How long does chicken cook in air fryer

Published: Jan 4, 2021 · Modified: Aug 1, 2022 by · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Learn how to cook chicken breast in air fryer perfectly at all times. This is a quick, simple and delicious chicken recipe you would be happy to have in your repertoire.  This air fry chicken breast is flavourful, tender and juicy to the last bite.

How long does chicken cook in air fryer

I am opening the year 2021 with this super easy healthy air fryer chicken recipe. At this time of the year, everybody wants to jump on the healthy wagon. well, I am! I love how simple it is to make this chicken, it is versatile yet simple. It is great with salad, sandwich filling, tossed in curries and perfect with rice or pasta.

Today, I will be sharing with you how to always cook juicy and flavorful chicken breast in your air fryer. In fact, once you perfect making it in this little gadget, you will not look back anymore. I will be sharing my breaded version soon with you all.

Related post: how to cook chicken breast in a pan.

How long does chicken cook in air fryer

Why you would love this recipe

  • Air fryers recipes are quick, easy and convenient and this chicken recipe is hands-off too. No babysitting it or worrying about cleaning an entire oven over 3 pieces of chicken.
  • Ready in just under 20 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breast.
  • This chicken recipe is easily customizable. I seasoned the chicken with my homemade Peri Peri seasoning, but you can make it your own by using any preferred spices or herbs of choice,
  • This juicy and tasty air fryer chicken breast makes meal prepping easy.
  • You do not need to brine the chicken before cooking and you are still guaranteed a moist bird.

How long does chicken cook in air fryer

Air fryer chicken breast ingredients

Chicken breasts:  I am using boneless skinless chicken breast. You can substitute them with chicken thighs. Please note that the cooking time may vary if using other cuts of chicken parts.

Peri-Peri seasoning: as I mentioned earlier, you can use any spices or herbs over the chicken, I use my Peri Peri as it gives an instant boost of flavor to the chicken without having to marinate it.

Salt and black pepper

Vegetable oil: you can also use any other cooking oil of choice; olive oil and avocado oil are great options too.

Parsley

How long does chicken cook in air fryer

How to cook chicken breast in air fryer

Pat the chicken breast dry with a kitchen towel, using a meat tenderizer or mallet, pound the chicken a few times to flatten it, so the chicken can have the same thickness, this also helps the bird cook evenly. Then season with salt and pepper

  • How long does chicken cook in air fryer

Rub each side of the chicken with vegetable oil and season generously with the Peri Peri seasoning.

  • How long does chicken cook in air fryer
  • How long does chicken cook in air fryer

Preheat the air fryer at 390F/195C for 3 minutes then spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Avoid using cooking spray on your air fryer basket as it can peel off the coating on the basket.

Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer and cook for a total of 20 minutes, 10 minutes on each side. In other to know that the chicken is completely cooked, the internal temperature must read 165F/75C.

  • How long does chicken cook in air fryer
  • How long does chicken cook in air fryer

If you will not be eating the chicken immediately, then you can stop cooking the chicken at 160F/70C, the chicken would continue to cook as it rests. Transfer the chicken to a plate with a kitchen tong, serve and enjoy.

How long does chicken cook in air fryer

Tips on how to cook the best chicken breast in air fryer

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. It is important that there is space for air circulation for even cooking.
  • I used about a tablespoon of oil for each chicken breast, you can cut in half if you prefer.
  • Check that the chicken is cooked through before consuming it. A meat thermometer is a must-have air fryer accessory. It is a simple gadget that helps you take the guess regarding the doneness of your cooked protein.
  • Start checking the chicken from 12 minutes for doneness. If you cut the chicken breasts into 2 lengthwise then it is highly likely that the chicken breast would cook half the time recommended in today’s recipe.
  • Don’t leave the cooked chicken sitting in the air fryer after cooking as it would dry out. Remember, it is lean meat, transfer the chicken to a platter and leave to rest for about 3 minutes before eating.
  • In other to avoid overcooking the bird since they come packed in different sizes, you can weigh the pieces you would be cooking so they cook evenly. I do not necessarily weigh mine, I just judge them with my eyes. The ones that do not make the cut end up in soups or fried rice.

How long does chicken cook in air fryer

How long to cook chicken breast in air fryer

This will be dependent on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Thinly sliced chicken breast would cook faster than a whole breast. Typically a whole boneless chicken breast would cook in the air fryer at 390F/195C for 18-20 minutes flipping it halfway through the cooking time.

If you prefer you can cook the chicken breasts at 180C/360F temperature, start checking from 15 minutes. The internal temperature of cooked chicken would register 165F/73C

What to serve with air fried chicken?

Air fryer roasted potatoes

Potato wedges

Mushroom rice

Garlic butter rice

How to store this recipe

If you do have leftovers, ensure you do not leave it out unattended for long without storing. Cooked chicken must be stored immediately it cools in an airtight container and in the fridge for up to 5 days

More air fryer recipes

Air fryer garlic bread

Air fryer lemon pepper chicken wings

How to cook turkey burgers in air fryer

If you made this easy air fryer chicken breat recipe, don’t forget to leave me feedback. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save away to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes in your inbox

How long does chicken cook in air fryer

How To Cook Chicken Breast In Air Fryer (Air Fryer Chicken Breast)

Ajoke

Learn how to cook chicken breast in air fryer perfectly at all times. This is a quick, simple and delicious chicken recipe you would be happy to have in your repertoire. The chicken breast is flavorful, tender and juicy

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 18 mins

Total Time 23 mins

Course Chicken, Main Course

Cuisine American, British

Servings 3

Calories 383 kcal

  • 3 chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ tablespoon Peri Peri seasoning use any other seasoning, spices or herbs of choice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoon vegetable oil see note

  • Pat the chicken breast dry with a kitchen towel, using a meat tenderizer or mallet, pound the chicken a few times to flatten it, so the chicken can have the same thickness, this also helps the bird cook evenly. Then season with salt and pepper

    How long does chicken cook in air fryer

  • Rub each side of the chicken with vegetable oil and season generously with the peri peri seasoning.

    How long does chicken cook in air fryer

  • Preheat the air fryer at 390F/195C for 3 minutes then spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Avoid using cooking spray on your air fryer basket as it can peel off the coating on the basket.

  • Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer and cook for a total of 18 to 20 minutes, 10 minutes on each side (please see note). In other to know that the chicken is completely cooked, the internal temperature must read 165F/75C.

    If you will not be eating the chicken immediately, then you can stop cooking the chicken at 160F/70C, the chicken would continue to cook as it rests. Transfer the chicken to a plate with a kitchen tong, serve and enjoy.

    How long does chicken cook in air fryer

Tips

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. It is important that there is space for air circulation for even cooking.
  • I used about a tablespoon of oil for each chicken breast, you can cut in half if you prefer. You can also use any cooking oil of choice.
  • Check that the chicken is cooked through before consuming it. A meat thermometer is a must-have air fryer accessory. It is a simple gadget that helps you take the guess regarding the doneness of your cooked protein.
  • Start checking the chicken from 12 minutes for doneness. If you cut the chicken breasts into 2 lengthwise then it is highly likely that the chicken breast would cook half the time recommended in today’s recipe.
  • Do not leave the cooked chicken sitting in the air fryer after cooking as it would dry out. Remember, it is lean meat, transfer the chicken to a platter and leave to rest for about 3 minutes before eating.
  • In other to avoid overcooking the bird since they come packed in different sizes, you can weigh the pieces you would be cooking so they cook evenly.
  • I do not necessarily weigh mine, I just judge them with my eyes. The ones that do not make the cut end up in soups or fried rice.

Calories: 383kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 48gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 263mgPotassium: 857mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 96IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.

Keyword air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken wings, how to cook chicken breast in air fryer

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE RATE IT AND LEAVE ME A COMMENT. USE #THEDINNERBITE OR TAG @THEDINNERBITE ON INSTAGRAM SO I CAN SEE YOUR PHOTOS, I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR CREATIONS. THANK YOU!

About Ajoke

Hello, Nice to meet you! Welcome and thanks for visiting my food blog "The Dinner Bite". Feel free to browse through, you are guaranteed nothing here but a yummy experience

Reader Interactions

Can you 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!

How long do you cook chicken in the air fryer and what temperature?

Place chicken in air fryer basket, standing against sides of basket if necessary. Set to 350°F; cook 15 minutes. Turn chicken; cook 5 to 8 minutes longer or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F).

How long does it take for chicken breast in air fryer?

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.

Does chicken cook faster in air fryer?

It cooks faster than your typical oven. So I recommend paying very close attention to cook time when air frying chicken, or any meat. This includes time passed after the air fryer has shut off. You may think it's okay to leave the chicken breast sitting in there for ten minutes until the rest of dinner is done.