This air fryer chicken breast recipe cooks to perfection in just 8 minutes! It's as juicy as chicken can get, and this recipe includes an optional dry rub that makes bland chicken a thing of the past.
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THE BEST AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
If you want to make the juiciest air fryer chicken breast ever, you've come to the right place.
There are so many ways to cook chicken, yet it's hard to get chicken just right without drying it out.
And that's why making chicken breast air fryer style - that's what I like to call it anyway - has become my preferred way of cooking chicken. It's also probably the quickest way to cook chicken, taking just 8 minutes from start-to-finish.
Not to mention, I think it's by far the most consistent cooking method - you get ultra juicy, tender chicken that absorbs any seasoning or marinade you put on it when you cook chicken in the air fryer.
Oh, and if you're not sure what to use, I included my go-to dry rub that packs a ton of flavor with just a few simple ingredients.
By the way, this air fryer chicken is definitely delicious on its own, but you can also use it to make some Chicken Alfredo, a Cobb Salad, or a variety of other dishes.
With that said, my favorite way to eat it is with this Sugar Free BBQ Sauce.
INGREDIENTS
As far as ingredients go you only need one, a chicken breast!
However, if you want to kick up the flavor, you'll just need a few more that are mostly pantry staples.
Here's what you'll need:
- 2 Medium/Large Chicken Breasts
- Seasoning and Marinade of Choice
And for the optional dry rub:
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
- Pinch of Pepper
As I mentioned earlier, this is my go-to rub when I make my air fryer chicken breasts. But, you can really just use a little salt and pepper on them - or even nothing at all - if that's more your style.
Honestly though, you can use any marinade or seasoning, and the chicken will turn out top-notch.
Oh, and by the way, if you love chicken recipes with just a few ingredients - like this one - be sure to check out my keto chicken nuggets recipe, this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken thigh recipe, or even this chicken bacon ranch casserole out next!
HOW TO COOK CHICKEN BREAST IN AIR FRYER
As far as cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer goes it's as simple as following 2 simple steps - prepping the chicken, and cooking it.
Yep, it's as simple as that. So, let's not waste any more time, and get cooking!
STEP 1: PREP
First, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). And don't worry if it doesn't heat up all the way. You just want it to get hot before adding the chicken - it cooks faster this way.
Now, while the air fryer is warming up, you'll want to add two chicken breasts to a large plastic bag, put them on a cutting board, and use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken breasts until they're about ¼ of an inch thick.
Then, add all of the dry rub ingredients - if you're using it - to a small bowl and mix them together until combined.
Next, put the chicken breasts on a plate, sprinkle an equal amount of the rub on both sides, and use your hands to work the rub into the meat.
STEP 2: COOKING THE CHICKEN
Once the chicken is good to go, coat the air fryer basket with baking spray and add the chicken breasts to it.
Then set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 8 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 162°F. And make sure to flip the chicken halfway through cooking, at the 4-minute mark.
STEP 3: SERVING
Now, after the chicken cooks to perfection, remove it from the air fryer, and let it rest for a few minutes.
It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) - the recommended temp by the USDA - while it's resting. I like to keep my meat thermometer in the chicken while it's resting to make sure it reaches that temperature.
Of course, you can always cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F, but I've found cooking it to a temp of 162°F and then letting it rest to reach 165°F is not only the best way to produce super juicy results but safe results too.
Having said that, after the chicken is done resting, you can dig in and enjoy!
HOW TO STORE COOKED CHICKEN
Ok, so this recipe will make 2 chicken breasts. But you can make as many or as little as you want! The dry rub I included is for 2, so adjust that accordingly.
Also, if you have some chicken leftover after you make it, you can store the chicken in an airtight container - or Ziploc bag - in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just make sure you refrigerate it once it cools and within two hours after cooking it.
REHEATING CHICKEN BREASTS IN AIR FRYER
I personally like eating this chicken leftover cold, but if you want to heat it, you can use the air fryer again!
To do this, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and take the chicken out of the fridge so it can come to room temperature.
Then spray the basket with a little cooking spray and put the chicken in. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
FAQS ABOUT THIS AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST RECIPE
How long do chicken breasts take in air fryer?
The time chicken breasts take to cook in the air fryer will vary depending on how you prepare them. This recipe pounds the chicken to about ¼ of an inch thick, allowing it to cook quicker.
However, no matter the temperature you cook chicken breasts in the air fryer at, the chicken breasts are done cooking when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. So, however long it takes for the chicken to reach that temp, is how long they need to cook for.
Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you definitely can put raw chicken in an air fryer. It's one of the fastest, easiest, and most consistent ways to cook chicken.
Can you cook frozen chicken breasts in air fryer?
Yes, you can! Making air fryer frozen chicken breasts is just as quick and easy to do.
Just add the seasoning to the chicken before you freeze it. Then, coat the air fryer basket with baking spray and cook the frozen chicken at 400°F (205°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. And make sure to check that the internal temperature is at 165°F before serving.
WRAPPING IT ALL UP
Well, that is how to make chicken breasts in the air fryer! This chicken turns out insanely juicy and tender every single time for results like nothing else.
It's crazy that chicken this good takes such little time and effort to make.
Anyway, I hope you like this chicken breast air fryer recipe. Leave a comment below if you make it, and let me know your thoughts!
Oh, and if you want some ideas of what to make next, check out my YouTube Channel. There are a ton of more great recipes on there just like this one.
Also, for a few other tasty air fryer recipes give these air fryer pork chops, this air fryer turkey tenderloin recipe, this air fryer cornish hen, or these air fryer kale chips a shot next!
And for even more tender, juicy, meaty deliciousness give these baked turkey wings, these baked chicken legs, or this carne picada recipe a go soon too.
PrintAir Fryer Chicken Breast | Cooks In Just 8 Minutes
This air fryer chicken breast cooks to perfection in just 8 minutes! It's as juicy as chicken can get, and this recipe includes an optional dry rub that makes bland chicken a thing of the past.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Keto Low Carb
Ingredients
2 Medium/Large Chicken Breasts (200g-250g)
Seasoning and Marinade of Choice
Optional dry rub:
½ Tsp Garlic Salt
1 Tsp Chili Powder
½ Tsp Onion Powder
½ Tsp Paprika
¼ Tsp Cinnamon
Pinch of Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (205°C) - don't worry if it doesn't heat up all the way - you just want it hot.
- Add the chicken to a large plastic bag, and use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken until it's about ¼ inch thick.
- Add dry rub ingredients to a small bowl, and mix until combined.
- Sprinkle an equal amount of the rub on both sides of the chicken, and work it into the meat with your hands.
- Coat the air fryer basket with baking spray, and add the chicken breasts to it.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8 minutes (or until the chicken reaches 162°F). Flip the chicken at the 4-minute mark.
- Remove from the air fryer, and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. It should reach 165°F while resting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 128
- Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 0
- Protein: 28
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This turned out incredibly juicy!!!
Sooooo juicy! Thanks.
Worked just as described ty.
Just made this (including the dry rub) and it was super juicy and tasty! Thanks!
J U I C Y
Great way to cook chicken!
Awesome rub!
Very good chicken Mr. Duff
Legit the best chicken ever!
Delicious chicken breast recipe and I can't get over how quick it is to make!!
I got that thermometer you have and it’s changed making chicken and meat at our house for the better.
The dry rub has a ton of flavor. Thanks for the recipe.
The only way we make air fryer chicken breasts now.
Seriously the best cooked chicken I have been able to make.
Legit 🔥🔥🔥🔥
The seasoning on the chicken are top notch. I'll make this again for sure.
I have tried cooking chicken in the air fryer a ton and it always turns out dry. This recipe was the opposite! I will always make this when I want to air fry chicken.
Thank you so much for sharing!! The chicken turned out amazing!!!
Hey ya'll! You should give this a try if you haven't. The chicken cooks just right and the dry rub is a good flavor that makes this one easy dish. Not thought put into it and small effort.
Juicy af
I've made this every week since finding the recipe and I just love it
Great chicken recipe. I make it constantly.
I doubted the dry rub combination of seasoning but gave it a go because all of your recipes are delicious and the chicken was phenomenal.
That seasoning mix is top notch.
Super juicy and the rub is excellent!
Best air fryer chicken we’ve made.