Air fryer chicken breast is a gluten-free (non-breaded), keto-friendly recipe that can be prepared in less than 20 minutes. When cooked in the air fryer, chicken breast turns tender, flavorful, and juicier without brining.
What ingredients are required to make air fryer chicken breast?
7 ingredients are required to make air-fried chicken breast, these are:
- 1 whole medium boneless chicken breast: Medium-sized chicken breast (16 oz) cooks nicely in an air fryer without being undercooked or overcooked.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil has a high smoking point and is a healthier option to use for chicken breast. Olive oil can be substituted with avocado or coconut oil.
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ⅙ tsp black pepper powder
Can you use bone-in chicken breast to cook it in the air fryer?
Yes, bone-in chicken breast can be cooked in the air fryer. Bone-in chicken breast requires an extra 8-10 minutes (at 350°F) to cook compared to boneless chicken breast (18 mins at 350°F). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken breast reaches 165°F (74°C) if bone-in chicken breast is used.
Can a frozen chicken breast be used to cook in the air fryer?
To cook frozen chicken breast in the air fryer, thaw it and then season it before cooking. To cook boneless frozen chicken breast without thawing, spray it with oil so the seasonings stick. Prefer using a fresh chicken breast to get a juicier and more flavorful recipe.
What equipment is required to make an air fryer chicken breast recipe?
A 4-quart air fryer (for one whole chicken breast), cutting board, sharp knife, and a mixing bowl are needed to cook air fryer boneless chicken breast. Use a larger (6-8 quart air fryer) to cook more than one chicken breast at a time.
What is the best cooking time and temperature to cook chicken breast in the air fryer?
Medium-sized boneless chicken breast in the air fryer cooks best in 18 minutes at 350°F (176.6°C). For small and large size chicken breasts, decrease and increase the time by 4-5 minutes, respectively. Use a meat thermometer to measure the chicken breast’s internal temperature (165°F) to ensure it cooks properly.
4 steps to cook chicken breast in an air fryer
- Prepare the chicken breast. Cut the whole boneless chicken breast with a sharp knife in half lengthwise to create two even pieces.
- Season the chicken. Mix ⅙ tsp black pepper powder, 1 tsp sea salt, ½ tsp turmeric powder, ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tbsp dried oregano in a small bowl to create a seasoning blend. Rub this seasoning mixture inside and outside of each chicken breast. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the seasoned chicken breasts and rub it in.
- Air fry the chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (176°C ) for 5 minutes. Place the two seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are overcrowded or overlapping. Cook the chicken breasts for 18 minutes at 350°F (176°C).
- Serve. Remove the chicken breasts. Rest them for 3 minutes to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Serve.
How to store air-fried chicken breast?
To store air fried chicken breast (for up to 4 days), cool them at room temperature. Wrap each chicken breast in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate. For longer storage (up to 2 months), wrap chicken breasts in a freezer-safe bag and freeze.
How do you reheat chicken breast in the air fryer?
To reheat chicken breast in the air fryer, thaw them (only if frozen). Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (176°C) for 5 minutes. Heat the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket for 7-10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breast.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe Video
FAQ
Why is my air fryer chicken breast dry and rubbery?
Dried and rubbery air-fried chicken breast is mainly a result of overcooking. Using thin chicken breasts can also cause the issue. Oiling the chicken breast twice (starting and between cooking) can moisten them.
Should you brine chicken breast before cooking it in the air fryer?
No, brining chicken breast is not required if sliced chicken breasts are being used. Only consider brining when using whole chicken breast to ensure moist and tender chicken.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Equipment
- 4-quarts air fryer
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 Whole medium boneless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/6 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Breast: Cut the whole boneless chicken breast in half lengthwise to create two even pieces.
- Season the Chicken: Mix black pepper, sea salt, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning inside and outside each chicken breast. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (176°C) for 5 minutes. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook at 350°F (176°C) for 18 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 3 minutes. Serve immediately.
