This Air Fryer Chicken Breast no breading is the juiciest, tastiest chicken you will make. Cooking chicken breast in air fryer is simple with this easy recipe that is keto, low carb, and gluten free. This is the best air fryer chicken breast!
This super easy Air Fried Chicken Breast is a winner when it comes to making a fast and delicious dinner. We love quick recipes when it comes to dinnertime like our Instant Pot Black Bean Soup, incredible topped with a little sour cream and some fresh cilantro. Try out these Almond Flour Chicken Tenders, which cook in just 20 minutes.
Low Carb Air Fryer Chicken Breast
I honestly thought that making chicken breast in the air fryer would result in chicken that was so dried out, all you would be left with is shriveled chicken jerky. I actually got the exact opposite result. You wouldn’t even believe the shocked look on my face as I took my first bite of air fried chicken.
The chicken breast was tender and juicy. Probably the juiciest chicken I have ever cooked.
I am never going back to cooking chicken breast in the oven again, well, unless something happens to my air fryer (knocks on wood). Cooking chicken in an air fryer is my new absolutely favorite way of making it.
And it is super easy to make the air fryer chicken breast, too. Simply spread olive oil on both sides of the chicken breast and sprinkle on herb mixture. Place the breasts into the preheated air fryer. Cook and then flip over to the other side halfway through cooking time.
Air Fryer Chicken No Breading
I used a simple combination of spices that are basic pantry staples, to flavor this boneless chicken breast recipe. I wanted to keep the this chicken fairly neutral so that it has great flavor, but is still usable in other recipes.
It definitely tastes delicious by itself, too. This chicken recipe is especially great for meal prep to use in healthy recipes all week.
I made this boneless chicken breast recipe with no breading so that it is gluten free and low carb, so it’s great for a keto diet.
The cooking time for the chicken may vary because of the size of the chicken breasts you have and the type of air fryer you are using. I can cook up to 4 small breasts or 3 breasts that are a little more than 7 ounces in the Cosori Air Fryer 5.8 quart because it has a square shaped basket.
Can you put Raw Chicken in the Air Fryer?
Yes, of course you can put put raw chicken in the air fryer. It goes in pink, uncooked chicken breast and comes out delicious and perfectly cooked.
This is the best air fried chicken recipe and I refuse to cook chicken any other way!
When is Chicken Breast Done?
The best way to test the doneness of the chicken breast is to insert a meat thermometer into the middle of the thickest part. The chicken is done cooking when it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices should run clear, not pale pink.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Here are some of our favorite side dishes to eat with this easy air fryer chicken.
- Squash and Zucchini in Air Fryer
- Lemon Butter Rice
- Salt and Vinegar Smashed Potatoes
- Roasted Parmesan Asparagus
- Homemade French Bread
Is Air Fried Chicken Healthy?
Yes, air fried chicken breast is healthy, definitely a healthier option to deep fried chicken. This recipe uses a little olive oil and seasonings and nothing else. Chicken breast is full of protein, but conveniently low in calories. Since this chicken is made in the air fryer it’s not actually fried and it’s also not made with any breading.
How to Serve Air Fried Chicken Breast?
One of my favorite things to do is cook a few of these chicken breasts on Sunday to use for the whole week. This chicken breast tastes great on its own, but also wonderful in other recipes. Here are some chicken breast air fryer ideas:
- Chicken Salad: I like to cut it into chicken strips and add it to the top of a salad.
- Pasta: Add into pasta or pasta salad for some added protein.
- Chicken Sandwich: Add the chicken breast to a bun and add veggies and condiments.
- Wrap: Put this chicken into a wrap for a healthy and delicious lunch.
- Shred it: Shred the chicken breasts with 2 forks and add it to burritos, tacos, or your favorite recipe.
How to Reheat Chicken in Air Fryer?
Reheating chicken in air fryer is easy. Let chicken come up to room temp. Place chicken into a preheated air fryer and cook at 350°F for about 2 minutes. Flip chicken over and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Check to see if chicken has been heated through. Cook for a couple more minutes if it is still a little cool.
All air fryers cook differently, so the chicken may need to cook for more or less time.
Chicken Breast in Air Fryer Ingredients
- Chicken: I used chicken breast that was boneless and skinless.
- Oil: Using extra-virgin olive oil is my favorite, but you can substitute in other oil.
- Spices: I used a simple mixture of pantry staples like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and pepper.
How to Cook Air Fryer Chicken
- Prep air fryer. Pre-heat the air fryer to 370°F.
- Prep chicken breasts. Place the chicken breast in a plastic zip bag or on a clean work surface, covering chicken with plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even your fists, pound chicken so that the thickness is more even across the whole chicken. This will ensure the chicken cooks more evenly.
- Mix dry rub. In a small bowl, combine together all of the seasonings.
- Add olive oil. Brush olive oil onto both sides of chicken with a pastry brush.
- Add dry rub. Sprinkle each side of the chicken with seasoning and place it into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Careful it will be hot.
- Cook chicken. Cook for 15-18 minutes flipping halfway through the time until the meat thermometer reaches 165° F in the fattest part of the chicken. Cook to the lowest time first then check the temperature at the thickest point. Pull the chicken out as soon as the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165° or it may end up dry. If you are cooking a smaller chicken breast with larger ones, those will be done first, so make sure you pull them out.
How Long do you Cook Chicken Breast in an Air Fryer
For this recipe, I used three chicken breasts that were about 7.5 ounces. I found that it was best to cook them for 9 minutes then flip the breasts over and cook for 9 more minutes. But, you may need to cook the chicken for longer than 18 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Pound the chicken. Make sure to pound the chicken, it will help it cook more evenly and makes it juicier.
- Use a thermometer. Use a meat thermometer to know when the chicken is cooked through.
- Switch up seasoning. I used my favorite blend of seasonings on this chicken breast. You are welcome to whatever seasoning you love.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Chicken breast cooks best when it is in a single layer in the air fryer. They can overlap a little just don’t stack breasts on top of each other.
- Make it spicy. Add a little chipotle powder to the dry rub to add a little spice.
- Cooking time may vary. Chicken may need a little more or a little less cooking time based upon the type of air fryer you have and the size of your chicken breasts. In this recipe I cooked 3 breasts that were a little over 7 ounces each and I use a Cosori Air Fryer 5.8 quart. It’s the best air fryer for chicken.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
Did you forget to thaw your chicken breast? No problem! The air fryer will cook frozen chicken breasts, but they may not come out as juicy as cooking thawed chicken.
Just preheat the air fryer to 360°F. To both sides of the chicken breast, brush on the oil and sprinkle on seasoning. Place in pre heated air fryer and cook for 23-25 minutes flipping half way through. Thicker chicken breasts may longer to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long to air fry chicken breasts? You will want to air fry chicken breasts between 15-18 minutes. If your air fryer cooks a little cooler or the breasts are larger than 7 ounces, it may need a couple additional minutes of cooking time.
- How many calories in air fryer chicken breast? Air fried chicken breast calories are around 122 calories for 3 ounces of chicken. This recipe also has a little olive oil on it so make sure you calculate that in to your calorie count.
- How to cook juicy chicken breast? I get the most juicy chicken when I cook it in the air fryer. It is the best way to avoid dried out, chewy chicken.
- What is the serving size for chicken breast? The serving size for chicken breast is about 3-4 ounces. This recipe is for 3 chicken breasts that are around 7.5 ounces each, so that is about 6 servings.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Storage Instructions
- How to Refrigerate Chicken Breast: Let the chicken breasts cool and put them in a glass container or BPA-free airtight plastic container or zipper bag. The chicken should last about 4-5 days in the fridge.
- How to Freeze Chicken Breast: Let the chicken cool off completely before putting onto a baking sheet and freezing for 2-3 hours. Move chicken to an airtight glass, BPA-free freezer-safe bag or freezer-safe plastic container. Make sure to label with the recipe name and date. The should last about 3 months in the freezer.
- How to Thaw Chicken Breast: Thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating Chicken Breast in Air Fryer: To reheat chicken breast in air fryer let chicken come up to room temperature. Preheat the air fryer to 350° F. Place chicken breast in the air fryer and cook for about 5 minutes flipping the chicken over halfway through cooking. Cook for a couple more minutes if it’s not heated all the way through.
Try these other air fryer recipes!
- Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
- Air Fryer Squash and Zucchini
- Potato Skins in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Frozen Shrimp in Air Fryer
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Air Fryer Chicken Breast No Breading
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat the air fryer to 370°F.
- Place the chicken breast in a plastic zip bag or on a clean work surface, covering chicken with plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even your fists, pound chicken so that the thickness is more even across the whole chicken. This will ensure the chicken cooks more evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine together all of the seasonings.
- Brush olive oil onto both sides of chicken with a pastry brush.
- Sprinkle each side of the chicken with seasoning and place it into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Careful it will be hot.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through the time until the meat thermometer reaches 165° F in the fattest part of the chicken.
Notes
- You will want to air fry chicken breasts between 15-18 minutes. If your air fryer cooks a little cooler or the breasts are larger than 7 ounces, it may need a couple additional minutes of cooking time.
- Chicken breast cooks best when it is in a single layer in the air fryer. They can overlap a little just don’t stack breasts on top of each other.
- Add a little chipotle powder or cayenne pepper to the dry rub to add a little spice.
- Chicken may need a little more or a little less cooking time based upon the type of air fryer you have and the size of your chicken breasts. In this recipe I cooked 3 breasts that were a little over 7 ounces each and I use a Cosori Air Fryer 5.8 quart.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out!
If you’ve tried this or any other of my recipes, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and leave me a comment. I love hearing from you! Share a picture on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookedharvest.
Jacqueline Debono
I recently got my first air fryer and am looking for recipes to try it out with. This airfryer chicken breast looks good and easy. I like the idea of using it in a wrap or salad!
Tristin
Congrats on the air fryer Jacqueline! You are going to love it. It’s so easy to use this chicken in many recipes, that’s one thing I love about it.
Leslie
This is the best way to each chicken! I love everything about this recipe..it’s easy, delicious, and quick to make!
Tristin
Yes, I completely agree with you Leslie. This chicken breast comes out so juicy and it’s so easy! Thanks!!
Kathryn
This chicken breast was so perfect and love how juicy it came in the air fryer! I’ve made this 3 times already this week. Thank you for this amazing recipe.
Tristin
I love that, Kathryn! I am so happy that this recipe has worked out so well for you.
Cathleen
I love how versatile the air fryer is!!! It is definitely one of my favourite purchases. I am so excited to try this recipe out! 🙂
Tristin
The air fryer is so fun to cook with, I love mine also Cathleen. Can’t wait for you to try this recipe.
Nart
Great recipe! The chicken is not dry at all and the recipe also calls for just a few simple ingredients. Definitely worth repeating!
Tristin
I was really pleased that the chicken did not dry out with this recipe. Glad you enjoyed it Nart. Thank you for commenting!
Matt
These came out super moist and full of flavor! Definitely great without the breading.
Tristin
Glad you liked it without the breading, kept it much healthier and gluten free! Thanks Matt.
Chandice Probst
What a genius idea to cook chicken in the air fryer! Has that delicious fried chicken taste without all the fat. Seriously I love how easy this is!
Tristin
Thanks so much Chandice, glad you loved this easy chicken recipe!!
Cathleen
Wow, what CAN’T you do with the air fryer?? I am definitely giving this a go during the week, thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
Tristin
I know isn’t it great! I hope this chicken recipe works out well for you Cathleen.
Erin
This was so easy and tasty! Thanks for the great recipe! I love that it wasn’t breaded.
Tristin
It’s a great gluten free recipe. Thanks Erin.
Alex
This was fantastic! I needed a quick dinner and this was perfect. Will definitely make it again!
Tristin
I love quick dinner recipes Alex! Glad you loved this.
J. Hall
So, SO yummy! I just got my first Air Fryer and this recipe has sold me on the whole gadget. I altered the spices a bit from what was written but otherwise did everything as written. I have a “toaster oven-type” Air Fryer and I have heard that they run a bit hotter so I checked my chicken after 12 minutes. It was PERFECT. I cannot believe how juicy this chicken was. I actually had to turn it over into the sink at one point because my cutting board was overflowing. When was the last time you heard that about chicken, never mind chicken breast! It shredded easily and was absolutely delicious. Thank you so much for posting this. I will definitely be making it again and again!
Tristin
J. Hall, I absolutely love your comment because it is sooo true! You can get the juiciest chicken with the air fryer, juicier than I’ve ever been able to get in the oven. And chicken breast done that quickly is completely unheard of, makes you question whether you cooked it long enough, lol. I love my air fryer, but like fell in love with it after making chicken breast in it. I will add a note in my recipe about the oven style cooking a little hotter. Thank you so much for commenting, you absolutely made my day!!