How to Cook Chicken Breasts in the Air Fryer
- by Omaha Steaks
- Last updated Dec 28, 2023
There are many ways to cook chicken, but a foolproof method for crispy, juicy chicken breasts every time is using the air fryer. Air fried chicken is a quick, weeknight meal and perfect for a lean protein diet. Follow these instructions to learn how to cook tender, delicious chicken breasts in the air fryer.
Let’s answer some common questions about cooking chicken in the air fryer.
Do I Need to Use Oil to Air Fry Chicken Breast?
Despite the name, air frying is not actually frying. Instead, it simulates a convection oven by rapidly circulating hot air, using a very small amount of oil. One of the benefits of air frying chicken is you get delicious, deep-fried crispiness with a lot less oill. Let the air fryer do its magic!
Should I Marinate My Chicken Breasts?
It’s not necessary, however marinating chicken will ensure every bite is flavorful and tender. To marinate, cover chicken completely with marinade in a dish or sealed plastic bag and place in the refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours before air frying. Popular marinades include Italian dressing, barbecue sauce, or beer.
How Do I Cook Juicy Chicken Breasts in the Air Fryer?
For the juiciest, most tender chicken breast, the secret is a wet brine. This is a simple process that will increase moisture in the meat and infuse flavor. To wet brine chicken, immerse your chicken breasts in the following ingredients and place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Chicken Wet Brine Ingredients:
- ¼ c. kosher salt
- 1 qt. – 4 c. water
- Add aromatics to taste: bay leaf, peppercorns, fresh herbs, smashed garlic, lemon peel, etc.
How to Cook Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
Follow our guide for the best way to cook boneless, skinless chicken breast in the air fryer.
1. Thaw Chicken Completely
Our boneless, skinless chicken breasts arrive individually packaged (perfect for portion control) and frozen. For thorough cooking it’s important to completely defrost the meat before air frying. You can thaw chicken breasts overnight in the refrigerator, or if you forgot to defrost your chicken the night before, you can use the quick thaw method. Simply place the sealed chicken breasts in a bowl of cold water for approximately 30 minutes or until completely thawed.
2. Preheat Air Fryer to 375°F
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F while you prepare your chicken.
3. Season Chicken Breasts
If you choose not to marinate or wet brine your chicken, a simple seasoning is adequate and still delicious. Remove the chicken breasts from the packaging and pat dry with a paper towel. Lightly oil and season with your favorite Omaha Steaks Seasoning.
4. Place on Air Fryer Rack, Leaving 1” between Chicken Breasts
Place your raw chicken breast on the air fryer rack in a single layer, leaving 1” between portions. The air fryer cooks by circulating hot air, so it’s essential to leave enough room in the appliance for thorough cooking.
5. Cook According to Chart, Flipping Once
Our chicken breasts cook to perfection in the air fryer in 20 minutes or less. Follow the chart below and flip your chicken breasts halfway through to ensure both sides of the breast are crispy and delicious.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Cooking Time:
-
- 5 oz. Boneless Chicken Breast – 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway
- 7 oz. Butcher’s Cut Chicken Breast – 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway
How Do You Know When Your Air Fried Chicken is Done?
Exact cooking times may vary depending on thickness of the chicken breasts and your individual air fryer. Insert a meat thermometer to the thickest part of the chicken breast. Poultry is safe to consume when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Rest and Enjoy!
Let your chicken rest 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, then slice and enjoy. Serve with salad or a cooked vegetable and a delicious potato side dish for a complete, healthy meal. For a sweet treat, enjoy one of our decadent desserts.
Want more air fryer recipes? Try a healthier version of buffalo wings with this Air Fryer Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites recipe or these air fryer cooking instructions for other popular Omaha Steaks products.
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 7 oz. Omaha Steaks Butcher’s Cut Chicken Breasts or 4 oz. Boneless Chicken Breasts
- 4 tsp. olive oil
- 4 tsp. seasoning of choice
Instructions
- Thaw chicken breasts in refrigerator overnight or use quick thaw method (thaw in bowl of water in packaging or sealed plastic bag for 30 minutes or until product is thawed).
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Remove chicken breasts from packaging and pat dry. Lightly oil and season liberally.
- Place chicken breasts on air fryer rack or in basket leaving 1 inch between portions.
- Cook 7 oz. chicken breast 18-20 minutes and 4 oz. chicken breast 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.
- Remove from air fryer, let rest 2-3 minutes and serve.
More Articles:
