How do you cook boneless chicken breast in an air fryer

posted by Lyubomira on November 18, 2021

 How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer – the perfect juicy boneless skinless chicken breast, ready in under 20 minutes. Quick, effortless and easy to make weeknight chicken dinner.

This is the most requested recipe lately, my popular air fried chicken breast – seasoned, perfectly cooked on the inside, tasty and crispy on the outside. I usually add it to my favorite Strawberry Spinach Salad or a homemade Caesar Salad.

Quick chicken dinner recipe, just pair it with a nice side dish like fresh or steamed vegetables, or you can even use it to make tacos with it. So easy, mess free and foolproof.

Just follow the instructions and make sure you keep an eye in the temperature of the chicken in the final minutes.

Since the Air Fryer works with convection heat, there is no need to cook chicken at very high temperatures, as it may quickly dry out and turn rubbery.

The hot air circulating inside the closed Air Fryer ensures the chicken breast cooks quickly, evenly and the meat gets perfectly crispy on the outside.

This recipe uses a simple seasoning, no breading or brining and is perfect for anyone who is on the Keto (Low -Carb) dies, Whole 30 or Paleo.

How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer?

I’m sharing with you a simple way to cook 

What type of Air Fryer I use?

I currently use the Phillips XXL air fryer and like it a lot. I can fit 3-4 medium sized boneless skinless chicken breasts at a time, but I usually cook 2-3 , so they have space in between and cook evenly.

Oil – canola, grapeseed, vegetable or olive oil can be used. I usually stick to grapeseed oil for my Air Fryer recipes, because of its high burn point and neutral flavor.

Breading –  there is no breading in this recipe, it is lighter, healthier and low carb. The heat of the air fryer, some oil and good quality chicken meat ensure crispy meat without the breading. You can definitely sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the cooked chicken breasts.

Seasoning – Yes, of course, you can use a seasoning of your choice, homemade or store bought. Italian, Cajun, Taco or Lemon Pepper seasonings are great options.

I used my favorite spice blend with seasonings, that I always have in my pantry. They are : slat, black pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder and dried parsley (optional).

• boneless skinless chicken breasts
• grape seed oil
• paprika or smoked paprika
• salt
• black pepper
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• dried thyme
• dried parsley (optional)

Directions:

In a bowl combine all the spices – salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme and parsley).

Preheat Air Fryer for 5 minutes at 375 F.

Spray the basket with cooking spray.

Drizzle oil over the chicken breasts and then coat in the mixture of spices.

Add to the Air Fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes on one side. Turn and cook for 4-7 minutes (or more if needed) on the other side, until the chicken breasts are golden on the outside and a thermometer inserted into the thickest past reads 165 F.

Serve immediately or store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

What is the best cooking temperature for chicken breast in an air fryer?

Cook boneless skinless chicken breasts that are about 6 oz (170 grams) each and is around 1-inch (or less) thick at 375 F (190 C) in a preheated Air Fryer for 6 minutes on one side, then turn and cook for 4-7 more minutes, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 165 F (74 C).

Cooking time greatly varies, depending on the type of chicken breast, thickness, Air Fryer size and type. Make sure you keep a eye o the chicken and do not overcook it.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes and then cut. 

What to serve this air fried boneless skinless chicken breast with?

This chicken is perfect to add to salads, soups, grain (or grain free) bowls, sandwiches and wraps. You can also serve it on its own with a fresh green salad, mashed potatoes, Oven baked okra, rice (like this cilantro rice) or Grilled Vegetables.

Prepare and cook in advance and store in the fridge for up to 4 days, in an airtight container or a zip lock bag. Use cold or reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to use. (Quick 30-60 second reheat in the microwave or 5 min in the oven, otherwise you are risking to overcook it).

More Air Fryer Recipes:

Now, knowing how to cook chicken breast in an air fryer, you may want to try some other quick and simple Air Fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs  – these are juicy, flavorful and delicious. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
• This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken from Food Doodles is amazingly easy, juicy and tender on the inside, and sweet and crispy on the outside. And it’s ready in only 20 minutes.
• Easy Salmon in the Air Fryer Recipe   -Quick and Easy Salmon In The Air Fryer Recipe – the best way to cook salmon fillets in the air fryer. Ready in 10 minutes, perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and juicy and moist on the inside.
• Air Fryer Chickpeas   – quick and simple way to prepare seasoned, super crispy, crunchy and delicious chickpeas to snack on, add to salads, grain bowls or soups. All you need is just a can of chickpeas, olive (or vegetable) oil, lemon juice, seasoning of your choice and 15 minutes to make.

Servings: 4

How to cook chicken breast in an air fryer - the perfect juicy boneless skinless chicken breast, ready in under 20 minutes. Quick, effortless and easy to make.

• 24 oz chicken breast — four 4-6 oz chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp grape seed oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley
• Alternatively use store bought chicken seasoning of your choice — cajun seasoning or blackened seasoning

1. In a bowl combine all the spices.

2. Preheat Air Fryer for 2 minutes at 375 F.

3. Spray the basket with cooking spray.

4. Drizzle oil over the chicken breasts and then coat in the mixture of spices.

5. Add to the Air Fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes on one side. Turn and cook for 4-7 minutes (or more if needed) on the other side, until the chicken breasts are golden on the outside and a thermometer inserted into the thickest past reads 165 F.

6. Serve immediately or store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Course: Main

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Nutrition Information

Calories: 228, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 109mg, Sodium: 489mg, Potassium: 649mg, Carbohydrates: 1g, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Protein: 36g, Vitamin A: 300%, Vitamin C: 2%, Calcium: 12%, Iron: 1%

posted in Air Fryer, Chicken, Mains
originally posted on November 18, 2021 last updated on November 30, 2021

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