If you want juicy, air-fried chicken breasts, it’s the way to go. No more dry meat, just juicy, moist, perfectly cooked chicken breast every time.
Air fryer chicken breasts are juicy, quick and never dry out. I usually prepare a batch of chicken breasts at the beginning of the week (especially if I have a very busy week) and I find the fryer to be the best and most sustainable way to make them. I then use the cooked chicken breasts in salads, wraps, burritos, tacos, sandwiches, noodle bowls, pasta, or even on their own as a carb-free snack.
How to make air fryer chicken breast
How to Air Fry ALL Chicken Breasts: Skinless Chicken Breasts, Boneless Skin on Chicken Breasts, Bone in Skinless Chicken Breasts and Bone in Skin on Chicken Breasts.
- The season. Place the breasts in a bowl and season with a little oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. The oil helps conduct heat and the spice adds flavor. Feel free to use your favorite chicken seasonings, like these!
- Fry in the air. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer and air fry, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. (See below for times)
How long should I cook chicken breasts in the air fryer?
- Boneless chicken breast: Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, depending on size, turning halfway through.
- Bone in chicken breast: Air fry at 400°F for 25-28 minutes, depending on size, turning halfway through.
- Frozen boneless chicken breast: Air fry from freezer at 360°F for 25-30 minutes, depending on size, turning halfway through.
You want to sear the breasts until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, or until the juices run clear. Chicken breasts come in all sizes and thicknesses, so it’s best to get an instant-read thermometer to make sure they reach 165°F.
Once the chicken breasts are ready, immediately remove them from the fryer (otherwise they will start to boil a lot) and let them rest for 2 minutes before enjoying them!
Why Air Fry Chicken Breasts?
- If you like baked or super juicy chicken, air fried chicken tastes just as juicy and tender, maybe even more so
- Air frying chicken breasts is faster than roasting/baking
- It’s also more energy efficient because you don’t need to preheat or turn on the oven
- Super easy cleaning
Skin with bones vs. skin without bones
Both work: if you care about presentation and want really nice chicken breasts, use skin and bone on chicken breasts because the skin browns nicely and also cleans the meat underneath. The bone in it helps it keep its shape. Boneless skinless chicken breasts are also delicious – I use them in a ton of recipes and they are a favorite of mine.
The secret to air-fried chicken breast
The secret to chicken breast with chicken broth is…there is no secret! Well, there is a secret, actually, is not to overcook them. Definitely invest in an instant read thermometer, it will ensure your chicken is cooked to the right temperature every time. If you overcook your chicken breast, you will end up with dry chicken. Sometimes I also take the breasts out when they reach 155-160°F because the heat transfer while the breasts are resting will bring them up to 165°F. The best type of thermometer is a thermocouple style, but you don’t need to look for an expensive thermometer: this one is nice and cheap and still very fast.
The other tip I have is to let the breasts rest a bit before slicing or cutting them. Letting them rest for 2 minutes will let the juices settle, keeping the breasts juicy, rather than spilling all over the plate. Also, I like to put the rounded part of the breast first (the side that would have the skin on it) so that when it is turned, the presentation side takes a little more time to color.
Do I need to preheat the fryer for the chicken breasts?
Unlike using a regular oven, you don’t need to preheat the fryer, which means dinner is on the table faster.
Need to return the chicken to the air fryer?
Technically you don’t need to, because the air in an air blower circulates around, but for a coolness and appearance, I recommend it. Start cooking the chicken with the rounded side down and flip it over to finish the rounded side up so it’s nice and golden.
How do I reheat chicken breasts in the air fryer?
To reheat chicken breasts already cooked in an air fryer, let the breasts heat up at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
What can I serve with air fried chicken breast?
Since you have the fruit out, why not try:
Air fryer chicken breast
Juicy chicken breast in air puff flavor.
It serves 2
- 2-3 chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 SPOON garlic powder
- 1/2 SPOON smoked paprika
Nutrition facts
Air fryer chicken breast
Amount per service
Calories 163
Calories from fat 98
% Daily Value*
Fat 10.9 g17%
Saturated fat 2.1 g13%
cholesterol 41 mg14%
Sodium 35 mg2%
potassium 148 mg4%
Carbohydrates 1.3 g0%
Fiber 0.3 g1%
Sugar 0.4 g0%
Protein 14.9 g30%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
