Cooking chicken breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious meal that is healthy and low in fat. Air fryers are great for cooking chicken, as they provide a crispy texture on the outside and keep the chicken moist and juicy on the inside. But how long should you airfry chicken breast for the perfect result?
The key to airfrying chicken breast is to choose the right size. The size of the chicken breast should determine the cooking time. If the chicken breast is small, it will take less time to cook; if it’s larger, it will take longer to cook. A good rule of thumb is to cook the chicken breast for 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness. A 4-ounce chicken breast should take about 8 minutes to cook, and a 6-ounce chicken breast should take about 10 minutes.
To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you do not have a thermometer, you can use a knife to check that the chicken is no longer pink in the middle.
Before airfrying the chicken, it is important to prepare it properly. Start by patting the chicken breast dry with paper towels, as this will help the chicken cook evenly and crisp up. Next, season the chicken with your favorite spices. For a simple flavor, you can use just salt and pepper. For a heartier taste, you can use garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite herbs and spices.
Once the chicken breast is seasoned, brush it lightly with oil. This will help the seasonings stick to the chicken and give it a nice golden color. You can use any type of oil, but some healthier options include olive oil and avocado oil.
When ready to cook, place the chicken in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure the chicken is not overlapping, as this will cause it to cook unevenly. Set the temperature to 350°F and cook for 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness. Halfway through cooking, flip the chicken over to ensure even cooking.
When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the air fryer. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to settle and keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious meal that is healthy and low in fat. To get the perfect result, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Also, make sure to season the chicken with your favorite spices and brush it lightly with oil before airfrying. The size of the chicken breast will determine the cooking time, but a good rule of thumb is to cook it for 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness.
