This foolproof recipe for making boneless air fryer chicken breast will give you perfectly juicy chicken every time.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
I use my air fryer to cook everything! And it’s my favorite when it comes to making juicy, tender chicken breasts! This easy recipe will give you the most flavorful chicken breasts, simply combine salt and water, add the chicken and let them sit the refrigerator 1 to 2 hours. Then dry them, season them and air fryer them for 10 minutes! Finally, slice them up and serve them with your favorite healthy sides, or use it to make chicken salad, in bowls, salads or casseroles. If you are new to air frying, you can see more air fryer recipes like these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, or Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. And even more from my latest cookbook, Skinnytaste Air Fryer Dinners! And if you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! I also provided oven directions.
I love my air fryer for making quick and juicy chicken breasts!
I usually prefer chicken thighs over breast meat because they’re juicier since they have more fat. But this air fryer chicken recipe results in the juiciest chicken breasts with so much flavor!
- Quick – Once they are brined, they only take about 10 minutes in the air fryer
- Great for Meal Prep – Add them to bowls, salads or any recipe that needs chicken.
- High Protein – One medium breast is about 40 grams of protein!
- Great for many dietary restrictions: Weight Watchers, Anti-inflammatory, Gluten-free and Dairy-free.
Enjoy and have fun with it! If you make this, I would love to see it. Tag me in your photos on Instagram or Facebook!
How does brining add moisture to chicken?
Brining doesn’t directly pump water into chicken breast, but it’s a scientific trick to make it retain its natural juices. A salt solution disrupts muscle fibers, creating space for the chicken’s own moisture. Salt also interacts with proteins to form a gel that traps water molecules inside, preventing them from escaping during cooking, resulting in juicier and more flavorful chicken. Basic brine ratio: The basic ratio of salt to water for a brine is 4 tablespoons of salt per 6 cups of water.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe (see exact measurements in recipe card below):
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (I prefer organic which is usually smaller)
- Brine: Water and kosher salt (I used Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt which has less sodium than Morton’s). Table salt will make this too salty, if that’s all you have use less.
- Seasoning Blend: I use smoked or sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper and dried parsley. You can use your favorite spice rub, or cajun blend of spices.
Serving Suggestions
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast is such a versatile protein that goes well with a variety of sides. Here’s some ideas:
- Vegetables: Some good options include roasted sweet potatoes, roasted broccoli, roasted carrots, or asparagus.
- Quinoa or Rice: If you need a grain to make a bowl, quinoa or rice make great options.
- Salad: A fresh salad is a great way to add some greens to your meal. You can top it with chicken breast, avocado, nuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that goes well with just about anything, including chicken breast.
- Mac and Cheese: Macaroni and cheese is another indulgent side dish that pairs well with chicken.
- Baked Potatoes: Make my classic baked potato recipe, air fryer baked potato or baked sweet potatoes.
How to Cook Chicken Breasts in the Air Fryer
Making chicken breasts in the air fryer is very easy, here’s the step by step directions. See full recipe in recipe card below.
- Pound the chicken breast: Start by pounding the thicker end of the chicken to make both sides leveled out so they cook evenly.
- Make the salt brine: Fill a large bowl with about 6 cups of lukewarm water and add 1/4 cup kosher salt, stirring to dissolve. Although this may sound like a lot of salt, only a small amount is absorbed.
- Add the chicken breasts to the brine and let them sit 1 to 2 hours (any longer and the chicken will be too salty).
- Remove from water, pat dry with paper towels and discard the water.
- Season the chicken: Spritz or rub the chicken breast with olive oil. Make a dry rub with your favorite herbs and spices, then coat.
- Air fry the chicken: Air fry the chicken breast 380F about 4 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness.
How Long To Cook Chicken Breasts in the Air Fryer
The amount of time it takes to air fry chicken breast will vary based on the thickness and size of your chicken breasts. Here’s a helpful guide:
Chicken Breast Air Fryer Cook Time:
- Small Chicken Breasts (5 to 6 ounces): 8 to 10 minutes
- Medium Chicken Breasts (7 to 8 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes
- Large Chicken Breasts (9 ounces or more): 12 to 14 minutes
Always flip the chicken breast halfway through for even cooking. The safe minimum internal temperature for cooked chicken breast is 165°F (73.9°C) as measured with an instant read thermometer.
Variables that can effect the cook time:
- How much much chicken you have in the basket. One piece vs a full basket can vary in time from 1 to 2 minutes.
- Air fryer cook times can vary by air fryer. Some of these factors include the wattage and type of air fryer (basket style vs toaster style air fryer). Get to know your air fryer and make adjustments as needed.
- Letting the chicken rest to room temperature before cooking vs cooking straight from the refrigerator may need a minute or two more.
Meal Prep
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freezer up to 3 months.
More Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Air Fryer Chicken Milanese
- Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Chicken Breast
How To Make Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Equipment
Ingredients
- kosher salt*, see notes
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
- olive oil spray
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 cayenne pepper
Instructions
Air Fryer Method:
- Pound the thicker end of the chicken to make both sides leveled out so they cook evenly.
- Fill a large bowl with 6 cups of lukewarm water and add 1/4 cup Diamond Crystal kosher salt, stir to dissolve.
- Add the chicken breasts to the water and let them sit, refrigerated 1 to 1 1/2 hours to brine. Remove from water, pat dry with paper towels and discard the water.
- In a small bowl combine 3/4 teaspoon salt, with the remaining spices. Spritz the chicken with oil and rub all over, then rub the spice mix over the chicken.
- Add the chicken to the air fryer basket and air fry in batches 380F 5 minutes on each side, 10 minutes total until browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. See notes below for larger breasts.
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Heat an oven safe or cast iron skillet over high heat for 5 minutes until it is very hot.
- Place the chicken on the hot skillet, and cook for 1 minute. Turn, and cook 1 minute on other side.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 8 to 10 minutes. The safe minimum internal temperature for cooked chicken breast is 165°F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Video
Notes
- Small Breasts (5 to 6 ounces): 8 to 10 minutes
- Medium Breasts (7 to 8 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes
- Large Breasts (9 ounces or more): 12 to 14 minutes
- Always flip the chicken breast halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
Nutrition
FAQ
How do you keep chicken breast from drying out in an air fryer?
The best way to keep chicken breast from drying out in the air fryer is bringing, and don’t overcook the chicken.
Photo Credit: Plays Well With Butter
