This Air Fryer Chicken Breast With No Breading is so juicy, tender and full of flavor. They are perfectly seasoned, delicious and is so easy to make, in 30 minutes or less.
Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
I have totally fallen in love with my Air fryer. Cooking in the Air fryer is so fast and I can get my meals on the table in no time, specially for dinner. This Air fryer chicken breast recipe is what I turn to when I need a versatile protein that is easy, fast and delicious!
Juicy chicken breasts are sometimes hard to achieve when cooking in the oven or stovetop. Air frying chicken breasts turn them juicy and moist. Chicken breasts are so finicky to cook and will dry out faster if you overcook them. Air frying is the best way to cook them! Also, Air frying cuts down the cooking time and cooks the chicken breasts really fast.
There's always a debate whether to brine them or not. Yes, brining makes better-seasoned chicken breasts but when you're busy or in a time crunch it's not always an option. Also, I hate that it takes an awful lot of space in the fridge and when the kids use the fridge there's the possibility of knocking the container down making a mess of chicken water all over. I shudder even thinking about the mess it will make and the clean-up it'll require.
So here's what I do. No brining required. I prick the chicken deeply with a fork on both sides. Rub a seasoning blend on the chicken breasts and leave it for 5 minutes. Air fry chicken breasts in a preheated Air fryer, flip and cook further. This method makes chicken breasts that are full of flavor, perfectly seasoned with no brining. This recipe is so versatile you can change it up to use your favorite spice mixture or blend.
We love these chicken recipes in the Air Fryer - Air Fryer Chicken Legs, Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Chicken Nuggets. Check out our Air Fryer Recipe Collection for more mouthwatering dishes.
Why we love this Air fryer Chicken Breast:
- Juicy chicken breast
- No brining
- Full of flavor
- Easy and quick to make
INGREDIENTS
- Chicken breast - 8 to 9oz each. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking.
- Oil - Olive oil, avocado oil or vegetable oil
- Salt - Kosher salt or sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika - Chili powder can be used too. Or half paprika and half chili powder.
- Italian seasoning
- Lemon juice
Step by step process
This is the step-by-step process for Air fryer chicken breasts. You'll see how easy it is to cook them in the Air fryer.
How To Make Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Cooking chicken breasts in the Air fryer couldn't be any easier. Here's how to cook juicy chicken breasts:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Pierce the chicken with a fork on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and lemon juice.
- Coat the chicken with the marinade and leave for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the Air fryer at 380F for 5 minutes.
- Place chicken breasts in the Air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip chicken and cook for another 10 minutes or until internal temperature is 165F.
- Remove the chicken breasts from Air fryer and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Can I Cook Raw Chicken In The Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook raw chicken in the Air fryer. It's perfectly safe. You'll have to use an instant-read thermometer and check for doneness. Cook until the internal temperature is 165F.
To Brine Or Not To Brine
Brining makes flavorful chicken. There are two ways to brine, wet and dry brining. I choose not to brine.
Wet Brine - Basic brine ratio is 4 tablespoons of Kosher Salt to 4 cups (1 quart) of water. In a large container mix the salt and water. Add the chicken breast to the water and leave it in the fridge for 1 to 6 hours. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the water, pat dry and follow the recipe. I don't wet brine because of the sloppy water and lack of fridge space. But if you choose to do it, don't prick the chicken and reduce the amount of salt.
Dry Brine - this is pre-salting the meat. This is used for big cuts or large quantities of meat. But can be used for smaller cuts like chicken breasts. Mix the chicken breasts with the marinade and leave it for a few hours.
No Brine - I don't brine my chicken breasts. I prick the chicken breast all over with a fork, rub the marinade, leave it for 5 minutes and cook. I find this easy and fast.
How Long To Cook Chicken Breasts In The Air Fryer?
The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breast and the Air fryer model.
As a general rule, I cook mine at 380F for 10 minutes, flip them over and cook for another 10 minutes or until they are done.
If you use large chicken breast, increase the cooking time to one or two minutes.
Can I Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts In The Air Fryer?
Yes, you cook chicken breasts from frozen. Follow the recipe and cook for an additional 5 more minutes or until the internal temperature is 165F. You can thaw the chicken breasts overnight in the fridge and follow the recipe.
Best Tips
- Pre-heat the Air fryer. This will ensure chicken cooks fast and make it crispy outside and juicy inside.
- Don't overcrowd the Air fryer. If you're cooking many, cook in batches.
- Check for doneness using a instant read thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165F.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after removing from the Air fryer before slicing.
What Air Fryer To Use?
I use a Cosori 5.8 quart basket type and is perfect for our family! I can cook around 2 to 3 chicken breasts in it!
How To Store
I like having cooked chicken in my fridge for easy meals. Store cooked chicken covered in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
You can also freeze chicken breast in a zip lock bag in the freezer for 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave or in the Air fryer.
More Recipes You Might Enjoy:
Air Fryer Recipes:
- Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites
- Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Shrimps
- Air Fryer Crispy Roast Potatoes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
More Chicken Recipes:
If you like this recipe, I’d love it if you can give me a rating and comment! Share it with your family and friends! ❤️
Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast Without Breading
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (8 to 9oz each)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Pierce the chicken with a fork on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and lemon juice.
- Coat the chicken with the marinade and leave for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the Air fryer at 380F for 5 minutes.Place chicken breasts in the Air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip chicken and cook for another 10 minutes or until internal temperature is 165F.
- Remove the chicken breasts from Air fryer and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Store - store leftover chicken in the fridge, covered, for 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze - in a zip lock bag in the freezer for 3 months.
- Reheat - in the microwave or in the Air fryer.
Marden says
Good but too salty. Would use about 1/4 tsp. Next time. A bit hot so would also use less paprika.
Farwin says
Thanks Marden for the feedback.
Melanie J Graffius says
Have you made 'split' or bone-in breasts this way? Guess it's no different than roasting a chicken, hmmmm. May need to give it a try - allowing a little more time and maybe a lower temp?!?!?
Farwin says
Hi Melanie, yes, I would reduce the temp to 370F and cook for a bit longer depending on the size of the bone-in breast, around 25 to 30 minutes. Hope this helps.