Air Fryer Chicken Breast
This easy air fryer chicken breast recipe is a healthy dinner essential with results that are incredibly tender, juicy, and delicious!
- Total time
- 15 min
- Active time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 2, 2 servings
- Difficulty
- Medium
Ingredients and Constraints
Ingredients
Ingredient watchpoints1 watchpoint
Short requirements and tradeoffs to check while gathering ingredients; detailed source notes stay expandable.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
The source ingredient row lists alternatives.
Details and source
Acceptable alternatives: Avocado Oil
Source: AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
Additional ingredient notes
AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST INGREDIENTS
Here are a few notes on what to look for in your chicken breasts and what you’ll need for the seasoning.
Chicken Breast: The key to this recipe is making sure you buy the right size of boneless, skinless chicken breasts — about 7 ounces. Larger breasts will take an additional 1 to 4 minutes to cook. Seasoning: A simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper does wonders for plain chicken. You could also use other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley! Helpful tip: If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, make sure to let them defrost in the fridge overnight or at least 4 to 5 hours before cooking. Then, let them come to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before seasoning. Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
Method Overview
Structured method notes that are separate from the step timeline.
HOW TO AIR FRY CHICKEN BREAST
I know there’s some recipes that say you can cook chicken breasts in 8 minutes, but trust me, that only works if you pound the chicken super flat like a pancake.
And then you get thin, dry chicken. If you want juicy chicken, lightly pound it and then air fry for 10 to 14 minutes (depending on the size of your chicken breasts).
HERE’S A COOKING GUIDELINE TO USE:
6 to 7-ounce chicken breasts: about 10 to 11 minutes total 8 to 9-ounce chicken breasts: about 11 to 12 minutes total 10-ounce or larger chicken breasts: about 13 to 14 minutes total Do you need to preheat the air fryer?
I don’t recommend preheating the air fryer for this recipe. Preheating the air fryer is most beneficial when you want a crispy outside, like on my air fryer chicken wings.
Source video
Source video
Method Timeline
Prep
ActivePrep
5 min
Prep time from the source recipe card.
Cook
ActiveCook
10 min
Cook time from the source recipe card.
Total
PassiveTotal
15 min
Total time from the source recipe card.
Step 1
Mix together the spices. In a small bowl, stir together the spices.
Step 2
Pound the chicken. Lightly pound the chicken to flatten and reduce the large bump on one end.
Step 3
Season the chicken. Drizzle the oil over the chicken and make sure the chicken is well coated. Sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides of the chicken and rub it into the chicken with your hands.
Image detailsSeasonDownshiftology · AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREASTDev reference Inputs and tools1
Uses
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
Step 4
Air fry the chicken. Add the chicken to the air fryer and cook smooth side down for 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Flip the chicken over and cook an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove it to a plate and let it rest for a couple of minutes. The carryover cooking will increase the internal temperature by several more degrees while it rests.
Image detailsAir FryDownshiftology · AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREASTDev reference Visual cue
until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Checks4
TemperatureInfoTemperature375°F
Target: 375 degree-fahrenheit
Expected state: Add the chicken to the air fryer and cook smooth side down for 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
TemperatureInfoTemperature160°F
Target: 160 degree-fahrenheit
Expected state: Flip the chicken over and cook an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Visual cueInfoVisualuntil the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Expected state: until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
HoldingMain recipeSource holding instruction
Air fry the chicken. Add the chicken to the air fryer and cook smooth side down for 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Flip the chicken over and cook an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove it to a plate and let it rest for a couple of minutes. The carryover cooking will increase the internal temperature by several more degrees while it rests.
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
- Source: AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
Step 5
Serve it up. Serve the chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Image detailsServeDownshiftology · AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREASTDev reference Checks1
ServiceMain recipeSource service instruction
Serve it up. Serve the chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
- Source: AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
Handling and Storage
Reviewed hold, storage, make-ahead, and service-timing guidance.
STORAGE TIPS
Store leftovers: The chicken will keep for about 4 to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Perfect to enjoy throughout the week! Freeze for later: To make the reheating process easier, slice, dice, or shred your chicken before freezing. The chicken will keep for several months in the freezer. Reheating tips: Chicken breasts can get a bit dry when you reheat the following days. So here’s a little tip. Add a teaspoon or so of water to the top of your chicken, then cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic-wrap before reheating in the microwave. It will steam a little, helping the chicken absorb some of the moisture, and bring it back to life!
Learn More
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Recipe structure
Components and intermediate outputs created by the method.
Main recipe
Recipe card ingredients and steps.
2, 2 servings
Recipe Utilities
Account actions, source details, export, and reporting stay available without interrupting the cooking flow.
Source and Origin
Origin declaration
Adapted from source
Imported from the downshiftology page for dev review.
Copy risk: Unchecked
AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
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