Have you ever wondered how to cook chicken breast in an air fryer? Cooking chicken breast in an air fryer is quick and easy. It’s a healthy way to make juicy chicken without much oil.
To cook chicken breast in an air fryer, preheat to 360°F, then cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Ensure it reaches 165°F inside. Season beforehand, and let it rest before serving. This method ensures juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy exterior, perfect for quick meals.
In this article, we’ll explore how long it takes to cook chicken breast in an air fryer, along with some tips for perfect results. Whether you’re new to air frying or looking to try something new, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.

How Long Should I Cook Chicken Breast in an Air Fryer?
Cooking chicken breast in an air fryer is easy! Here’s what you do: First, preheat your air fryer to about 360°F (around 180°C). This gets it ready to cook your chicken breast perfectly.
Next, prepare your chicken breast. Make sure it’s not too thick. If it is, you might want to flatten it a bit with a meat mallet or a rolling pin. This helps it cook evenly.
Now, season your chicken breast. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices you like. Rub them onto both sides of the chicken so it’s tasty all over.
Then, lightly spray or brush some oil onto the air fryer basket or onto your chicken breast. This helps make the outside crispy and delicious.
Place your chicken breast into the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping or touching too much. You want them to have enough space to cook evenly.
Now, it’s time to cook! Set your air fryer to cook at 360°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes. Halfway through cooking, pause the air fryer and flip the chicken breast over. This ensures both sides get crispy and cooked just right.
After the time is up, check if your chicken breast is done. It should have an internal temperature of 165°F (about 75°C) to be safe to eat. If it needs more time, you can cook it for another few minutes.
Once it’s done, take your chicken breast out of the air fryer. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing or serving. This helps keep the juices inside so your chicken breast is moist and tasty.
That’s it! Now you have perfectly cooked chicken breast from your air fryer.
Do I Need to Flip Chicken Breast When Cooking in an Air Fryer?
No, you don’t need to flip chicken breast when cooking in an air fryer, but it can depend on your preference and the type of air fryer you have. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food to cook it evenly. Most air fryer models are designed to cook food from all angles, so flipping isn’t necessary.
However, some people like to flip their chicken halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get crispy and evenly cooked. If you decide to flip, do it carefully using tongs to avoid damaging the chicken or disrupting the cooking process.
To cook chicken breast in an air fryer:
- Preparation: Season the chicken breast with spices or marinade as desired.
- Preheating: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature.
- Cooking: Place the chicken breast in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Close the drawer and set the timer.
- Checking: Halfway through cooking, you can check if flipping is needed for your preferred crispiness.
- Safety: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
By following these steps, you can enjoy juicy and crispy chicken breast cooked evenly in your air fryer without needing to flip it, though flipping is optional for personal taste.
How Do I Know When Chicken Breast Is Done in an Air Fryer?
When you cook chicken breast in an air fryer, it’s important to make sure it’s cooked through properly. Here’s how you can tell when it’s done:
First, check the color: The chicken breast should turn golden brown on the outside when it’s done. This means the heat has cooked it well on the surface.
Next, use a thermometer: Stick a food thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. When it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (or 75 degrees Celsius), it’s safe to eat. This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria in the chicken are killed off.
Another way is to cut it open: If you’re unsure, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken breast. The meat should be white all the way through, with no pink. If there’s any pinkness or it looks raw, it needs more cooking time.
Lastly, consider the timing: Most chicken breasts take about 20-25 minutes in an air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit (or 180 degrees Celsius). If it’s a thicker piece, it might take a bit longer. Always follow the recommended cooking times for your specific air fryer model.
Remember, undercooked chicken can make you sick, so it’s better to be sure it’s fully cooked. Once you get the hang of it, cooking chicken breast in an air fryer can be quick and tasty!
Can I Marinate Chicken Breast Before Cooking It in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can marinate chicken breast before cooking it in an air fryer. Marinating means soaking the chicken in a tasty sauce or mixture to make it more flavorful. It’s like giving the chicken a delicious bath before cooking!
Marinating chicken breast is a good idea because it adds flavors like herbs, spices, or sauces into the chicken. This makes the chicken tastier and more enjoyable to eat. You can use marinades with ingredients like olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, or even yogurt.
When you marinate chicken breast, it’s best to let it sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to a few hours in the refrigerator. This gives enough time for the flavors to soak into the meat. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be!
After marinating, you can cook the chicken breast in an air fryer. An air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air around it, which makes the chicken crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Just place the marinated chicken breast in the air fryer basket and cook it according to the air fryer’s instructions.
Remember to preheat the air fryer and flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even crispiness. When it’s done, you’ll have delicious, flavorful chicken breast that’s perfect for a meal!