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Air Fryer Shredded Chicken

Air Fryer Shredded Chicken

3.62 from 60 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

This Air Fryer Shredded Chicken is juicy, tender, and ready in about 20 minutes — the perfect high-protein base for tacos, dips, sandwiches, salads, and weekly meal prep. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, keto-friendly, and paleo-friendly.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken breasts dry, then rub all over with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
  • Lightly spray an air-fryer-safe pan with olive oil. Place the seasoned chicken in the pan and pour the marinade over the top.
  • Set the pan into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 7 minutes.
  • Flip the chicken and air fry for another 7 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). Thicker breasts may need 2–4 additional minutes.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks. Toss the shredded chicken in the pan juices before serving or storing.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Two forks or shredding claws

Notes

  • Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs work great — add 2–3 minutes to the cook time.
  • Make it your own: See the post for 6 seasoning variations (taco, BBQ, buffalo, ranch, Italian, lemon herb).
  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze flat in bags up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
  • Big batches: Cook in batches without crowding so the chicken cooks evenly; shred quickly using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 241kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 24gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 745mgPotassium: 455mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 37IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg