Are you ready to learn how to make the most delicious and juicy air fryer chicken breast? Look no further! In this article, I will share my secrets to creating the perfect chicken breast using your trusty air fryer.
The Versatile Air Fryer
You may associate your air fryer with breaded goodies, but it can do so much more! By following this recipe, you can make mouthwatering chicken breast that mimics the flavors of a grilled chicken without needing a grill.
This basic air fryer chicken breast recipe is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it with salads, rice and veggies, or even on sandwiches. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a go-to recipe for many families.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Let’s dive into the process of making this delicious dish step by step.
Ingredients
To make the best air fryer chicken breast, you will need:
- Uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Garlic powder or granulated garlic
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray (optional)
Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like chili powder, paprika, basil, chives, thyme, or onion powder. You can also choose to drizzle a bit of olive oil or avocado oil on the chicken before seasoning it.
Cooking Tips
Before you start cooking, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Air fryers are known for their quick cooking times, so it’s crucial to pay close attention to the cook time.
Avoid leaving the chicken breast in the air fryer for too long, as it will continue to cook and may become dry. To ensure precision, use a digital timer instead of relying solely on the air fryer’s built-in timer.
For your convenience, I’ve included a table of recommended cook times in the recipe notes below. This will help you achieve tender and juicy chicken breast every time.
Size Matters
The size of the chicken breast matters when air frying. It’s best to weigh your chicken breasts using a kitchen scale for accurate cook times. If you don’t have a scale, try to find similarly sized chicken breasts at the store and divide the total weight by the number of breasts in the package.
The Seasoning Process
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to season the chicken breast. I recommend starting with the presentation side, which is the smooth side of the breast. Spray it with a little cooking spray and sprinkle on the seasoning blend.
Next, place the seasoned side of the chicken breast down into the air fryer basket. Spray and season the other side, which is now facing upward. Now, you’re ready to start cooking!
Cooking Air Fryer Chicken Breast
You may be wondering how long to air fry chicken breast and at what temperature. I recommend setting the timer for half of the estimated cook time, which is typically around 10 minutes. Cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for this time, without the need to preheat.
After 10 minutes, use tongs to flip over the chicken breasts. Cook for the remaining 10 minutes, resulting in a total cook time of 20 minutes. Remember, these times may vary slightly, so refer to the table in the recipe notes for more suggestions.
Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer immediately and allow them to rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even juicier chicken breasts.
Serve and enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer chicken breast!
Frequently Asked Questions
Storage Tips & Leftover Ideas
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Use an airtight storage container or aluminum foil for refrigeration, and consider removing excess air when freezing for better preservation.
Extra air fryer chicken breasts can be used in various dishes throughout the week. Some delicious options include chicken pasta bake, chicken pesto pasta, and Greek salad with chicken.
What to Serve on the Side
Wondering what to serve alongside your air fryer chicken breast? Here are a few of my favorite side dishes:
- Instant Pot “Baked” Sweet Potatoes
- Instant Pot black-eyed peas
- Lemon garlic roasted Brussels sprouts
- Quinoa black bean salad
- Roasted broccoli and mushrooms
- Tortellini pasta salad
- Spiralizer Greek salad
- Greek quinoa salad
- Roasted green beans
- Greek pasta salad
- Classic potato salad (includes Instant Pot instructions)
- Greek potato salad
- Roasted thyme carrots
Enjoy Your Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Now that you know the secrets behind a perfectly cooked air fryer chicken breast, it’s time to try it out for yourself. Don’t forget to share your experience and spread the love by pinning this recipe. And if you want more air fryer recipes, always remember to visit Ekilove.
Note: Recipe contains Amazon affiliate links. This article was originally published on A Pinch of Healthy on February 25, 2019.
