How to season chicken breast for air fryer

This foolproof recipe makes flavorful and tender air fryer chicken breasts every time, seasoned with herbs and spices.

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What is needed for air fryer chicken breasts recipe?

At what temperature do you air fry chicken breasts?

How to make air fryer chicken breasts

How long to cook chicken breasts in the air fryer

Size matters

Resting time

Chicken is undercooked

When to add vegetables

Variations

Storing leftovers

Reheating air fryer chicken breasts

FAQ

Wine pairings for chicken breasts

Favorite sides with chicken breasts

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Equipment

Nutrition

Similar to my air fryer chicken thighs, this air fryer chicken recipe is made with just the right amount of seasoning and extremely versatile. This recipe is also perfect for someone following a keto or Whole30 lifestyle.

Air frying is the best way to cook tender chicken in less time, since there’s no preheating the oven. And with my simple seasoning blend, these flavorful chicken breasts not only make an easy weeknight dinner, but they’re perfect for meal prep too. This recipe results in super flavorful, tender chicken breasts with no brining!

The best thing about serving chicken is that it is so versatile. Adding a delicious and creamy sauce like this white bbq sauce or Peruvian creamy green sauce can create an entirely new recipe.

And adding side dishes like Instant Pot Risotto or Sous Vide Asparagus makes it the perfect meal.

Don’t own an air fryer? Try my Sous Vide Chicken Breasts recipe! Looking for a crispier option? Try my Air Fried Crispy Chicken Tenders! There are so many options to choose from.

What is needed for air fryer chicken breasts recipe?

• Olive Oil
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
• Kosher Salt
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Black Pepper
• Garlic Powder

Note: To switch things up, try swapping in my Italian Seasoning or Cajun Seasoning in place of the herbs called for in this recipe.

At what temperature do you air fry chicken breasts?

• Cook at 370-degrees for the best flavor.

How to make air fryer chicken breasts

• In a small bowl combine the salt and spices with oil to create a paste. Coat boneless chicken breasts with the paste. Place chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook.

How long to cook chicken breasts in the air fryer

• Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 370-degrees for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-degrees.
  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.
  

  Table of Contents

  • THE BEST AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
    • INGREDIENTS
    • HOW TO COOK CHICKEN BREAST IN AIR FRYER
      • STEP 1: PREP
      • STEP 2: COOKING THE CHICKEN
      • STEP 3: SERVING
    • HOW TO STORE COOKED CHICKEN
      • REHEATING CHICKEN BREASTS IN AIR FRYER
    • FAQS ABOUT THIS AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST RECIPE
      • How long do chicken breasts take in air fryer?
      • Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?
      • Can you cook frozen chicken breasts in air fryer?
    • WRAPPING IT ALL UP
  • Air Fryer Chicken Breast | Cooks In Just 8 Minutes
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Nutrition
    • Did you make this recipe?

  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.

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  Air Fryer Chicken Breast | Cooks In Just 8 Minutes

  

  Print Recipe

  5 from 26 reviews

  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.

  • Author: The Diet Chef
  • 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

  Copy to clipboardCopy to clipboard

  Scale 1x2x3x

  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

  1. 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.
  2. Add the chicken to a large plastic bag, and use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken until it's about ¼ inch thick.
  3. Add dry rub ingredients to a small bowl, and mix until combined.
  4. Sprinkle an equal amount of the rub on both sides of the chicken, and work it into the meat with your hands.
  5. Coat the air fryer basket with baking spray, and add the chicken breasts to it.
  6. 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.
  7. 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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  How do you make seasoning for chicken breast?

  Remember, it's best to marinate your chicken breast overnight to give the flavours time to infuse. A faster way to add flavour is to simply brine your chicken breast in salty water prior to cooking. This will help tenderise the meat and add extra flavour.

  Do you Season chicken breast before cooking?

  Whether you're cooking the chicken breast on the grill, in a pan, or in the oven, seasoning is a must. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are the bare minimum. In most cases, you'll also want to coat the breast in olive oil first so that the seasonings stick.

  How do you keep chicken breast from drying in the air fryer?

  Add a spoonful of oil and stir it into the seasoning. Coat the meat with the oil and seasoning mix, rubbing it on all sides. Air fry for ten minutes; flip, and air fry another six to eight minutes or until the chicken is done.

  Can I put raw chicken in an air fryer?

  I like to cook my boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 10 minutes at 380℉, then flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165℉. Can you put raw chicken in the air fryer? Absolutely!