Flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe that emerges perfectly on every occasion in merely 20 minutes! Seasoned with a combination of herbs and spices for a tasty, nutritious meal ideal for hectic weeknights or when you need to prepare meals in advance.
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Fed up with dry, unexciting chicken breasts? I have the answer for you. Once you experience this easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe, you’ll find yourself making it regularly! Succulent chicken breasts seasoned with a combination of herbs and spices that are flawlessly cooked using this reliable, foolproof recipe. Juicy, tasty chicken every time! Perfect for bustling weeknights or when you need cooked chicken in a hurry. Serve alongside brown rice and steamed vegetables for a nutritious, quick dinner that the entire family will appreciate!
Why You’ll Adore This
- Consistently perfect – the air fryer retains moisture while forming a lightly crispy exterior on the succulent chicken breast. Say goodbye to dry, tough chicken!
- Fast and straightforward – this recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish for a protein-rich, simple weeknight dinner that can be whipped up in no time.
- Adjustable – such a versatile protein, so feel free to use any seasoning blend you prefer for this chicken. You can also experiment with different sauces or marinades for variety.
- Perfect for meal prepping – this chicken reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Slice it for grain bowls, salads, wraps, and more!
Ingredients Required
- chicken breasts – you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but chicken thighs can work too.
- olive oil – I prefer to use high-quality olive oil or another neutral oil for sautéing the chicken and vegetables; just ensure it’s cold-pressed and organic for best flavor.
- seasoning mix – a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to flavor the chicken.
- fresh parsley – use as a garnish at the end to add a touch of color and fresh flavor to the chicken.
How Long to Cook Chicken in Air Fryer
Not all chicken breasts are equal, and cook times will differ based on their size. Below are the cooking durations for air frying at 375 degrees F.
- Smaller breasts (5 to 7 ounces) – 12 to 16 minutes
- Medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces) – 14 to 18 minutes
- Large breasts (11 ounces or more) – 18 to 20 minutes
How to Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Prepare the chicken. Flatten the chicken to an even thickness between plastic wrap (if the chicken is particularly thick) and dry them with paper towels.
- Season well. In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil and evenly season with the spice mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres.
- Air fry. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket (avoid overlapping) and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken midway through and cook for an extra 6 to 10 minutes, based on the size of your chicken breasts. The internal temperature should hit 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer, with juices running clear.
- Let the chicken rest. Using tongs, place the chicken pieces on a plate. Cover and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial! Resting helps retain those juices, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Brining the Chicken
Brining chicken breasts is an excellent method to ensure they remain juicy, tender, and full of flavor, especially during air frying. It’s a simple process that takes an additional 15 to 30 minutes, but I truly believe it’s worth it!
- Submerge raw chicken breasts in a solution of 4 cups water and 4 tablespoons of salt, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Allow the chicken to soak in the brine for 15 to 30 minutes (not exceeding 1 hour), then rinse under cold water. Pat with paper towels and season the chicken with the spice mix as instructed!
Is It Acceptable to Put Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Cooking frozen chicken breasts directly from the freezer is super simple and quick, preventing them from drying out. The seasoning won’t initially adhere, but you can add it halfway through cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F and let it warm up for 3 to 5 minutes. This allows for more even cooking.
- Put frozen chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes. This softens the surface, making it easier to season. Take out the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels, and season as directed.
- Continue cooking the chicken for another 8 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Chicken breasts are fully cooked once they reach 165 degrees F at the thickest point.
Best Tips for Air Fryer Chicken
- Size is important – ensure that the chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking in the air fryer.
- Don’t omit the oil – it helps the seasoning adhere, ensures proper browning, and prevents the outside of the chicken from drying out in the high air fryer heat.
- Preheat the air fryer – starting with a hot basket helps the chicken sear upon contact, enhancing browning and reducing the risk of overcooking.
- Avoid crowding the basket – make sure to give sufficient space between the chicken cutlets to allow for hot air circulation. If they touch, you’ll end up steaming instead of crisping, leading to uneven cooking.
- Utilize a meat thermometer – remove the chicken once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, as overcooking will cause it to dry out.
- Allow the chicken to rest – letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes prevents juices from draining onto the cutting board, ensuring it remains juicy.
Preparation and Storage
To Store: Leftovers can be kept in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making this ideal for meal prep. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through.
To Freeze: Freeze leftover chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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