How to keep chicken breast moist in air fryer (2023)

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This foolproof recipe for making perfect boneless air fryer chicken breast that’s perfectly juicy every time!

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

The secret to making the juiciest, most flavorful chickenbreast, with no breading in the air fryer is brining. This is great for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or Whole30 diet. If you are new to air frying, you can see more air fryer recipes here. For more air fryer chicken breast recipes try these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets,Cilantro Lime Chicken Breast or Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. And even more from my latest cookbook, Skinnytaste Air Fryer Dinners!

Most of you know I prefer chicken thighs over breast meat because they are juicier since they have more fat. Using this method of brining the chicken first, then seasoning the chicken with lots of herbs and spices resultsin the most flavorful end result. I love adding this to salads, for meal prep, or simply served with a side dish.

How does brining add moisture to meat?

When you salt a chicken breast, the meat absorbs extra liquid and salt during the brining period. Some of this liquid gets lost during cooking, but by soaking in salted water,it results in a juicier and more flavorful final dish. This is particularly great for lean cuts of meat, such as chicken breast and turkey breast that tend to dry out during cooking. Basic brine ratio: The basic ratio of salt to water for a brine is 4 tablespoons of salt per 6 cups of water.

How To Make The Juiciest Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

• My Number #1 Tip for the juiciest air fryer chicken breast is brining.
• To brine a boneless, skinlesschicken breast, start by pounding the thicker end of the chicken to make both sides leveled out so they cook evenly.
• Fill a large bowl with about 6 cups of lukewarm water and add 1/4 cup kosher salt, stirring to dissolve. Although this may sound like a lot of salt, only a small amount is absorbed.
• Add the chicken breasts to the water and let them sit 1 to 2 hours.
• Remove from water, pat dry with paper towels anddiscard the water.
• Spritz or rub the chicken breast with olive oil. Make a dry rub with your favorite herbs and spices, then coat.

How Long To Cook Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer

The amount of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer will vary based on the thickness and size of your chicken breasts. The internal temp for cooked chicken breast should be 165 degrees F.

• Small Breasts (5 to 6 ounces): 8 to 10 minutes
• MediumBreasts (7 to 8 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes
• Large Breasts (9 ounces or more): 12 to 14 minutes
• Always flip the chicken breast halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.

A few other variables to know how long you should cook chicken breast in the air fryer.

1. How much much chicken you have in the basket. One piece vs a full basket can vary in time from 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Air fryer cook times can vary by airfryer. Some of these factors include the wattage and type of air fryer (basket style vs toaster style air fryer). Get to know your air fryer and make adjustments as needed.

More Air Fryer Recipes:

• Hard Boiled Eggs in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp
• Air Fryer Parmesan Salmon
• Avocado Egg Rolls
• Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

How To Make Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

208 Cals 39 Protein 1 Carbs 4.5 Fats

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Soak Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins

This foolproof recipe for making perfectly juicy boneless chicken breast in the air fryer will give you golden, flavorful chicken.

• kosher salt*, see notes
• 4 boneless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
• olive oil spray
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon driedparsley
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/8 cayenne pepper

• Pound the thicker end of the chicken to make both sides leveled out so they cook evenly.

• Fill a large bowl with 6 cups of lukewarm water and add 1/4 cup Diamond Crystal kosher salt, stir todissolve.

  

• Add the chicken breasts to the water and let them sit, refrigerated 1 to 1 1/2 hours to brine. Remove from water, pat dry with paper towels and discard the water.

• In a small bowl combine 3/4 teaspoon salt, with the remaining spices. Spritz the chicken with oil and rub all over, then rub the spice mix over the chicken.

  

• Add the chicken to the air fryer basket and air fryin batches 380F 5 minutes on each side, 10 minutes total until browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. See notes below for larger breasts.

Oven Method:

• Preheat the oven to 350F. Heat an oven safe or cast iron skillet over high heat for 5 minutes until it is very hot.

• Place the chicken on the hot skillet, and cook for 1 minute. Turn,and cook 1 minute on other side.

  See Also

  how to bake moist chicken breast in the oven? - Test Food Kitchen

• Transfer skillet to the oven and bake until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear and a thermometer reads 165F inserted in the center, about 8 to 10minutes.

How Long To Cook Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer

The amount of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer will vary based on the thickness and size of your chickenbreasts. The internal temp for cooked chicken breast should be 165 degrees F.

• Small Breasts (5 to 6 ounces): 8 to 10 minutes
• Medium Breasts (7 to 8 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes
• Large Breasts (9 ounces or more): 12 to 14 minutes
• Always flip the chicken breast halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.

*Be sure your salt is Kosher in this brine. I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt which has half the sodium are Mortons. Table salt willbe too salty.

Get more air fryer recipes from my latest cookbook, Skinnytaste Air Fryer Dinners!

Serving: 1breast, Calories: 208kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein:39g, Fat: 4.5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 124.5mg, Sodium: 77mg, Fiber: 0.5g, Sugar:0.5g

WW Points Plus: 5

Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken breast keto, air fryer chicken breast no breading, air fryer chicken breast recipes, chicken breast in the air fryer

Photo Credit: Plays Well With Butter

posted June 9, 2019 byGina

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How do you make juicy chicken with an air fryer?

How do you keep chicken breast from drying out?

Make sure your chicken breast is well-seasoned before adding it to the pan. Cook each side evenly until brown. Once done, bake the chicken breast in a pre-heated oven until juices run clear. The crispy skin from the sear will help keep juices intact while baking cooks the insides through without drying them out.

How do I cook chicken breast so it's moist?

Should I put oil on chicken before air frying?

While you would typically add oil to a pan before adding your food, the case is not the same when using an air fryer. In a bowl, toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil along with your seasoning before putting it in the air fryer. This method works best for cooking fresh meats and vegetables.