The cooking time for chicken breast in the air fryer will vary depending on the thickness of the breast, the desired doneness, and the air fryer model. However, a good rule of thumb is to cook boneless, skinless chicken breast for 10-12 minutes per inch of thickness, at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, a 1-inch thick chicken breast would cook for 10 minutes, while a 2-inch thick chicken breast would cook for 12 minutes.
Here are the specific cooking times for different thicknesses of chicken breast:
- 1/2-inch thick chicken breast: 6-8 minutes
- 1-inch thick chicken breast: 10-12 minutes
- 1.5-inch thick chicken breast: 12-14 minutes
- 2-inch thick chicken breast: 14-16 minutes
Once the chicken breast is cooked through, it should be opaque throughout and have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here are some tips for cooking chicken breast in the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
- Place the chicken breast in the air fryer basket and cook for the specified amount of time.
- Flip the chicken breast halfway through cooking.
- Remove the chicken breast from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when cooking chicken breast in the air fryer:
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
- If the chicken breast is frozen, thaw it completely before cooking.
- If the chicken breast is very thick, you may need to cook it for a few minutes longer.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken breast is cooked through.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: your choice of herbs, spices, or marinades
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. For chicken breasts, a temperature of 375°F (190°C) is commonly used. Preheating ensures that the cooking process starts immediately when you place the chicken in the air fryer.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture from the surface, allowing the chicken to become crispier during cooking. If you like, you can marinate the chicken for added flavor. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature if it was refrigerated.
- Season: Lightly brush the chicken breasts with olive oil or use cooking spray to help the seasonings adhere. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer. This is where you can get creative and customize the flavor to your liking.
- Place in the Air Fryer: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts. As a general guideline:
- For thin chicken breasts (about ½ inch thick): Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For thicker chicken breasts (about 1 inch thick): Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If needed, continue cooking in 3-5 minute increments until the desired temperature is reached.
- Rest and Serve: Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a juicier chicken breast. Slice or serve the chicken as desired.
Remember, cooking times may vary based on the specific model and brand of air fryer you’re using, as well as the thickness of the chicken breasts. It’s a good practice to start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time, especially if it’s your first time using the air fryer for this recipe. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer chicken breast!
