How To Cook Chicken Breast In Air Fryer (Definitive Guide)

Are you looking for an easy and healthy way to prepare chicken? An air fryer is an efficient kitchen tool that can help you make delicious, crispy chicken with minimal effort.

This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to cook chicken in an air fryer. You’ll learn the best chicken types and the essential ingredients for a flavorful dish. Plus, we’ll discuss safety tips for using an air fryer and some recommended cooking times.

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Gather equipment

Before cooking, ensure you have all the necessary equipment and ingredients. You’ll need

• An air fryer,
• A bowl for marinating the chicken,
• Tongs or a spatula for flipping the chicken and
• Any desired seasonings or sauces.

Ingredients

• Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Two teaspoons of Olive Oil 
• One teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Cooking Time: 12 Minutes
• Prepare Time: 30-35  Minutes 
• Servings: 2 Chicken breast
• Calories: 237 kcal

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Instructions

1. Cover the chicken breasts with plastic wrap on a cutting board. Pound it into an even thickness with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or palm.
2. Place the chicken on a plate and sprinkle kosher salt all over it. If you’re not dry brining, skip this step and put it in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before air frying.
4. Add salt now if you didn’t dry brine the chicken. Stir together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken. Sprinkle the spice mixture on top. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed on both sides of the chicken before you toss it.
6. Heat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (mine takes 3 minutes). The chicken presentation side (smooth side) should be down in the air fryer.
7. Remove the air fryer basket, then with tongs, carefully flip the chicken over. Continue cooking until the chicken registers between 155 and 160 degrees F, 2 to 8 minutes more. Chicken is considered safe to eat at 165 degrees F, but I like to remove mine a few degrees early, then let the carryover cooking finish the job. The total cook time will vary based on your model and the size of your chicken. Smaller breasts (about 6 ounces each) will need only around 8 minutes; larger ones may need 14 or more. Check the chicken often towards the end to monitor its progress. DO NOT overcook, or it will be dry.
8. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate. Cover the dish and allow it to rest for five to ten minutes. Enjoy your slice!

Nutrition

• Calories: 237 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 109mg
• Potassium: 670mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Calcium: 15mg
• Iron: 1mg

Safety Tips 

When using an air fryer, always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks, as air fryers can cook quickly and may burn food if left unattended. Additionally, use oven mitts or tongs to avoid touching the heating element when handling hot surfaces.

Cooling and storing the cooked chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, please remove it from the air fryer and let it cool before storing it. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place the chicken back in the air fryer to reheat and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes or until heated.

Serving suggestions for air fryer-cooked chicken

Air fryer-cooked chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Try serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad. You can also use the cooked chicken to make sandwiches, tacos, wraps, or casseroles.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Conclusion

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a great way to make delicious, healthy dishes without the added fat and calories of deep-frying. You can make a delicious meal quickly with the right ingredients and a few simple steps. Remember to follow safety guidelines when using an air fryer for optimal results.

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Chester P. Rector

Chester’s expertise in air fryer cooking stems from her belief that air frying is one of the healthiest and most convenient cooking methods. Her recipes are designed to make the most of the air fryer’s unique cooking properties, producing crispy and delicious meals without excessive oil.