Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Chicken Breast is a quick and reliable way to cook juicy meat for any meal. This method uses circulating hot air to seal in the juices while creating a lightly browned exterior. It is much faster than using a traditional oven and requires very little oil. You can serve it with vegetables, in salads, or inside sandwiches.
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Photo of Air Fryer Chicken Breast cooked in the air fryer

Good reasons to make air fryer chicken breast

Using an chicken breast helps you achieve a perfect texture without much effort. The high heat ensures the meat cooks evenly and stays moist inside. It is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a healthy protein option quickly. This recipe is simple and works every single time.

How to cook air fryer chicken breast

Step 1
Season: Pat the meat dry with paper towels to help the oil stick. Put the oil and all the dry spices into a small bowl and mix them together. Rub the spice mixture all over each chicken breast until they are evenly coated.
Step 2
Preheat: Turn on your and set the temperature to 200 degrees Celsius. Let it run for a few minutes so the basket is nice and hot. This helps the meat start cooking immediately once it is placed inside.
Step 3
Cook: Place the seasoned meat into the basket in a single layer. Cook the chicken breast for about 18 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to flip the meat over so it browns evenly on both sides.
Step 4
Rest: Check that the internal temperature has reached 75 degrees Celsius using a meat thermometer. Remove the meat from the and place it on a clean plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.

Good advice for making air fryer chicken breast

Always try to choose pieces that are similar in thickness so they cook at the same rate. If one side is much thicker, you can gently flatten it with a kitchen mallet before seasoning. Making sure the chicken breast is at room temperature before cooking also helps with even results. Avoid overcrowding the basket as the air needs space to move around the food.

If you want more flavour, you can change the spices to include dried herbs like oregano or thyme. A little lemon juice squeezed over the top after cooking adds a fresh taste. Always remember to let the meat rest as this is the secret to a juicy texture.

For a little more variety, you can also try air fryer pork rib roast with crackling, air fryer pork loin roast or air fryer fish cakes.

Ingredients

servings
Adjust quantity
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1632 kJ / 390 kcal
  • Fat:14 g
  • - of which saturates:2 g
  • Carbohydrates:1 g
  • - of which sugars:0 g
  • Protein:62 g
  • Fibre:0 g
  • Salt:1.2 g

People also ask

Air Fryer Chicken Breast usually takes about 18 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.
Follow the stated timings and temperatures. Stir or turn it only when the method calls for it.
Do not leave it over the heat for too long. Check the texture near the end and adjust the time if needed.
What do you think of this recipe?
4.9 / 5 - (19 ratings)