The Air Fryer Butterflied Chicken Breast recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy juicy, evenly cooked chicken. By butterflying the chicken breast, it cooks faster and more evenly in the air fryer, resulting in a tender interior with a perfectly seasoned, lightly crisp exterior. It’s a simple, healthy option that’s great for busy weeknights, meal prep, or slicing over salads and pastas.
Air Fryer Butterflied Chicken Breast is a simple and efficient way to cook tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly crispy exterior.
By cutting the chicken breast in half horizontally, you ensure even cooking, which helps the meat stay moist while getting a golden, flavorful crust.
This method significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional baking or grilling, making it a quick and tasty weeknight dinner option.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick Cooking Time – The butterflied chicken cooks faster, saving you time in the kitchen while still delivering a juicy, tender result.
- Crispy Exterior – The air fryer creates a perfectly crisp, golden crust without the need for excessive oil.
- Even Cooking – Butterflying the chicken ensures even cooking throughout, keeping it moist and tender.
- Versatile – This recipe is a great base for various seasonings, marinades, or sauces, making it easy to customize.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- Olive Oil: Any high-heat oil, will work, coconut oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil, will be perfect
- Seasonings: Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano, Kosher Salt, or Black Pepper.
How To Make Air Fryer Butterflied Chicken Breast
Step One: Start by placing the chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken horizontally through the middle to create two thinner pieces (this is called butterflying). You can also trim any excess fat or tendons.
Step Two: Season both sides of the butterflied chicken with your favorite spices or a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also marinate the chicken beforehand for extra flavor.
Step Three: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step Four: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Air fry at 375 degrees F set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even golden brown color.
Step Five: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve your perfectly cooked Air Fryer Butterflied Chicken Breast with your favorite sides or atop a salad.
Air Fryer Butterflied Chicken Breast Recipe Tips
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure to place the chicken breasts in a single layer, leaving space around them. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking and crisping.
- Adjust for Thickness: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider butterflying them thinner or adjusting the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix. A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a dash of lemon juice works wonderfully, but you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist.
- Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
Storing, Freezing and Reheating
- Storing: Store any leftover Air Fryer Butterflied Chicken Breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing to preserve its texture.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to label them with the date.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes to bring back its cri
What To Serve With Air Fryer Butterflied Chicken Breast Boneless Skinless Recipe
The Air Fryer Butterflied Chicken Breast Boneless Skinless pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. For a light and healthy option, serve it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a side of quinoa work wonderfully. For a fun twist, try pairing it with crispy air fryer fries or sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Butterflied Chicken Breast Boneless Skinless Recipe Faqs
How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts? This recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts as they cook more evenly and quickly. Bone-in breasts will require a longer cooking time.
Do I need to marinate the chicken? Marinating is optional but can add extra flavor. If you prefer a quicker method, simply season the chicken with your favorite spices or herbs.
Can I cook multiple chicken breasts at once? You can cook multiple pieces, but make sure the chicken is arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
How can I make the chicken crispier? For a crispier texture, lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil before air frying, and consider flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
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Air Fryer Butterflied Chicken Breast
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
- Start by placing the chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken horizontally through the middle to create two thinner pieces (this is called butterflying). You can also trim any excess fat or tendons.
- Season both sides of the butterflied chicken with your favorite spices or a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also marinate the chicken beforehand for extra flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Air fry at 375 degrees F and set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even golden brown color.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice and serve your perfectly cooked Air Fryer Butterflied Chicken Breast with your favorite sides or atop a salad.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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