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I’ve always made either pan seared or baked chicken breast recipes, but recently I decided to try my hand at an easy air fryer chicken breast recipe. I can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner! Not only does chicken breast in the air fryer cook in a fraction of the time (10 minutes!), thanks to the circulating hot air, but it comes out juicier than ever.
If you love easy chicken recipes (one of my favorite proteins!), be sure to try my asparagus stuffed chicken, pan seared chicken breast, or cheesy bacon ranch chicken next time.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
- Perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breast
- Simple, common ingredients
- Easy to make with just a few simple steps
- Cooks in only about 10 minutes (and no need to flip) — one of the fastest methods for cooking chicken!
- Healthy main dish for dinner, lunch, or meal prep
- Naturally gluten free and low carb
Ingredients You’ll Need
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for cooking boneless skinless chicken breast in the air fryer, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Chicken Breasts – This air fryer chicken breast recipe is for boneless skinless chicken breast, but technically it would work with bone-in as well. I just haven’t tested the cook time for bone-in, so you’d need to use a probe thermometer (which I recommend anyway!) to check when it’s done. For boneless, I love this organic brand that gets delivered right to your door. This method will work for other cuts of chicken as well, but cooking time will vary depending on cut. I have specific recipes for air fryer chicken drumsticks, air fryer wings, air fryer chicken thighs, and air fryer whole chicken that you can use.
- Brine – You’ll need water and sea salt to make the brine. You’ll need enough water to submerge the chicken (about 4 cups in a large bowl) and the basic brine ratio is 1 tablespoon of salt per cup of water. That may seem like a lot, but not nearly all the salt will make it into the chicken, and this ratio helps ensure that osmosis takes place to get as much of the water into the chicken as possible, for the best air fryer chicken breast. (I promise, the chicken won’t taste overly salty, and you’ll rinse the excess brine from the chicken before cooking.)
- Olive Oil – Brushing the chicken with oil helps prevent it from drying out. Any neutral oil, such as avocado oil, would also work.
- Spices – The basics I used are garlic powder (onion powder also works great), sea salt, paprika, and black pepper. See other seasoning options below.
VARIATION: Want to skip the brine?
I think brining makes this the juiciest, best air fryer chicken breast recipe, but if you don’t have time, you can skip this part. Simply pat the chicken dry and season with 1 teaspoon of salt per pound, then add the spices as usual.
How To Cook Chicken Breast In The Air Fryer
This section shows how to make air fryer chicken breast, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Brine. In a large bowl, stir salt into water. Add the raw chicken breast and submerge in water. Let brine for 10 minutes at room temperature or up to a day in the fridge. (You can skip this step if you really want to, but it’s the secret to the most perfect, juicy air fryer chicken breast!)
- Dry. Rinse off the brine, then pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Oil. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil. (You can also spray with an oil mister if you have one.)
- Season. Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with the seasoning mixture: paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Air fry. Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket (I have and love this air fryer which has a really roomy basket!). Air fry chicken breast until the internal temperature reaches 163-165 degrees F.
TIP: Leave space between chicken breasts.
It’s important that the chicken breasts are only minimally touching, if at all, so that they cook evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Rest. Remove and tent the air fryer basket with foil. Let the air fryer chicken breast rest for 5 minutes before enjoying! When ready to serve, slice against the grain.
How Long To Cook Chicken Breast In The Air Fryer?
Boneless chicken breast air fryer cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts, ranging 7-16 minutes.
The following chart shows a general guideline for how long to air fry them based on their size:
| Chicken Breast Size | Approx Weight Per Breast | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 5-7 oz | 7-10 minutes |
| Medium | 8-10 oz | 10-12 minutes |
| Large | 11-12 oz | 12-16 minutes |
This chart is a good guideline, but I recommend using a probe thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken breast (it will beep when ready!). An instant read thermometer will also work, but you won’t know until you check.
Like other chicken recipes, the safest internal temp for air fryer chicken breast is 165 degrees F, but I prefer to cook until it reaches 163 degrees F, then let it rest for 5 minutes to reach at least 165. Internal temperature continues to rise while resting, so cooking until slightly less will ensure that the chicken does not come out dry.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken Breast In The Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breast in air fryer. Thawing and brining it gives it better flavor and definitely keeps it juicy, but you can cook it directly from frozen. Cooking time will be close to 18-20 minutes.
Seasoning Variations
- Lemon Pepper – You can use store-bought, or make your own with this lemon pepper seasoning recipe.
- Cajun – Making your own Cajun seasoning is super easy, or use your favorite store-bought brand.
- Mexican – Try my 5-minute fajita seasoning or taco seasoning blends.
- Ranch Seasoning – I love having homemade ranch seasoning mix on-hand at all times, but you can also use the ranch seasoning that comes in packets.
SEASONING TIP: A good rule of thumb is 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of seasoning (salt included) per pound of chicken breast.
My homemade blends include salt, but if yours does not, also add about 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of chicken.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers: Keep leftover chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Warm up the chicken breast in the air fryer again, or in a hot skillet, just until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, or it will be dry.
- Freeze: Freeze chicken breast in an airtight container in the freezer for 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Breast
For a healthy meal, pair air fryer chicken breast recipes with:
- Veggie Sides – My favorites are roasted asparagus, brussels sprouts (either smashed brussels sprouts or air fryer brussels sprouts), air fryer carrots, sauteed broccoli (pictured above), green beans almondine, or zucchini fries.
- Potatoes – Such as roasted potatoes or air fryer sweet potatoes. Try mashed cauliflower for a lighter option.
- Rice – Make your favorite kind. I usually choose cauliflower rice myself.
- Salads – While the air fryer chicken breast is cooking, make a creamy cucumber salad or Caprese salad to go with it. You can also use this chicken as part of a cobb salad or green goddess salad.
- Sandwiches – Slice the chicken to make sandwiches or wraps.
More Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
If you like this air fryer boneless chicken breast recipe, you might also like some of these other air fryer chicken recipes:
Find more healthy air fryer recipes here! You can make other proteins perfectly with it, such as juicy air fryer pork chops, tender air fryer steak, and flaky air fryer salmon.
Recommended Tools
- Air Fryer – Obviously you need one to make air fryer chicken breast. This one (pictured above) is easy to clean and has a large basket size.
- Probe Thermometer – The best way to know precisely the right time when your chicken is cooked perfectly. (I also use this for all my steak recipes!)
- Instant Read Meat Thermometer – Another solid way to check doneness, if you don’t have a probe.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Breast (10 Min, So Juicy!)
Cook chicken breast in the air fryer, in just 10 minutes! It's juicy and tender every time with this easy air fryer chicken breast recipe.
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Brine Chicken:
Seasoning:
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Optional (but recommended) step: To brine the chicken breasts, stir the salt into the water in a large bowl. Add the chicken breasts, submerging them. Let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature, or for up to a day in the refrigerator.
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Rinse the brine from the chicken, then pat dry. (It's best to pat the chicken dry even if you didn't brine it.)
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Brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, and black pepper.
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Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (I have and love this air fryer for its roomy basket!), with the pieces not touching each other or at most barely touching. (If your chicken breasts are too large to fit, air fry them in batches. Don't crowd the basket.)
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Air fry chicken breasts at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C), until the internal temperature reaches 163-165 degrees F (73-74 degrees C). (Internal temperature will rise another few degrees while resting in the next step, and should reach at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).) As a guideline, air fry 7-10 minutes for small chicken breasts (5-7 oz), 10-12 minutes for medium (8-10 oz), or 12-16 minutes for large (11-12 oz).
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Remove the air fryer basket with the chicken from the air fryer and cover it with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving or slicing.
Last Step: Leave A Rating!
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Readers Who Liked This Easy Recipe Also Made:
Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 chicken breast
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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21 Comments
Trish
0Can you tell me where the link is to print out the recipe? I only see “save” and “pin it”
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Trish, The print button is on the recipe card right above where you left this comment.
Moe
0This was really good and tender! It was a bit too salty for my family, so I think next time I will leave off the 1/4 tsp salt on the chicken breast or should I brine less time or add less salt to the brine? New to brining. What do you think?
Thanks for the recipe!
Wholesome Yum A
0Hi Moe, you have the right idea! You can add less salt, brine for less time, or soak your already brined chicken in plain cold water to draw some of the salt back out before cooking.
Loren
0Would the cooking time be the same for an air fryer with racks instead of a basket? Thanks I’m advance!
Loren
0Also… would I set it on air fry or bake or roast?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Loren, You would want to set it to air fry.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Loren, I have not tried that but I think the cooking should be about the same.
Denise
0Quick and easy delicious chicken. I will make this recipe over and over. Give it a try!
Chris
0A little tip about having to remove the garlic paper for that much garlic…put it in the microwave for about 10 or 12 seconds and the paper comes right off! We live in Mexico and can’t buy heavy cream so I used a cup of half and half along with a few tablespoons of Mexican crema to tighten it up.
Beck and Bulow
0We definitely need these for football season around here! Can’t wait to try them.
Gayle
0Can bone in skin on breasts be used?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Gayle, Yes you can do that but you will need to adjust the cooking time.
Sandra
0You were right, bringing is the secret. Juicy AND delicious chicken breasts in the air fryer! I bookmarked this post and took a screen shot of your cooking time table, Thanks!
Andrea Thueson
0I love finding recipes that help make my life easier! This is great for when I am meal prepping for the week.
Amy L Huntley
0This is the most tender chicken. It is packed with flavor too! Best way to cook chicken!
Stephanie
0So tender and juicy! I can’t see making chicken any other way!
Bernice
0Yum! This is a great recipe. My chicken turned out golden crispy with a juicy inside. Will make again.
Sa
0This comes out perfectly every time, super juicy! Thank you!
EB
0Looks great! Is olive oil a must? Can we use an oil from a spray can?
Thanks!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi EB, I always prefer olive oil but the spray kind should work as well.