Fried chicken breasts are something every meat-lover enjoys eating. However, it could be healthier with just one minor change.

Instead of frying chicken in oil, air-fry it with hot air instead. This is an affiliate link to the air fryer I bought on Amazon for $109. You can use this to cook food to juicy perfection for the whole family and make a quick dinner.

Here, I’m sharing an air fryer chicken recipe for the best juicy boneless chicken breast you can cook in one of the easiest ways.

The Best Juicy Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

Don’t worry if you’re not a chef. I’m not either… and this is why the air fryer is amazing. It makes cooking good food easy. 

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20-30 minutes

Total Time: 25-25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1-4 skinless and boneless chicken breast 
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder per breast
• ¼ tsp. onion powder per breast
• ¼ tsp. Kosher salt per breast
• ¼ tsp. pepper per breast

Cooking Instructions

1. First, brush the chicken breasts with olive oil.
2. Second, season the chicken breasts on both sides.
3. Set the air fryer to 360 degrees and cook the boneless chicken breasts for around nine minutes.
4. After that side is done, turn over the chicken breasts with tongs and fry the chicken for another nine minutes. (Cooking tip: Smaller chicken breast takes less time while larger chicken breasts take more time. So, if the chicken is still rare in the middle, you will need to cook it for a little longer.)
5. With the help of an instant thermometer, you can take the temperature of the thickest part of the chicken breast in the middle. The temperature should be between 158 to 160 degrees F. If the temperature is lower, cook the chicken for a few more minutes to be safe and check it with a meat thermometer. 
6. For best results, place chicken breasts on a plate and cover them with aluminum foil. It ensures that the chicken keeps cooking in the residual heat. Then, take the foil off after five minutes.
7. Top the crispy chicken breasts with a squeeze of lemon juice or chili pepper before enjoying

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should I cook chicken breasts in an air fryer?

The air fryer boneless chicken breasts cooking time depends on the size and weight of the individual chicken breasts. For example,

• Cook a 6 oz. chicken breast at 360 degrees F for 15 minutes
• Cook a 8 oz. chicken breast at 360 degrees F for 18 minutes
• Cook a 10 oz. chicken breast at 360 degrees F for 20 minutes
• Cook a 12 oz. chicken breast at 360 degrees F for 22 minutes

If you intend to cook multiple chicken breasts at once, then use the average weight of the chicken breasts to get the cooking time.

2. Do I need to use oil for cooking boneless chicken breast in an air fryer?

Unlike regular cooking – no, you do not need to use oil for cooking boneless chicken breast in an air fryer. You’re air frying, not deep frying. However, using oil can give the chicken a rich taste. It also makes the chicken crispier and gives it an overall better texture.

3. How long should I fry frozen chicken in an air fryer?

Did you forget to thaw the chicken and now you’re not sure if you can air fry frozen chicken? Well, the short answer is yes. You can air fry frozen chicken. But how long would it take?

The size of the chicken breast matters. Generally, a 1-inch thick frozen chicken would take around 15 minutes to cook in an air fryer. For every additional inch, you can increase the time by 5-7 minutes. (Note that on your recipe card!)

Never forget to check the internal temperature of the chicken after frying it. A well-cooked chicken breast is 160 degrees F warm from the inside.

4. Can you air fry chicken without flour?

Yes, you can air-fry chicken without any flour. It will still get a crispy texture on the outside. All you need to do is cover it with a thin layer of olive oil before cooking it in the air fryer.

5. Is air-fried chicken healthier than regular fried chicken?

Yes, air-fried chicken is far healthier than the deep-fried using the conventional method we’re used to when we make or order crispy chicken at a restaurant. It is because their lack of oil cuts down the calories by a significant amount. (Grilled chicken is the healthiest option.)

6. Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put aluminum foil in an air fryer. It is a very widely used method. All you need to do is use a single layer of aluminum foil and then let it cook in the air fryer. Doing this makes the cooked meat juicier, but make sure it is only in the bottom of the air fryer basket and not on the edge. If you must use something, try parchment paper first.

3 Best Air Fried Boneless Chicken Breasts Side Dishes

If you made the air fryer boneless chicken breasts but are unsure what you should serve on the side, try one of these three sides as you meal prep. 

1. Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes go well with almost any kind of meat entree. This simple mashed potatoes recipe will help you one-up your air-fried chicken pieces.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 8-10 medium russet potatoes
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• ¼ cup hot milk
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil peeled potatoes in a large saucepan with water and ¾ tsp. salt for 15-20 minutes.
2. After the potatoes get soft, drain the water.
3. Mash the potatoes in the saucepan.
4. Add the remaining salt, pepper, butter, and hot milk. Mix it.
5. If you’re making sweet potatoes, my husband likes to add brown sugar and marshmallows. 

Cooking tip: You can also cook these in the air fryer!

2. Tangy Potato Salad

Hate salads? Well, try this tangy potato salad. It is so delicious and filling that you won’t be able to stop eating it. It also makes a great leftover meal for lunch the next day if you keep it in freezer bags or an airtight container overnight. (The same goes for leftover chicken.)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 9

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of small red potatoes, halved or quartered
• 2 medium green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Boil the peeled quartered potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes. Check with a fork to ensure they are getting cooked. When they fall off the fork after you stick it in the middle, you’re good!
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, white vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
3. Drizzle the mixture over the boiled potatoes.
4. Add green onions.
5. Enjoy!

3. Cheesy Rosemary Crescent Rolls

If you want to impress some guests, then cheesy rosemary crescent rolls are a great choice. They are quick and easy to make, yet look and taste amazing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• Canned crescent rolls
• 10 sticks of mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary

Cooking Instruction

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and use a little cooking spray on a baking sheet or with a little oil.
2. Cut the crescent rolls into triangles.
3. Place one stick of mozzarella in one triangle, then sprinkle some rosemary and Parmesan on top.
4. Roll the triangles from the widest side.
5. Bake for 13-15 minutes.

I hope you liked the air fryer chicken breasts recipe. Feel free to try this with chicken thighs, chicken wings, Italian seasoning, barbecue sauce, or even a side of french fries. Please let me know how this easy weeknight dinner turned out on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDay.

For more air fryer recipes, click here.