How to make juicy air fryer chicken breast in 20 minutes - Here is how you can make delicious, golden, tender chicken breasts in the air fryer. Follow my top tips to make the best air fryer chicken breast that you can enjoy throughout the week for meal prep and more!
How to make juicy air fryer chicken breast in 20 minutes
This succulent, Air Fryer Boneless Juicy Chicken Breast is flavoursome and is juicy all the way through.
This is an easy recipe that is fast to make and the chicken is incredibly delicious. Check out these air fryer chicken recipes too - Healthy and Tender Ninja Foodi Chicken Breast, Best Juicy Indian Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters, Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Roast Chicken.
This chicken breast is a world away from the sad, dry, bland chicken breast that we sometimes see!
Why you’ll love this recipe
No prep required
Many recipes suggest dry or wet brining the chicken. That is great for when you have time but I have tried it with brining and without and the chicken is incredible without that extra step.
Ready in under 10 minutes
This chicken recipe cooks quickly and is ready to eat in 8 - 9 minutes. Chicken breast benefits from being cooked at a high temperature for a shorter time as it won’t then become dry and rubbery.
Easy to adapt
You can adjust the seasonings and flavours according to your taste quite easily. You can even use your favourite seasoning blend.
How long to cook Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
The amount of time it takes for the chicken breast to cook through depends on the size of the Chicken Breasts.
It can vary between 7 - 17 minutes!
A small Breast that is around 150g and not very thick will only need 5 minutes and then you just adjust the time according to the weight and thickness of the meat.
Here are some timings:
- Small Chicken Breasts (140 - 200g) - 7 to 10 minutes
- Medium Chicken Breasts (225 to 285g) - 10 to 12 minutes
- Large Chicken Breasts (310g or more) - 12 to 16 minutes
How to ensure the Chicken is cooked
- Don’t forget to turn midway to ensure the chicken is cooked all over.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check if it is done. The chicken is ready at 73 C/165 F.
- I tend to remove it when it is a little under as the chicken will continue to cook in the residual heat outside of the air fryer.
Ingredients needed
Raw Chicken Breasts - Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts.
Olive Oil - or any Oil such as Avocado Oil.
Seasoning - Use your favourite blend or spices. I like to use Smoke Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder, Salt (Kosher Salt, Himalayan or Standard) and Black Pepper Powder.
How to make Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page:
Chicken Breast - Dab with paper towels to remove excess water. Lightly pound the chicken by placing it in plastic wrap.
Score Chicken Breast all over in a hedgehog pattern
Add Chicken Breast to a large bowl. Drizzle over oil and then season with spices.
Cook the chicken in a single layer at 190 C/375 degrees F for 6 minutes.
Turn the chicken pieces over. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Tips to make the BEST Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast
Thickness
Pound the Chicken Breast to an even thickness so it cooks evenly all over.
Do this by either with a rolling pin in a ziplock bag or between 2 sheets of cling film or paper. This also helps to tenderise the meat.
Best Temperature
I like to cook at 180 - 190C when using an Air Fryer.
This is because an Air Fryer uses convection for cooking food and is quite powerful so the heat doesn't need to be as high.
Brining
In my experience, dry brining the Chicken beforehand is not necessary for moist chicken made in an air fryer. I find that the chicken is tender and juicy anyway.
If you do wish to dry brine it, simply add Salt to the Chicken and set aside for 30 minutes the remove as much salt as you can before continuing with the recipe.
Air Fryer Method Best Practice
Make sure there is enough space between chicken breasts in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Turn the chicken breasts halfway through. This means the chicken will cook equally all over.
Grease or spray the basket with olive oil spray so the chicken doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket. You can also line the basket with baking paper.
Cooking time varies between Air fryers so please check your chicken is cooked all the way through.
Make sure the chicken rests once out of the air fryer.
How to make sure the Chicken is not overcooked
This is a foolproof recipe. For best results, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the Chicken. It should be around 70 - 75 C. It will continue to cook whilst resting too.
Variations
Adjust Spices according to your preference.
Use your favourite spice blend.
Make a glaze by mixing together 2 tbsp Mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Hot Sauce like Nandos Peri Peri, Spices such as Chilli and Garlic. Brush it on the Chicken and place back in the Air Fryer for 2 minutes.
Some ideas on how to use Air Fried Chicken
Here are some easy ways to use the Chicken once cooked. Add it on top of a starchy food or with side dishes:
Add it to your favourite Salad and drizzle with a dressing you enjoy or even some Sauce.
Chop and add to Pasta or Pasta Bakes.
Add to a Wrap or Sandwich.
Add as a topping to a Pizza.
Chop and then stir into a stir fry.
Add to a Quiche.
Serve with Rice!
How to store
Fridge
Place in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place in the microwave or gently rewarm chicken in the air fryer or oven at 175 C. Keep a close eye on it.
Freezer
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat in the microwave or airfryer..
How to cook Frozen Boneless Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
To cook frozen Chicken Breast in an Air Fryer, drizzle with Oil and add seasoning of choice (If not already seasoned
Preheat the air fryer to 180 C.
Spray the air fryer basket with an oil spray then air fry for 15 - 20 minutes, flipping midway.
More Chicken Breast Recipes:
Chicken Tikka Salad – Perfect for Meal Prep
Khloe Kardashians Chinese Chicken Salad – Health Nut CopyCat
Indian Chicken Salad with Avocado Green Chutney Dressing
Serve with:
More Air Fryer Recipes:
How to make Chocolate Chip Air Fryer Cookie Dough
Frozen Coconut Shrimp in Air Fryer (with sweet chilli sauce)
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How to make juicy air fryer chicken breast in 20 minutes
How to make juicy air fryer chicken breast in 20 minutes - Here is how you can make delicious, golden, tender, juicy chicken breast in the air fryer. Follow my top tips to make the best air fryer chicken breast that you can enjoy throughout the week for meal prep and more!
Ingredients
- 2 small Chicken Breast Boneless, Skinless
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Veg Oil
- Salt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Dry Parsley
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
-
Pop the Chicken Breast in a ziplock bag and pound with a rolling pin to an even thickness. (Around a pound coin in thickness). Score Chicken Breast all over in a hedgehog pattern
-
Drizzle over Oil and then season with Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder and Dry Parsley.
-
Spray the air fryer Basket with Oil. Then place the Chicken Breasts in the basket. You can add baking paper to the basket.
-
Cook the chicken at 190 C/375 F for 6 minutes. Turn the chicken over. Cook for 2 to 5 more minutes.
-
Optional - Remove to a plate and let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
Tips to make the BEST Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast
Thickness
Pound the Chicken Breast to an even thickness so it cooks evenly all over.
Do this by either with a rolling pin in a ziplock bag or between 2 sheets of cling film or paper. This also helps to tenderise the meat.
Best Temperature
I like to cook at 180 - 190C when using an Air Fryer.
This is because an Air Fryer uses convection for cooking food and is quite powerful so the heat doesn't need to be as high.
Brining
In my experience, dry brining the Chicken beforehand is not necessary for moist chicken made in an air fryer. I find that the chicken is tender and juicy anyway.
If you do wish to dry brine it, simply add Salt to the Chicken and set aside for 30 minutes the remove as much salt as you can before continuing with the recipe.
Air Fryer Method Best Practice
Make sure there is enough space between chicken breasts in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Turn the chicken breasts halfway through. This means the chicken will cook equally all over.
Grease or spray the basket with olive oil spray so the chicken doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket. You can also line the basket with baking paper.
Cooking time varies between Air fryers so please check your chicken is cooked all the way through.
Make sure the chicken rests once out of the air fryer.
How to make sure the Chicken is not overcooked
This is a foolproof recipe. For best results, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the Chicken. It should be around 70 - 75 C. It will continue to cook whilst resting too.
Variations
Adjust Spices according to your preference.
Use your favourite spice blend.
Make a glaze by mixing together 2 tbsp Mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Hot Sauce like Nandos Peri Peri, Spices such as Chilli and Garlic. Brush it on the Chicken and place back in the Air Fryer for 2 minutes.
Some ideas on how to use Air Fried Chicken
Here are some easy ways to use the Chicken once cooked. Add it on top of a starchy food or with side dishes:
Add it to your favourite Salad and drizzle with a dressing you enjoy or even some Sauce.
Chop and add to Pasta or Pasta Bakes.
Add to a Wrap or Sandwich.
Add as a topping to a Pizza.
Chop and then stir into a stir fry.
Add to a Quiche.
Serve with Rice!
How to store
Fridge
Place in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place in the microwave or gently rewarm chicken in the air fryer or oven at 175 C. Keep a close eye on it.
Freezer
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat in the microwave or airfryer..
How to cook Frozen Boneless Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
To cook frozen Chicken Breast in an Air Fryer, drizzle with Oil and add seasoning of choice (If not already seasoned
Preheat the air fryer to 180 C.
Spray the air fryer basket with an oil spray then air fry for 15 - 20 minutes, flipping midway.
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