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Simple Air Fryer Chicken Breast is anything but boring when you know how to cook it. Here’s a basic but brilliant recipe that gets you succulent, delicious, perfectly cooked chicken, every time!

A close up of two chicken breasts cooking in an air fryer.

This is the very recipe that air fryers were made for. Basics made brilliant. 

But when I first cooked chicken breasts in the air fryer, they were a bit boring and quite dry, so I made it my mission to come up with a go-to recipe that was PERFECT. 

I tested this Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe about 20 times (I kid you not!). Follow my guide here for getting perfect chicken breasts, every time!


Why you’ll love this Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe

⭐️ Super quick, super simple

⭐️ A few basic ingredients for big results

⭐️ Deliciously tender chicken


Two chicken breast slices cooked in the air fryer with a sticky, brown coating, on a white plate

Sarah’s Notes

When testing this recipe, I looked at so many others and found that many used brown sugar (credit to The Cookie Rookie, Well Plated by Erin and Munchy Goddess!).

This adds a caramelisation which is tricky to get in the air fryer (especially in such a short cooking time) and especially when cooking chicken. It also adds colour and a delicious depth of flavour.


Air Fryer Chicken Breast Ingredients

The ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe laid out on a counter top.
  • Chicken breasts – Cut them in half horizontally (so you end up with very thin fillets from each piece of chicken)
  • For the coating – Paprika, dark brown sugar, garlic powder, oregano, salt

How to make Chicken Breasts in an air fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer, then starting slicing your chicken breasts in half horizontally (making about 2 pieces per breast).

2. Mix the coating in a bowl.

3. Coat the chicken, spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the chicken fillets in a single layer inside.

4. Cook as per the recipe below, turning half way until cooked through.

Full chicken breasts vs thin chicken cutlets

We’ve tested this recipe SO many times using chicken breasts as they come from the pack and also slicing them in half lengthways. Here’s why I suggest making them thinner:

⭐️ The ratio of tasty outside coating to tender inside meat is so much better.

⭐️ They cook super quickly.

Of course, you can leave them whole if you prefer though. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.


Leftovers

In the fridge You can make a batch of chicken that you can use for up to 3 days. Slice up for sandwiches, salads or in other recipes.

You can enjoy the chicken cold or reheated (until it’s piping hot) – just add a tiny bit of water over your chicken before reheating to rehydrate it a little.

In the freezer You could cook and freeze these if you like (as long as they haven’t already been frozen), but they will be a little dry after being defrosted and not as good as when fresh.

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How do I know they are cooked?

The cooking time for air fryer chicken breasts will depend on the size and shape of your chicken breasts, and whether you slice them thinly, as per the recipe.

If in doubt, check your meat thermometer to make sure it is cooked through.

The ideal cooking temperature for chicken is 74°C, according to Thermapen – my go-to thermometer-makers. There’s also more cooking time information here.

More Air Fryer Recipes…

FAQs

How many chicken breasts can I cook at once?

This will depend on the size of your air fryer. You can cook as many slices can fit in one layer, but make sure they’re not overcrowded.

How long do chicken breasts take to cook in an air fryer?

If you slice them in two, they will cook in about 10-15 minutes at 200℃. Obviously this will be different if your meat is thicker (see my notes above on checking the internal temperature).

Do I need to put oil on the chicken breasts?

No – while I do spray the air fryer to reduce sticking, there is no need for oil on the actual chicken. I have tested with and without, and oil makes the coating slip off and doesn’t add much in the way of texture. It’s tender enough without.

Do I need to turn the chicken breasts when cooking?

I would, yes. Just turn once half way through for best results.

Can you recommend a good air fryer?

The one in these photos is a Russell Hobbs XXL one.

I’ve tested 3 air fryers now, and while I’m not saying that this one is THE BEST EVER, I’m really happy with it. It’s easy to fit in the dishwasher, not too expensive and has a basket large enough for 4 people.

Does this recipe really include sugar?

Yes! As well as adding to the flavour, it’s also fantastic for caramelising the coating, which creates a delicious crusty outer edge while keeping the inside moist (sorry!) – something we’d struggle to get otherwise as we’re cooking it quickly. 

It also helps the rest of the coating ingredients to stick to the meat.

Let me know how you got on and what you thought of these recipes. Please rate the recipe using the ⭐️ below.

Also I’d LOVE to see your cooking creations. If you’d like to share yours with me, you can tag me on Instagram (@tamingtwins).

5 from 11 votes

Basic Air Fryer Chicken Breast {Perfect Every Time!}

This is your ultimate guide to cooking Air Fryer Chicken Breast perfectly – EVERY TIME. Succulent, full of flavour, super quick and versatile – enjoy it on its own or as a base for so many other recipes.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 650 g (1.4 lb) Chicken breast (approx x4), Cut in half lengthways (so you end up with 2 very thin fillets from each piece of chicken)

For the coating:

  • 6 tsp Paprika
  • 6 tsp Dark brown sugar
  • 4 tsp Garlic granules
  • 3 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • While you’re prepping the chicken, put the air fryer on to preheat at 200℃/400F.
  • Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthways (so you end up with 2 very thin fillets per breast).
  • Make the coating by mixing the spices in a bowl, then add your chicken pieces and coat well.
  • Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Carefully place the chicken in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes until cooked through (the timings will depend on how thick the chicken pieces are, always check with a thermometer to be sure). Turn over halfway.

Notes

Storing: You can make a batch of chicken that you can use for up to 3 days. Slice up for sandwiches, salads or use in other recipes. Keep refrigerated
Check internal temperature: Please note that the cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your chicken breasts, and whether you slice it in two as per the recipe. If in doubt, check your meat thermometer to make sure it is cooked through. (The ideal cooking temperature for chicken is 74°C/165F, according to Thermapen – my go-to thermometer-makers. There’s also more cooking time information here)
How many to cook at once: This will depend on the size of your air fryer. You can cook as many slices as can fit in one layer, but make sure they’re not overcrowded

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 36gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 776mgPotassium: 736mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1553IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Family Food
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Sarah Rossi founder of TamingTwins.com and author of 'What's for Dinner?' books.

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Hi, I'm Sarah. I help busy people decide 'What's for Dinner?' Find hundreds of recipes here, and also in my bestselling recipe book. Hope my recipes make your life easier ❤️

5 from 11 votes

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16 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I was looking for some ideas to give chicken flavour than my usual go to – garlic granules, salt and pepper. So glad I stumbled on this coating, really tasty will go with so many meals. I had the chicken with risotto and veggies. I will be using this again and again. Love the idea of splitting the breasts and making thinner, 1 large breast is enough for 2 people as a main meal – will be saving some money and reducing my kcals with that tip!!! Thank you!