Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe— Are you in need of a delicious, quick, and easy-to-make meal? Look no further! Our air fryer chicken breast recipe is the perfect option for any busy cook.
Not only is this dish bursting with flavor and a crunchy outer layer due to its unique cooking method but it also packs in plenty of health benefits thanks to its lean protein source. Everyone loves fried food without all that unhealthy oil – so why not try making this lip-smacking dish right at home today? Read on for the full recipe
This might be the best air fryer chicken recipe, and it’s amazing! So, if you have been looking for some easy recipes for meal prep, you will soon learn that cooking chicken breast in the air fryer is amazing!
The Best Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Looking for a healthy and delicious way to cook chicken breast? Air fryers are a great option! They use hot air to cook food, resulting in crispy and flavorful dishes without the need for added oil. In this article, we’ll share with you the best healthy air fryer chicken breast recipe that you can easily make at home. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a healthy meal option that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Plus, by using an air fryer, you’ll be able to enjoy the taste and texture of fried chicken without the added calories and fat. So, let’s get started and learn how to make the best healthy air fryer chicken breast recipe!
Who doesn’t love a foolproof recipe for flavorful chicken breasts? This recipe will prove to you that the best way to cook chicken is by air frying!
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Seasoned Chicken Breasts
Do you have an air fryer and love experimenting with new recipes? If so, then this one is for you! We will be discussing how to turn plain chicken breasts into a delightful feast by using simple ingredients. Not only are these perfectly cooked in the air fryer but they also provide amazing flavor. There is nothing better than tender chicken breasts, it might just be the best chicken you have ever eaten, and with the air fryer method, you use very little oil.
Remember the step-by-step directions, and full post are below in the printable recipe card, at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutrition information.
- Chicken: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- Olive Oil: Any high-heat oil, will work, coconut oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil, will be perfect
- Smoked Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Dried Thyme
- Dried Oregano
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
How To Make Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious yet healthy dinner recipe that is cooked in an air fryer? If so, then look no further! This easy and nutritious chicken breast recipe cooked in the air fryer is sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes. Not only will it be ready to serve within minutes, but it’s also packed with protein and full of flavor – making this one amazing meal that the entire family can enjoy. So gather your ingredients and read on for the simple instructions on how to make the perfect air-fried chicken breasts!
Step One: Season Your Chicken Breasts
Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees f (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mixture.
Place chicken breasts in a large bowl and rub the olive oil, over the chicken breast, and then rub the seasoning mixture all over each breast, making sure they are coated evenly.
Step Two: Air Fry The Chicken Breasts
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure the side of the chicken breast does not touch the other chicken breast. Leave some room on the sides of the chicken breast. Depending on the air fryer that you are using, you may need to cook your chicken in batches.
Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer for a cooking time of 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), check with a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer.
Step Three: Serving
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer basket and let the chicken rests for 2-4 minutes, before serving.
This healthy air fryer chicken breast recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste and texture of fried chicken without the added calories and fat. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal!
Pro Tips For Cooking Chicken in Air Fryer
Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a delicious and crispy meal without the added calories and fat from deep frying. Here are some pro tips to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly cooked and full of flavor:
- Preheat the air fryer: Always preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking the chicken. This will help to ensure even cooking and prevent undercooked or overcooked spots.
- Use a cooking spray: To prevent sticking and promote even browning, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or brush it with oil before placing it in the air fryer basket.
- Do not overcrowd the basket: To ensure even cooking, and the best results make sure there is enough space between the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. If the basket is overcrowded, the chicken will not cook evenly.
- Flip halfway through: For even cooking and browning, flip the chicken halfway through the cook time. This will ensure both sides are cooked evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), use a meat thermometer, or instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken. This will ensure the chicken is safe to eat and not overcooked. The cooking time will vary based on the size of your chicken breasts, smaller breasts will have a shorter cooking time than larger breasts.
- Season generously: To add flavor to the chicken, season it generously with your favorite seasonings and herbs. You can even marinate the chicken for a few hours before cooking to add even more flavor. You can also brine meat for even more flavor, which is perfect for lean meats.
By following these pro tips, you can ensure your air fryer chicken is perfectly cooked, crispy, and full of flavor. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal.
How To Store Leftover Chicken
If you have leftover cooked chicken breasts and you’re wondering how to store them, here are some simple steps to follow:
Let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it. This will prevent condensation from forming and help to keep the chicken from becoming soggy.
- Store: Once the chicken has cooled, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the chicken in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. It is important to store it in the coldest part of the fridge to ensure it stays fresh. Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Freezing: If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bags, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. For food safety thaw the lean cuts of meat overnight in the refrigerator.
How To Reheat Chicken Breasts In Air Fryer
Reheating chicken breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to bring back its crispy texture and juicy flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Take the leftover chicken breasts out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before reheating.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overlapping them.
- Reheat the chicken breasts in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check the temperature of the chicken breast with a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which is the safe temperature for consuming cooked chicken.
- If the chicken breasts are not heated to your desired temperature or crispy enough, continue cooking for another minute or two.
- Once the chicken is reheated to your desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two before serving.
Reheating chicken breast in an air fryer is quick and easy, and it can help to restore the texture and flavor of your leftover chicken. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and crispy chicken meal that tastes just as good as the first time.
Favorite Dipping Sauce Serving With Delicious Chicken Breasts
There are many delicious dipping sauces that go well with boneless chicken breast cooked in an air fryer. Here are some of the most popular:
- BBQ Sauce: A classic BBQ sauce is a great dipping sauce for boneless chicken breast. It adds a smoky and tangy flavor that complements the chicken well.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Honey mustard sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that goes well with the crispy and savory flavor of air-fried chicken breast.
- Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy dressing that pairs well with the crispy texture of air-fried chicken. It also adds a cooling effect that balances out the heat of the spicy chicken.
- Buffalo Sauce: Buffalo sauce is a spicy sauce that goes well with the crispy and savory flavor of air-fried chicken breast. It adds a tangy and spicy kick to the chicken that many people love.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet chili sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that has a mild spice. It pairs well with the crispy and savory flavor of air-fried chicken and adds a unique twist to the dish.
These are just a few of the many dipping sauces that go well with boneless chicken breast cooked in an air fryer. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite, and enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal!
What To Serve With Juicy Chicken Breast
Air fryer chicken breast recipes are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to make a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with air fryer chicken breast recipes:
- Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes, make a healthy and flavorful side dish for air fryer chicken breast. You can season the vegetables with herbs, Italian seasoning, or chili powder for added flavor.
- Salad: A fresh and crunchy salad is a great way to balance out the rich and savory flavor of air fryer chicken breast. You can toss together a simple green salad or make a more complex salad with a variety of toppings.
- Instant Pot Rice or Quinoa: Serve air fryer chicken breast with rice or quinoa for a filling and nutritious meal. You can season the rice or quinoa with herbs and spices to complement the flavor of the chicken.
- Pasta or Noodles: Serve air fryer chicken breast with pasta or noodles for a satisfying and comforting meal. You can toss the pasta or noodles with a simple sauce or season it with herbs and spices.
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a great side dish to serve with air fryer chicken breast. It adds a delicious and comforting flavor that complements the chicken well.
These are just a few ideas for what to serve with air fryer chicken breast recipes. You can experiment with different sides to find your favorite combination and enjoy a delicious and well-balanced meal.
How To Brine Chicken
By brining chicken, you can improve its texture and flavor, making it more tender, juicy, and flavorful. Remember to adjust the cooking time and seasoning of the chicken accordingly, as brining will make it more flavorful and salty.
- In a large bowl, make your basic brine ratio of salt to water: Mx together 4 cups of water, 4 tablespoons of salt (kosher salt or sea salt), and 2 tablespoons of sugar until the salt and sugar are dissolved. If desired, you can add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the brine for extra flavor. For less sodium, use a salt alternative.
- Place the chicken breasts in the salted water, making sure they are completely covered. You can add more water if needed to cover the chicken.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours for a more flavorful and tender chicken.
- After brining, remove the chicken from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking. Dispose of any extra liquid.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
I hope you enjoyed this healthy way to cook boneless chicken breasts, it’s a great recipe and healthier way to cook. I hope you and your family enjoy this simple boneless chicken breast recipe. The air fryer results are amazing!
You will soon find that the air fryer cooks chicken breasts amazingly, every single time!
Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees f (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mixture.
- Place chicken breasts in a large bowl and rub the olive oil, over the chicken breast, and then rub the seasoning mixture all over each breast, making sure they are coated evenly.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure the side of the chicken breast does not touch the other chicken breast. Leave some room on the sides of the chicken breast. Depending on the air fryer that you are using, you may need to cook your chicken in batches.
- Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer for a cooking time of 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), check with a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer basket and let the chicken rests for 2-4 minutes, before serving.
Equipment
Nutrition
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