Craving perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breast without the mess?
Look no further than air fryer chicken breast! This healthy and convenient method delivers crispy exteriors and tender, flavorful interiors in a fraction of the time it takes traditional methods.
Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a health-conscious foodie, air fryer chicken breast is a versatile protein option that can be easily customized to your taste preferences.
This recipe is for juicy and flavorful air fryer chicken breast. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Olive oil (or any neutral-flavored high-heat oil)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Your favorite seasonings (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps ensure crispy skin.
- (Optional) You can pound the chicken breasts to a more even thickness for quicker cooking. Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a mallet until about ½-inch thick.
2. Season the Chicken:
Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
3. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes, if possible. This helps ensure even cooking.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for air circulation.
- Air fry for the following times, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts:
- Small breasts (5 to 7 ounces): 7 to 10 minutes
- Medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes
- Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 12 to 16 minutes
- Flip the chicken breasts halfway through cooking.
4. Check for Doneness:
- After the recommended cooking time, insert a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- If the chicken is not cooked through, cook for a few more minutes, checking the temperature again.
5. Rest and Serve:
Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.
Tips
- For extra crispy skin, you can spray the chicken breasts with a light coating of cooking spray after seasoning them.
- You can also marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes before air frying for added flavor.
- If you are using frozen chicken breasts, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 50%. Be sure to cook the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorites.
Enjoy your delicious air fryer chicken breast!