Elevate your chicken game with this mouthwatering recipe for air fryer chicken breasts. From marinating ideas to cooking time and temperature recommendations, discover how to turn simple chicken breasts into a delicious dinner with the use of your air fryer.
Air fryer chicken breasts are a quick and simple dinner that anyone can enjoy on a weeknight or on a busy day. You can personalise the recipe with all your favourite flavours too. A spicy rub, Nandos sauce, BBQ sauce or a thick gravy are delicious options.
You can batch-cook your chicken breasts for lunches and reheat them in the air fryer or microwave too.
Why you’ll love this air fryer chicken breasts recipe
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is the endless customisation possibilities. Incorporating a crunchy breadcrumb crust or a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top of the chicken breasts adds a delightful textural contrast to each bite. Imagine the satisfaction of hearing that crunch as you sink your teeth into the succulent chicken.
I love using the air fryer on a weeknight when you don’t have time but still want a healthy, nutritious meal. Popping the chicken breasts in the air fryer is quick, easy and doesn’t cost the earth.
Use the air fryer chicken breast to make lunchboxes as well as dinners, shred one and pop it in a sandwich, add to a salad or even into a wrap for an air fryer chicken tortilla. The best bit about this air fryer recipe is that it’s so versatile.
Tips for Juicy and Tender Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
One of the keys to juicy and tender air fryer chicken breasts is marinating them before cooking. Marinating not only adds flavour but also helps to break down the proteins in the meat, resulting in a more tender texture.
You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, or get creative with different flavours like teriyaki, BBQ, or spicy marinades.
Simply place your chicken breasts in a resealable bag or mixing bowl with the marinade, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking.
Ingredients
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Chicken Breast
This recipe for air fryer chicken breasts is a great staple to have in your wheelhouse, you only need the chicken breast and a little oil to crisp up the edges. You can buy chicken breasts from any supermarket or pick up some from your local butcher.
They’re low fat, delicious and really easy to add additional flavourings to. You don’t even need to prepare your chicken breasts. Just simply season and brush them with oil.
How to Make air fryer chicken breasts – Step by Step
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Keep scrolling to find the full printable instructions and ingredient quantities.
The simple air fryer chicken recipe takes just two steps. Start by rubbing some olive oil into your chicken breasts and season them.
Cook your chicken breasts until they’re hot all the way through and no pink remains (your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C). Allow to rest for a moment before serving.
Top Tips
Start with the Right Cut: When making chicken breasts in the air fryer, it’s important to select the right cut of meat. Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are uniform in size. This will ensure even cooking and prevent any dry or undercooked portions.
Don’t Skip the Marinade: Marinating your chicken breasts before air frying them can add an incredible depth of flavour. Try marinades like a spicy chipotle rub or a sweet and sour sauce. Let the chicken breasts marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.
Preheat for Crispy Results: Just like when baking or frying, preheating your air fryer is essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior. Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature stated in the recipe, giving it a few minutes to reach the desired heat.
Avoid Overcrowding: To promote even air circulation and achieve optimal results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken breasts in batches if necessary, giving them enough space to cook evenly. This will help to ensure that each piece becomes perfectly crispy.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Temp
While the recommended cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind.
First, it’s essential to preheat your air fryer before cooking the chicken breasts. This step helps to create a consistent cooking environment and ensures that your chicken cooks evenly. Simply set the desired temperature on your air fryer and allow it to preheat for a few minutes before adding the chicken.
When it comes to the cooking temperature, most air fryer chicken breast recipes recommend a temperature between 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C).
However, it’s worth noting that air fryers can vary in their temperature accuracy, so it’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature of your chicken breasts with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions for air fryer chicken breasts
Serve with salads
One way to wow your guests is by serving your air fryer chicken breasts on a bed of vibrant and refreshing salad greens. Create a colourful medley of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and crispy bell peppers. Drizzle it all with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy dressing of your choice.
The contrasting textures and flavours of the crispy air fryer chicken and the fresh salad will delight your guests’ taste buds and add a touch of elegance to your presentation.
Serve with a creamy mushroom sauce
If you’re craving a more indulgent twist, consider serving your air fryer chicken breasts with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce.
Sauté a medley of mushrooms in butter until golden brown and tender, then deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth to create a flavourful sauce. Place your perfectly cooked chicken breasts on a plate and generously spoon the mushroom sauce over them. The combination of the tender chicken and the earthy, umami-packed mushrooms will create a truly irresistible dish that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Salsa or chutney
For those who appreciate a touch of international flair, why not try serving your air fryer chicken breasts with vibrant salsa or chutney? Create a tropical pineapple salsa with diced pineapples, red onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Alternatively, whip up a tangy mango chutney by combining ripe mangoes, ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice. The fruity and zesty flavours of these accompaniments will perfectly complement the succulent chicken, adding a burst of freshness and exotic flavours to your meal.
Fresh herbs
You can also add a pop of colour and freshness by garnishing your chicken with finely chopped herbs, such as parsley, basil, or chives. These small touches not only add visual appeal but also enhance the overall taste and presentation of your dish.
Equipment
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I use the Cosori Air Fryer 4.7L air fryer and I would really recommend it. It’s easy to use and really easy to clean too. It has clear-to-use buttons and an easy-to-remove basket for cleaning.
Substitutions and variations – Marinating Ideas for chicken breast
Lemon marinade
One popular marinade option is a classic combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. This citrus-infused marinade adds a vibrant freshness to the chicken, complementing the crispy exterior with a tangy burst of flavour.
Spicy marinade
If you’re looking for a bolder flavour, try a spicy marinade featuring ingredients like hot sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This fiery blend will give a kick to your chicken, perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.
To balance out the spiciness, consider adding a touch of sweetness with honey or brown sugar, creating a compelling balance of flavours that will leave your taste buds craving more. A little lemon or lime is also a lovely addition to the spice.
Mediterranean inspired marinade
For a Mediterranean-inspired twist, consider marinating your air fryer chicken breasts in a mixture of Greek yoghurt, lemon zest, and herbs like oregano and thyme. This creamy marinade not only adds a delightful tanginess to the chicken, but it also helps to keep the meat incredibly moist during cooking.
The yoghurt’s natural acidity tenderises the chicken, while the herbs infuse a delightful aroma that will transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.
Remember, the longer you allow your chicken to marinate, the more intense the flavours will become. So, if time permits, consider marinating your chicken for a few hours or even overnight to ensure maximum flavour infusion.
Storing air fryer chicken breasts / Making ahead of time options
First and foremost, make sure that your cooked chicken breasts have cooled down to room temperature before storing them. If you try to pack them up while they are still warm, you risk creating condensation, which can lead to soggy chicken.
When it comes to packaging your cooked chicken breasts, opt for airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. These will help to keep your chicken fresh and prevent any cross-contamination with other foods in your fridge. If using bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to maintain the best quality.
The best place to store chicken breasts is the refrigerator, which will keep them at a safe temperature. Place the containers or bags in the coldest part of your fridge, such as the back or bottom shelf.
If you’re planning to freeze your cooked chicken, make sure to do so within a few days of cooking to retain optimal flavour and texture. When freezing, it’s a good idea to divide the chicken into smaller portions, so you can thaw only the amount you need at a later time. This will help to minimise any unnecessary waste. Then when you reheat the chicken ensure that it’s piping hot all the way through.
air fryer chicken breasts FAQS
Can you put aluminium foil in an air fryer?
What is the rule for air fryer?
Do air fryers heat from top or bottom?
Are air fryers worth the effort?
Can you put aluminium foil in an air fryer?
Yes you can put aluminium foil in an air fryer. Putting foil in the bottom of your air fryer is a great way to catch all the juices, oil and fats that run off your food.
It also helps speed up the cleanup of your air fryer after cooking which is always a bonus. If you don’t want to use tin foil in the air fryer try silicon liners or greaseproof paper.
What is the rule for air fryer?
When taking a recipe from oven to air fryer, the general rule is to reduce the temperature by 20ºC – 30ºC and cook for 20% less time. But this can vary from appliance to appliance so keep an eye on your food whilst it cooks.
Do air fryers heat from top or bottom?
The heating element in most air fryers is at the top of the air fryer, heating from the top. But as they are fan-assisted, the air fryer heats up in all areas and helps to cook your food more evenly.
Most importantly this means you don’t want to overfill your air fryer basket as if it falls too close to the top, some bits may burn.
Are air fryers worth the effort?
Air fryers are such low effort that they are 100% worth it. Being smaller than a large oven, they heat up faster and more evenly. This makes it perfect for small-batch meals. You can either keep it on the counter or store your air fryer in the cupboard and just bring it out when you need to use it.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Optional extras / changes
- pinch salt and pepper (optional seasoning)
- fresh herbs to serve
- Spray oil (instead of olive oil)
Instructions
- Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil.
- Place the chicken breasts on the aluminium foil.2 Chicken breasts
- Drizzle over the olive oil and any seasoning you want.1 tablespoon Olive oil
- Mix the oil and seasonings into the chicken using your hands or a spoon.
- Air fry the chicken thighs at 200°C / 400°F for approximately 16-18 minutes. (Depending on the size of the breasts)
- Halfway through I would recommend turning the chicken thighs over to ensure even cooking.
- If you want to check they are fully cooked then remove them from the air fryer and slice them open to check.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Cooking time varies depending on the chicken thigh size.
- Perfect for lunch and dinner but also brilliant way to batch cook chicken for lunchboxes.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
This looks and sounds fabulous! Love this recipe.
This recipe is a game-changer! The air fryer takes chicken breasts to the next level by creating that perfect texture without the need for a lot of oil.
This was so good and so easy! I was so impressed how juicy the chicken turned out!
Great suggestions for flavoring the chicken breast. My chicken breasts came out perfect, thanks for sharing this post!
I made chicken using this method for my salad for lunch today. They came out perfectly!!