I know this seems like a pretty dumb, yet an easy thing to do in air fryer. I looked up air fryer chicken breast recipes and there were a lot of recipes for breaded chicken and BBQ chicken. There were no recipes for just a plain old chicken breast cooked in the air fryer. This chicken comes out so juicy and moist and who doesn’t like having leftover cooked chicken on hand to make leftovers with?
Summer is arriving shortly and tomorrow is already May. Can you believe that? It will be the first time ever having an air fryer during the Summer and I’m looking forward to using that and my smoker/grill. You can use your air fryer to french fries and toast some buns with. Then make burgers on the grill. That sounds so good right now.
How to make Air Fryer Chicken Breast
1. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. Slice your chicken breast in half and season your chicken breast with salt and pepper and then seasoning salt of choice. I like to use Trader Joe’s Seasoning salt but again, use whatever you like or have on hand.
3. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees. Close the basket and set the timer at 7 minutes. After 7 minutes take the chicken out and flip and cook for another 4 minutes longer.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Breasts in the air fryer
My method below is for a basic chicken breast recipe and I’ve also used this same method to make crispy breaded chicken in the air fryer.
Add 2 eggs to a shallow dish and dip the chicken in the eggs, each side.
In another shallow dish add 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. Adding spices like garlic powder and onion powder really enhance the flavor of this bread chicken dish.
After the chicken is dipped in the egg transfer it to the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. If the breading isn’t sticking to the chicken, pat some on top of it with your fingers. Use the same time and temperature that I have listed below in the recipe.
What to serve with air fryer chicken breast
Make Chicken Quesadillas
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy with Broccoli
After the chicken is done cooking, dice it up and top it with your salad.
Add to casseroles or pasta dishes
How to check if your chicken breast is done?
There are two types of methods you can use for this. Take the chicken breast out of the air fryer and cut it open. If the chicken breast is still pink in the middle, then you need to add it back in the air fryer basket and cook it for a longer time. I’d start checking after every 2 to 3 minutes. You can also use a meat thermometer. Poke the chicken breast with a thermometer, it has to be at a temperature of 165 degrees for it to be done.
If you make this recipe don’t forget to take a picture of it and tag me on Instagram! My handle on that is @recipediariesww.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF AIR FRYERS
The air fryer I have is a Power XL air fryer. I have not tested this with all the other different kinds of air fryers there are out there but many people below have. If I did that and bought every single air fryer there is out there, then I wouldn’t have any room left in my house! Check the comments below to see if someone else has tried it with the air fryer you have. If you follow the temp and time listed below it SHOULD work.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with WW in any way. I am just a member who creates recipes based on their points system. This recipe is based on WW Freestyle program, and SmartPoints are the value system the company bases their foods on. Some recipes will have older points system values listed in them.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
PrintAir Fryer Chicken Breast
Ingredients
1 or 2 5 to 6 oz chicken breasts split in half lengthwise *See notes*
Seasoning salt of choice
Salt and Pepper
Instructions
1. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. Slice your chicken breast in half and season your chicken breast with salt and pepper and then seasoning salt of choice. I like to use Trader Joe’s Seasoning salt but again, use whatever you like or have on hand.
3. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees. Close the basket and set the timer at 7 minutes. After 7 minutes take the chicken out and flip and cook for another 4 minutes longer.
Notes
Smart Points: 0 (freestyle)
You do not need to split the chicken breast if using the times mentioned above. If your chicken breast is larger than 6 oz you will need to adjust the time cooked.
Great recipe didn’t add anything and it was done, moist and delicious.
Thanks ✅
★★★★★
When you say cut the breast in half do you mean fillet it? Or cut in half leaving two thick pieces!
Yes, I made fillet cuts! It turned out sooo good and soo easy! I normally don’t leave too many reviews but this was outstanding, and leaves open so many ideas! I think it would be good with some bbq rub season or something. But anyhow, the chicken was cooked to perfection and so juicy!
★★★★★
When you say cut breast in half do you mean butterfly it?
Yes.
This is right on point!! Made this for dinner and it was so juicy, tender, and delicious!! 🙂
That is great Sherri!
I just made this. As in, I’m only two bites in. Worked out great! My very first time using the air fryer. I used a thermometer in my meat as it was cooking, and it was perfectly 165 degrees when the timer went off. 🙂 Thank you!!
What adjustments to temp and time if I’m using chicken tenderloin strips?
This recipe is just for chicken breast. I have not tested out tenderloin strips yet.
Just got my air fryer and looking for recipes. I think that is will be the first one I try.
Thank you! We just purchased our air fryer and the recipes in the book are ridiculous! Nothing on regular food cooking. Thank you for this.
★★★★★
Thank you for this recipe! It was exactly what I was looking for. Air fried chicken breast is great, but I don’t always want to make it with flour or breading.
Chicken came out juicy and the seasoning was just perfect. Both my boys, 18 and 12 couldn’t stop complimenting the meal.
Thanks again!
★★★★★
Do you spray the chicken breast with olive oil?
You can, but you don’t need to.
Thank you for this recipe! I have not tried it yet, but plan to. One question. Does the air frier need to be preheated?
★★★★★
i cooked three chicken breast and they were so juicy I really enjoyed them
★★★★★
Easy, simple, and wonderful as a “starting point” recipe. I’ve added herbs or spices and even barbecue sauce and it’s perfect every time. I vary the times a little if the breast is thicker and it’s always perfectly cooked. Thanks so much.
★★★★★
How long would it take to cook a whole bone in chicken
Breast? Not cut in half.
For a healthier diet I’m looking at an air fryer for tasty low calorie simple cooking.
I’m overloaded with the many air fryers & their options. Can someone actually cooking with an air fryer recommend a model for me. Thank you
I did not see the answer to Mike’s question! Mine is the same…do I need to preheat the air fryer first before putting in the chicken breast????????
My air fryer does not need to be preheated. If your air fryer model does then yes…
Hi I saw a comment that you had not done chicken tenderloin yet but just wondering if you have yet!! And if the times changes at all? Thanks!
No. net yet.
Can I cook 2 chicken breasts at the same time or do I have to cook one at a time
I sprinkled it with cajun seasoning and they were amazing. This is still my first week with the air fryer and I love this thing! This was a perfectly cooked chicken; a little crispy but very juicy. My husband is sending pictures to a friend who has only mastered the tater tot 🙂
★★★★★
Second recipe tried in my new air fryer. Turned out delicious!
★★★★★
I cooked 2 smallish chicken breasts butterflied & total time to cook was 7 minutes. I may adjust the temp lower next time. They turned out delicious!
So just wondering how long for 2 whole, uncut boneless chicken breasts @ 400 degrees?
Does this need any spray of oil on it or just put in in with dry seasoning?
No oil.
I made this in my Breville Smartoven Air using the Air fryer setting and racks. Came out perfectly. Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
I need specifics on seasonings and how much. Teaspoons? Thank you
I don’t measure my salt and pepper when I season chicken breasts. I just eyeball it and kind of sprinkle the salt and pepper over the chicken until I think it looks evenly seasoned.
I made it, I loved it…my husband said it was dry.. I don’t agree….he uses sauce…I don’t….
★★★★
This chicken was absolutely delicious and I am NOT a chicken lover.
★★★★★
I need a crispy chicken breast Keto style for the air fryer please!!
I would google keto chicken breast air fryer recipe.
I used this recipe, except I stuffed the chicken breast after I butterflied it. So yummy. Thank you.
Perfect! Followed exactly-butterflied the chicken, seasoned generously with Cavender’s All Purpose Greek Seasoning. Wish I would have had a bun, lettuce and tomato (out of all) spread with mayonnaise for a sandwich. So tender and juicy.
First time using air fryer tried this recipe. Came out good and juicy! Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★