Perfectly cooked juicy chicken breast, all done in the air fryer. This air fryer chicken breast is ready in just 20 minutes, which is quicker than the oven and healthier than frying. Adaptable and versatile too, this is a weekly staple in our house. A simple and reliable way to cook chicken breast, with perfect results every time.
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You can't beat a chicken breast for giving a protein boost to a meal and it couldn't be easier than cooking a chicken breast in the air fryer. Just a little oil and some seasoning and you have deliciously juicy chicken breast, with a little crispiness on the outside. No more bland and dry chicken!
This is the kind of recipe that works for everything. You can slice it for salads, sandwiches, serve it with potatoes and vegetables, add it to wraps, or meal prep it for the week ahead. It is quick, low-effort, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
The best part is that the air fryer cooks chicken breasts quickly without drying them out. With the right cook time, a quick turn halfway through, and a few simple tips, you can get perfectly cooked chicken every time.
If you are looking for some more air fryer chicken recipes, then why not try our Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken, Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken or Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Chicken breasts - You want boneless and skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
- Oil - Just a little olive oil helps to get the outside of the chicken breast nice and crispy.
- Salt and pepper - Generously season. We have given other seasoning options below.
Variations
We have kept this fairly simple and just seasoned it with salt and pepper. However, there are lots of other ways that you can season it and here are some of our favourites:
- Italian herbs
- Paprika and cayenne
- Peri Peri
- Cajun seasoning
- Fajita seasoning
How to Cook Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
- Step 1: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with kitchen paper. This helps the oil and seasoning stick better and can also help the outside cook more evenly. Coat the chicken breasts in oil and then season all over with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Put the coated chicken breasts into your air fryer.
- Step 3: Cook at 180°C for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle back into the meat and keeps the chicken more tender.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Breast
We have served this with our Garlic Green Beans, however it also goes well with our Air Fryer Chips or Cheesy Potato Bake which is one of our favourites for total comfort food.
You can also use it to make our Leftover Chicken Pasta, Coronation Chicken, Chicken Mayo Sandwich, Pasta Salad Jars or Chicken Burrito Bowl.
Storage and Meal Prep
Store: You can store leftovers of air fryer chicken breast in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can store the leftover chicken in a freezer bag with the air removed. It will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Defrost: You can defrost this in the fridge overnight.
Reheat: You can reheat it in the air fryer too. It will take around 5-7 minutes, but use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Meal prep - For easy lunches, slice the chicken and portion it into containers with rice, pasta, or vegetables. It is also handy to keep in the fridge for quick wraps and salads.
Dannii's Top Tips
- The biggest reason chicken breast turns out dry is overcooking. Air fryers cook quickly, and even a few extra minutes can make a difference. If you have a instant read thermometer, check the thickest part of the breast and make sure it reaches 74°C.
- Don't leave the chicken breast to rest in the air fryer after the cooking time has finished, otherwise they will continue cooking.
- Chicken breast sizes can vary greatly, so cooking times will vary too. Try to use chicken breasts that are the same size so they cook at the same rate.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air fryers work best when the hot air can move around the food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some air fryers benefit from a short preheat, while others do not need it. If your model usually runs hot or cooks quickly, keep an eye on the chicken the first time you make this recipe so you can adjust the timing if needed.
It is best to use fully defrosted chicken breasts for this recipe so they cook evenly. Frozen chicken can release extra moisture and may cook unevenly, especially if the pieces are thick.
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the chicken should reach 74°C. The juices should run clear, and the inside should no longer be pink.
More Chicken Recipes
If you've tried this air fryer chicken recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken breast - 180g/6oz per breast
- 1 tablespoon of Olive oil
- 4 pinch of Sea salt
- 4 pinch of Ground black pepper
Instructions
- Start by patting 2 Chicken breast dry with kitchen paper. This helps the oil and seasoning stick better and can also help the outside cook more evenly.
- Coat the chicken breasts in 1 tbsp of Olive oil and then season all over with 4 pinch of Sea salt and 4 pinch of Ground black pepper.
- Put the coated chicken breasts into your air fryer.
- Cook on the Air Fry setting at 180°C/350℉ for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle back into the meat and keeps the chicken more tender.
Recipe Video
Recipe Tips
- The biggest reason chicken breast turns out dry is overcooking. Air fryers cook quickly, and even a few extra minutes can make a difference. If you have a meat thermometer, check the thickest part of the chicken and make sure it reaches 74°C.
- Don't leave the chicken breast to rest in the air fryer after the cooking time has finished, otherwise they will continue cooking.
- Chicken breast sizes can vary greatly, so cooking times will vary too. Try to use chicken breasts that are the same size so they cook at the same rate.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Air fryers work best when the hot air can move around the food.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Lyn Aram says
What a relief! Finally an easy and 'no frills' recipe that gives beautifully cooked, moist and tasty chicken breast. Add anything (my favourite is pasta with mushrooms, courgettes and parma ham, cooked with creme fraiche and parmesan) and you have a great meal; my guests were very impressed. Thank you Dannii.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
Can't believe how easy this is for a weeknight dinner or preparing ahead for sandwiches and wraps too.
Holley says
I love how fast and easy it is to air fry chicken! This chicken is juicy and cooked to perfection!
Michelle says
Juicy, tender and so quick and easy in the air fryer! Super easy clean up too!
Nancy says
I love how juicy and tender the breasts came
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Kathleen says
Love how quick and easy this chicken is to make in the air fryer. It is great for a busy weeknight meal.
Angela says
This is my new favorite way to cook chicken breast! It stays super moist and so flavorful. So easy too!