacon and ranch dressing create the ultimate flavor combo on crispy air fried chicken breasts. An easy dinner win.
7. Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken
Season chicken breasts with Mediterranean herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, oregano, and paprika for bold flavor without added fat.
8. Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken
The zing of Dijon mustard and sweet honey makes a tasty glaze for simple baked chicken breasts.
9. Air Fryer Southwest Chicken
Southwestern spices like garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder give a tasty Tex-Mex kick to juicy air fried chicken.
10. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Your favorite barbecue sauce makes a quick and easy flavorful marinade for chicken breasts cooked in the air fryer.
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Here are some awesome serving suggestions for your cooked air fryer chicken breasts:
- Serve on a salad – Dice or slice the chicken over a leafy green or grain salad
- Add to wraps/sandwiches – Use slices or chunks in wraps, sandwiches, pitas, etc.
- Make chicken parm – Top chicken breasts with marinara and mozzarella
- Serve with veggies – Pair with roasted, grilled, or sautéed vegetables
- Toss with pasta – Chop chicken and toss it with cooked pasta
- Make tacos – Dice chicken and use in tacos or taco salads
- Cube for kabobs – Thread cooked chicken onto skewers with vegetables
- Add to pizza – Use diced or shredded chicken as a pizza topping
- Make sliders – Place chicken slices on mini buns for easy sliders
- Use in casseroles or bakes – Bake diced chicken into casseroles like chicken divan or tetrazzini
The possibilities are endless! Use your imagination to turn simple air fryer chicken breasts into all sorts of delicious meals.
Conclusion
Air fryers provide a quick and healthy way to cook perfectly delicious chicken breasts. The hot circulating air cooks the chicken evenly with a crispy browned exterior while keeping the inside incredibly moist and juicy. Season and cook chicken breasts in the air fryer, then use them in all kinds of tasty meals. Air fried chicken breasts make for awesome salads, sandwiches, pastas, tacos, and more!