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. 

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.