Quick Air Fryer Chicken Breast in Under 20 Minutes

Name: Quick Air Fryer Chicken Breast in Under 20 Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts (about 1-inch thick); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

20 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

Deliciously juicy air fryer chicken breast ready in less than 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Prep

5 min

Cook

12 min

Total

20 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Air frying has revolutionized the way we cook chicken breasts, making it quicker and easier than ever to achieve perfectly juicy results. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 20 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a healthy, homemade meal without much fuss. The air fryer gives the chicken a slight crisp on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Preheating ensures even cooking.

Prepare the Chicken

Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. In a bowl, coat them with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Pro tip: Ensure an even coating for consistency in flavour.

Arrange in Air Fryer

Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping for even cooking.

Pro tip: Cook in batches if necessary.

Air Fry the Chicken

Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer and probe the thickest part of the breast.

Check for Doneness

Insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption.

Pro tip: Return to air fryer for 1-2 more minutes if needed.

Rest and Serve

Let the chicken breasts rest for 3 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Pro tip: This resting period is crucial for juicy chicken.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Adjust cooking time based on breast thickness.
Let the chicken rest before slicing for juicier meat.
Brining enhances flavour and juiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to air fry chicken breast?

Air fry chicken breast for 10-12 minutes at 200°C (390°F). Flip halfway through.

Do you need to flip chicken in air fryer?

Yes, flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.

What temperature should chicken breast be cooked to?

Chicken breast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight enhances flavour and tenderness.

Is air frying chicken healthy?

Yes, air frying uses less oil, making it a healthier cooking method compared to traditional frying.

Can I cook frozen chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, but increase cooking time by 50% and ensure internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

Serving Suggestions

Serve your air fryer chicken breast alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also slice it and use it in sandwiches, wraps, or atop a bed of pasta. For make-ahead convenience, store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or enjoy cold on salads.

Nutrition per serving

220

Calories

36g

Protein

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