Meal prep has never been so easy with these Air Fryer Chicken Breasts! Learn how to make the perfect, juicy chicken in the air fryer in not one but two ways! Perfect for topping on salads, or having in sandwiches or on pasta!
We’ve got loads of amazing ways to cook chicken breasts – try out my Chicken and Potatoes with Dijon Cream Sauce, Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata, French Onion Chicken, Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Gravy, and Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Rice.
Why This Recipe Works
Weeknight Meal Perfection: This air fryer chicken recipe couldn’t be easier. If you have just 30 minutes to make a weeknight dinner that is nutritious and delicious, this should be your next go-to! You can simply season the chicken and air fry it or you can bread it if you’re feeling fancy!
Versatility: When meal prepping, versatility is key. It is important to make things that can be paired with a number of other things so you don’t get too much of the same meal all week! That is where air fryer boneless chicken breast comes in. Make it at the beginning of the week and store in the fridge to pair with salads, pasta, sandwiches, burritos and more!
Ingredients
You can make these air fryer chicken breasts simply seasoned or you can bread them for some extra flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
For Seasoned Air Fryer Chicken Breasts:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best here.
- Seasoning: A simple combination of garlic powder, salt and pepper is all you need for some delicious seasoned chicken!
For Thin Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Breasts:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is best for this as well. I like to slice them in half to make four thinner pieces.
- Flour: You’ll first dip the chicken breast into a bit of flour to help it stick to the egg and then the breadcrumbs.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder seasons the flour which in turn seasons the chicken!
- Salt & Pepper: Season the flour with salt and pepper to taste!
- Egg: To bread the chicken, you will dip it in egg which helps create a layer for the breadcrumbs to stick to.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are a great coating for the chicken to make air fryer fried chicken breast!
Here’s How to Make It
Step by Step Instructions
To Make Seasoned Air Fryer Chicken Breasts:
- Season & Air Fry: Season the breasts with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Spritz with the cooking spray and cook 15-20 minutes at 350 F until the chicken is cooked through, turning halfway. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the breasts.
To Make Thin Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Breasts:
- Prep the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, halve the chicken breasts down the middles so that you have two of the same size, but thinner breast pieces. Using the heel of your hand, lightly bash the thicker bits so the four pieces are roughly the same thickness. (not pictured)
- Prep the Breading: Combine the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper in the bottom of a shallow bowl. In another, lightly beat the egg with a little more salt and pepper. In a third, add the panko breadcrumbs. (photo 1)
- Dip: Dip the chicken pieces firs in the flour mixture, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs so they are coated well. Use one hand for the flour and breadcrumbs and another for the egg to avoid coating your fingers! (photos 2-4)
- Cook: Spritz the breaded chicken pieces on both sides with cooking spray and cook for 20 minutes at 350 F, turning halfway, until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. (photos 5-6)
Expert Tips
- Add different spices! The seasoning here is just a start. You can keep it simple and have delicious, versatile chicken to use throughout the week. Or, you can add some paprika for a smoky kick or try it with Italian seasoning and place it on a bed of pasta!
- Don’t over cook the chicken breast! Chicken breast is a lean cut of meat that can dry out quickly if over cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the meat. Chicken is considered done when it hits 165 F.
- Try serving air fryer chicken breasts with some of my favorite side dishes like Pesto Pasta Salad, Baked Mac & Cheese, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, or a simple summertime Corn Salad!
Frequently Asked Questions
Especially when looking at breaded chicken, it might be difficult to know if the chicken is cooked through. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer so that you can check the internal temperature. I like to take chicken breast out of the air fryer once it has hit 155-160 F and then it continues cooking a bit further while it rests before serving.
If you cut the chicken into thinner pieces like I recommend doing with breaded chicken, the chicken will cook more quickly in the air fryer. However, the cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the chicken! I recommend cooking for 15 minutes and then checking the internal temperature of the chicken to determine if it needs any longer.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Potatoes
- Air Fryer Chicken Strips
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Air Fryer Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs
Did you make this recipe? FANTASTIC! Please rate the recipe below and be sure to tag me on social when you share a photo of your CDLC creation, I love seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
Seasoned Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- salt - to taste
- cracked black pepper - to taste
- cooking spray - see note
Thin Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp flour
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- salt - to taste
- cracked black pepper - to taste
- 1 small egg
- 8 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- cooking spray - see note
Instructions
To Make Seasoned Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Season the breasts with the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Spritz with the cooking spray and cook for 15-20 minutes at 350F until the chicken is cooked through, turning halfway. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the breasts.
To Make Thin Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Using a sharp knife halve the chicken breasts down the middle so you have two same size, but thinner breast pieces. Using the heel of your hand, lightly bash the thicker bits so the four pieces are of roughly the same thickness.
- Combine the flour, garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper in the bottom of a shallow bowl. In another, lightly beat the egg with a little more salt and pepper. In a third, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip the chicken pieces first in the flour mixture, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs so they are well coated. Use one hand for the flour and crumbs, and another for the egg to avoid coating your fingers!
- Spritz the breaded chicken pieces on both side with cooking spray and cook for 20 minutes at 350F, turning halfway, until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
Notes
- Try to use an all natural olive or vegetable oil cooking spray as some artificial cooking sprays can damage the non-stick coating inside your air fryer. Always consult the instruction booklet before using an artificial cooking spray in your air fryer.
- Cooked seasoned chicken breasts will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days for use in salads and sandwiches. The breaded chicken breasts are best eaten still hot.
- Nutrition information is based on Thin Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Breasts.
Excellent Just As Described
Worked perfectly! We cut them in strips and they were a perfect substitute for chicken nuggets for our kids.
Great recipe.
Wow! Definitely a keeper! I used chicken tenders and added paprika to the flour. I was really low on breadcrumbs and ended up mixing some crushed plain potato chips with breadcrumbs. I’m new to airfryer cooking and I’m amazed at how good food tastes when cooked or even reheated in them. This will be my new go to chicken recipe- next time I’ll try w/ just breadcrumbs .