Are you looking for a quick and easy air fryer recipe?
Air fryer chicken breasts are the perfect solution. Chicken breasts in an air fryer cook in under 20 minutes, and you can season them however you like.
Serve them with your favourite sides, chop them up and add them to salads, sandwiches, or other recipes.
Read on to discover step-by-step how to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer.
How To Cook Chicken Breast In An Air Fryer
An air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food. This method of cooking helps to produce a moist and juicy chicken breast. But make sure you don’t overcook them; chicken breasts can dry out quickly.
What You Need To Air Fry Chicken Breasts
The quantities given below are to make two chicken breasts in an air fryer. You can make more or less and adjust the amounts accordingly.
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or your choice of herbs
What Air Fryer Can I Use For Cooking Chicken Breasts?
You can cook chicken breast in any air fryer model. I regularly use a Ninja air fryer and a Cosori.
Preparing The Chicken Breasts For The Air Fryer
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel before seasoning them. Brush olive oil over each chicken breast before adding herbs and spices.
I use about one teaspoon of seasoning blend per chicken breast; you can use more or less depending on your tastes.
Seasoning The Chicken Breasts For Air Frying
You can use a little salt and pepper to season the chicken breasts before adding them to the air fryer, or you can get creative and use your favourite seasonings.
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Some of our favourite spices and herbs include:
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Piri Piri
- Paprika
- Rosemary and Thyme
Do I Need To Use Oil For Air Fryer Chicken Breasts?
You don’t have to use oil when cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer, but you can if you like. I brush them lightly with a little olive oil to help the seasoning stick and brown them. If you have a spray bottle, you can use that too.
What Temperature Do You Cook Chicken Breasts In An Air Fryer?
Chicken breasts are best cooked at 180°C (360°F).
How Long Do Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Take To Cook?
The length of time required for a chicken breast to cook in an air fryer depends on the size and thickness; for smaller chicken breasts, aim for 16 minutes total (8 minutes on each side) and up to 20 minutes for larger chicken breasts (10 minutes on each side).
Always check that the chicken is thoroughly cooked – the juices should run clear with no pink bits. If unsure, use a meat thermometer; the chicken’s internal temperature should read 75°C (165°F).
Don’t let the chicken cook too long; it will dry out and lose its juiciness. Once the chicken breast is cooked all the way through, remove it from the air fryer basket, and if you want them cut, slice it with a sharp knife.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Are you looking for more air fryer chicken recipes? Check out the following for some inspiration!
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
I hope you enjoyed this air fryer chicken recipe; let me know in the comments if you make it!
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts increase accordingly
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder or seasoning of your choice
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the air fryer at 180°C (360°F).
- 2. Brush or spray each chicken breast with oil.
- 3. Season one side (the smooth side) of each chicken breast.
- 4. Place each chicken breast (smooth side down) in the air fryer basket. Season the other side.
- 5. Set the timer for 10 minutes.
- 6. After 10 minutes turn the chicken breasts over to allow them to cook on both sides.
- 7. Check the chicken is cooked all the way through – use a meat thermometer if necessary.
- 8. Leave the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving or slicing.
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Notes
- 150g – 200g: 16 to 18 minutes
- 200g – 300g: 18 to 20 minutes