Say goodbye to dry and dull chicken, and say hello to a deliciously satisfying meal.
Let’s dive right in and discover the magic of the air fryer!
Notes: We are currently in the development and testing stage for this air fryer boneless chicken breast recipe. Stay tuned for more updates. If you have any tips on making this dish even better, please leave us a comment below. We appreciate your input!
Happy frying!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Avocado oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
✦ You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.
Substitutions
For a unique twist, experiment with different spice blends such as cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or Italian herbs.
By the way, if you use cajun seasoning, pair it with butter instead of avocado oil. Simply add cold cubed butter to the chicken before air frying.
Recipe Video
Here’s a video of a similar recipe that we’re going for.
How to Cook Boneless Chicken Breast in an Air Fryer?
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC).
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, set your desired temperature then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They’re hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
Step 2: Prepare the ingredients and season the chicken breasts.
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This step helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes browning.
Then, brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this seasoning blend over both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure they’re well coated.
Step 3: Air fry boneless chicken breast for 12 – 15 minutes at 400ºF (204ºC).
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook them at 400ºF (204ºC) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
✦ If your air fryer basket is not non-stick, lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
🚨 Important: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breasts. They should register an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the air fried boneless chicken breasts and serve them hot with your favorite side dishes. They pair well with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a sandwich or wrap. The possibilities are endless!
That’s how you make an boneless chicken breast in air fryer, quick and easy!
It’s a foolproof way to achieve a delicious and healthier meal. The air fryer’s convenience, speed, and consistent results make it a must-have tool in any kitchen.
So, grab your apron, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to savor every bite of your perfectly cooked air fryer boneless chicken breast.
TIP: Tenderize the chicken breasts.
Do this step before seasoning the chicken breasts.
Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and cover it with plastic wrap to get started. This protects the meat from tearing and splattering.
Hold the meat mallet firmly and gently pound the chicken breast, starting from the center and working toward the edges. Be careful not to hit too hard.
The goal is to even out the thickness of the chicken breast, making it cook more evenly and become tender.
Using a meat mallet to tenderize chicken breast breaks down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more succulent and tender texture. So, grab a meat mallet and gently pound your chicken breast for a deliciously tender result.
💡 Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite marinade for 2 hours overnight before seasoning and air frying.
Storing and Reheating
Freezer: If you’re going to cook from frozen, check out this recipe instead: air fryer frozen chicken breast.
Fridge: This air fryer boneless chicken breast recipe is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store any leftover cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350ºF (175ºC) for 5-7 minutes or until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking boneless chicken breast in an air fryer takes about 12 – 15 minutes at 400ºF (204ºC). To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, it’s recommended to use an instant-read thermometer and check that the internal temperature has reached 165ºF (74ºC). You may need to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken breast.
Yes, you can absolutely cook boneless chicken breast in an air fryer. In fact, the air fryer is an excellent tool for cooking chicken breast. It cooks the chicken quickly, evenly, and with a deliciously crispy exterior.
Boneless chicken breast should be cooked at 400ºF (204ºC) in an air fryer. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly and develops a crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound or 454 grams)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the chicken breasts.
- Mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well to create a seasoning blend.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This'll help the seasoning adhere to the chicken better.
- Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with avocado oil. This'll help them get crispy and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Sprinkle and massage the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they're well coated.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Cook the chicken breasts in the preheated air fryer at 400ºF (204ºC) for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway to ensure both sides cook evenly.
- Once the chicken breasts are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and rest for 5 minutes. This’ll allow the juices to redistribute and keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Slice the chicken breasts and serve them hot with your favorite side dishes or use them in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or any other creative ways you like.
- Enjoy your deliciously seasoned and perfectly air-fried boneless chicken breast!
Notes
- Cooking times may vary based on chicken breast size, thickness, and air fryer model. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, it’s recommended to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165ºF (74ºC) for adequately cooked chicken.
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 380°F (193°C) and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food.
- You can skip preheating by adding 2-4 minutes to your cooking time. Increment gradually to prevent burning the
Nutrition
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