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GET IT NOWIf I had to pick one method for cooking chicken breast for the rest of my life, this air fryer chicken breast would be it. Ever since I first made it 4 years ago, it has become my go-to for every situation. I make it when I have no idea what’s for dinner, when I need cooked chicken for another healthy recipe, when I want something quick and easy, when my side dish takes more time so I want my main to be simple, the list goes on. Cooking chicken breast in the air fryer is quicker than virtually every other method, and the results are juicier. When I want basic-but-juicy chicken, it’s the only way I cook it now. Make it with me and you’ll see why!
Why You Need My Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
- The juiciest chicken breast you’ll have – Nothing makes your chicken juicy and tender quite like the air fryer. It’s incredible. And unlike most air fryer chicken breast recipes, mine has one extra (quick!) step that makes it even more juicy.
- Faster than other methods – While I love pan seared chicken breast and oven baked chicken breast in their own ways, cooking chicken breast in the air fryer is much faster than both of them. And with even better results.
- Easy protein for dinner, lunch, or meal prep – My recipe has just a few simple ingredients you probably have, and the flavor goes with anything. I already mentioned many of the ways I use it, and you’ll do the same once you try it!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for cooking chicken breast in the air fryer, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Chicken:
I tested this recipe for boneless skinless chicken breast. I love this organic brand that gets delivered right to your door. Bone-in chicken breast will work, but will take longer.
Oil & Spices:
- Olive Oil – While air frying chicken breast doesn’t need a lot, I still recommend some to prevent drying out — and get the beautiful golden color in my pictures. I use this olive oil, but any neutral oil will work.
- Spices – Garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
Seasoning Variations:
I keep this air fryer chicken breast recipe basic, so that it goes with everything, but I’ve also made it with Cajun seasoning, fajita seasoning, taco seasoning, lemon pepper, and ranch seasoning (please not all at once, ha).
My rule of thumb is 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of chicken. My homemade blends include salt, but if yours does not, also add 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of chicken.
Optional Brine:
I think brining even briefly makes this the juiciest, best air fryer chicken breast recipe — and it’s what makes it juicier than others I’ve tried. But if you don’t have time, you can skip this part.
My basic brine is simply 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 it helps the water transfer into the chicken to keep it juicy. I rinse the chicken before seasoning, so it doesn’t turn out too salty.
How To Cook Chicken Breast In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Brine if you can (optional). Fill a large bowl with water and stir in salt. Add the chicken, submerge, and brine for 10 minutes at room temperature or up to a day in the fridge. (Like I said, you can skip this step if you really want to, but it’s my secret for extra juicy results!) Rinse off the brine when done.
- Pat the chicken dry. I just use a paper towel. I highly recommend doing this even if you skip the brine!
- Oil and season. Brush it with olive oil (you can also spray with an oil mister like this), and sprinkle on your favorite seasonings. Make sure to get both sides!
- Air fry until golden and juicy. 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 done — see my time chart and timing tips below.
- Rest. Remove and tent the air fryer basket with foil. Let the air fryer chicken breast rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Chicken Breast Air Fryer Time
How long I cook chicken breast in the air fryer depends on the size. This handy time chart gets me consistent results:
| Chicken Breast Size | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Small (5-7 oz) | 7-10 minutes |
| Medium (8-10 oz) | 10-12 minutes |
| Large (11-12 oz) | 12-16 minutes |
My tips on timing:
- For even better results, I recommend using a probe thermometer like this. It beeps when it’s ready! An instant read thermometer will also work, but you won’t know until you check.
- Cook to slightly under 165 degrees F and let it finish while resting. Of course your air fried chicken breast needs to reach 165 to be safe, but I prefer to cook to 163 degrees F and it rises a few more degrees when it rests. With this method, my chicken is never dry!
My Recipe Tips
- How long to brine, and do you have to do this step? I usually only brine the chicken for 10 minutes and it makes a big difference, so don’t write it off just yet for time reasons! But if you’re really in a rush, it’s just fine to skip it. Alternatively, you can brine for up to 24 hours in the fridge if you want to prep in the morning or the day before.
- Rinsing off the brine is crucial. If you don’t, your chicken will be too salty.
- Leave space between chicken breasts. If you crowd the air fryer, they won’t cook evenly and will take much longer. I can fit 4 average chicken breasts in my air fryer, but cook in batches if yours don’t fit.
- Do you need to preheat the air fryer? Honestly, it’s up to you! Preheating is important for some of my air fryer recipes (like air fryer turkey burgers or air fryer steak) where you need an immediate sear, but for air fryer chicken breast I don’t find it makes much difference either way.
- Do you need to flip the chicken? Again, it’s up to you! I usually don’t for ease and my air fried chicken breast still always turned out juicy, but it does brown on top more than the bottom. You can flip it if perfectly even browning is important to you.
- Slice against the grain. This tip is more common for steak, but it’s helpful for chicken, too! Pay attention to how the lines run and cut the opposite way for a more tender bite.
- Forgot to thaw your chicken breast? You can cook frozen chicken breast in the air fryer similarly to how I cook my air fryer frozen chicken wings! Just air fry at 350 degrees F first, then remove, oil and season, and return to the air fryer at the higher temperature for the normal amount of time based on my time chart above.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast (Extra Juicy Recipe)
This air fryer chicken breast recipe with simple seasoning turns out extra juicy and tender with my easy method. A fast, healthy dinner!
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
Brine Chicken:
Seasoning:
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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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 24 hours in the refrigerator.
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Rinse the brine from the chicken, then pat dry. (I recommend patting 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.
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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 basket from the air fryer and cover it with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving or slicing.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 chicken breast
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get consistently juicy, tender results, options for skipping the brine, notes on flipping and preheating, and how to air fry chicken breast from frozen.
- Perfect timing: See my air fryer time notes above for a time chart and tips to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Store: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. My serving ideas here also include recipes to use leftovers.
- Reheat: Warm up the chicken breast in the air fryer again, this time at 350 degrees F. I don’t preheat, just pop it in the basket and set it to 1 or 2 minutes.
- Freeze: Store the chicken in a zip lock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
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I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Serving Ideas
I meant it when I said air fryer chicken breast goes with everything! Here are some of the dishes I pair with it or use it for:
- Vegetables – Chicken and veggies are pretty much my go-to I-don’t-know-what’s-for-dinner meal. You can roast asparagus or smashed brussels sprouts, or saute broccoli or green beans almondine (pictured below) while you have the chicken breast in the air fryer. If you prefer your entire meal air fried, I recommend cooking quick air fryer cauliflower or air fryer carrots as the chicken rests.
- Starches – When I plate it over roasted potatoes, rice, or mashed cauliflower, I like a topping of mushroom sauce or lemon butter sauce. You can also serve air fryer sweet potato fries on the side.
- Salads – My simple go-to for a side is cucumber tomato salad, but I also love air fryer chicken breast in meal salads, like Cobb salad and green goddess salad.
- Sandwiches – Slice the chicken to make sandwiches or wraps. I love it in a lettuce wrap!
- Casseroles – Dice the chicken for my chicken bacon ranch casserole or chicken broccoli casserole.
More Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
I use my air fryer for every cut of chicken! If you like my air fryer chicken breast recipe, try one of my others next:
51 Comments
Michal Shalon
0I tried this in my Brava Smart Oven which has an air fryer mode that I rarely use. It came out nice and juicy, and so easy, thanks! Next time I’ll try smoked paprika.
Wholesome Yum D
0I’m glad you liked it, Michal! Smoked paprika sounds like a delicious idea for next time.
Tee
0Such an amazing recipe can’t wait to try it.
Wholesome Yum D
0Thanks, Tee! I hope you love it when you do try it!
Becky
0My stove has an air fryer. Would the cooking times be the same as a countertop air fryer? I’m wanting to try this recipe.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Becky, Sorry, not necessarily. A countertop air fryer is much smaller so the air circulates around the food much more and cooks faster. You can still use this recipe, but I recommend a probe thermometer to check when it’s done in your oven air fryer. Please let me know how it turns out!
Grannycan
0I dry brine my chicken breasts before baking, it only takes about 30 minutes Never thought about the air fryer. Thanks Maya, so glad you’re here!
Wholesome Yum D
0That’s awesome! So glad it worked out and happy you’re here!
Sharon
0the chicken came out so moist, it tasted wonderful! The seasoning was great. I make this chicken at least once a week now!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you liked it, Sharon! Happy to hear this recipe has become a staple for you.
Linda Dreher
0I used this recipe for the chicken for my husband with your caprese salad. Chicken was moist and delicious.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you liked it, Linda! Sounds like the perfect fresh meal.
Virginia Reeves
0I tryed your chicken and i really like it, it was great. I’m going to do the salmon next i love any kind of fish so please keep sending me those receipe. I’m glad I found you. Also do you have glue free receipe.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you liked this, Virginia! I have an air fryer salmon recipe too if you need one. Do you mean gluten free recipes? If so, yes, all my recipes are gluten free. 🙂
Dorothy Beckner
0I have hesitated to do the air fryer chicken breasts, but yesterday was a perfect day to try it. I did not brine the chicken, but seasoned it as directed and added a little lemon pepper. It cooked as directed. The chicken breasts were large so I followed your suggestion of between 12 and 16 minutes. The chicken came out beautiful to look at and IT WAS DELICIOUS. Will make this often.
Kathy
0Do you preheat to 400 first and then add chicken or just put the chicken in cold basket then set it to 400? I haven’t used my air fryer often so wondering. Thanks!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Kathy, I’ve done it both ways and honestly, I don’t notice much difference either way with this air fryer chicken breast recipe. That is for my air fryer, which preheats very fast, so if you’re unsure you can preheat.
Janet
0I made this for dinner and it turned out delicious and juicy! I will be keeping this one in rotation for sure!
Kelly
0Amazing chicken! My husband and I couldn’t stop raving about it. Thank you for the recipe. Wholesome Yum is my one stop shop for every meal ?
Lynn
0Perfectly seasoned with ranch, super moist. Delicious served with mashed butternut and brussel sprouts. I know butternut is not the best keto choice but I never have been able eat much, so a table spoon or two is more than enough.
Nancy
0Looking forward to trying this recipe like using air fryer since only 2 of us. Once down to 2 hard finding healthy meals for 2. Thank you.
Dorothy Beckner
0For the chicken I only used two chicken breasts. It worked just fine. Just adjust the amounts by half.
Jill
0Very pleasantly surprised as to how juicy it was. Will be making this often.
becky Master
0So yummy and juicy!!!!
Stella
0This is my family’s favorite go to for those hectic weeknight dinners. If there’s every any left, I cut it up and top them on a fresh salad. Thank u!!
Ethel Parks
0What temperature do I set the air fryer on?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Ethel, 400 degrees F is what the air fryer should be set at. You can find that in step 5 on the recipe card.
Jackie
0Excellent air fryer recipe. Easy and delicious. Loved by my husband, son and myself. I’ve always cooked my chicken breast in the oven, for over 30 years, and it’s always been juicy and flavorful. But, about a month ago my oven broke. It was time to try out the air fryer I bought almost a year ago and had been too intimidated to try out. I’m loving my air fryer oven and this chicken was better than the chicken I’ve been cooking in the oven, all these years. Thank you.
Maggie
0Hi Maya!
My husband and I don’t eat pork so I did the air fryer chicken breast recipe. Delicious! Tender and juicy. Thank you so much!
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!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Loren, I have not tried that but I think the cooking should be about the same.
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.
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.
becky Master
0I used coconut oil… golden outside tender and juicy inside.