Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breast Recipe

If you are looking for a fail-proof way to cook thin chicken breasts so that they turn out moist and tender every time, then you are going to love this air fryer recipe. Perfectly seasoned chicken that you can use as a main dish, in salads, wraps or serve with a dipping sauce for a high protein snack.

It is a quick, easy way to get chicken breast made and on the table with very little effort. In fact, it will be ready to eat in under 15 minutes!

This is one of those recipes that I Iove to keep on hand for a busy weeknight when I don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. But it is also one of those recipes that I like to use when I am preparing make ahead meals for the week.

Although this specific recipe is designed for two, I double or even triple the recipe and make several pieces of chicken to use throughout the week. I will slice the cooked chicken and use it in my lunch time salads or use the meat to make a Mediterranean Grain Bowl.

No matter how you serve it, I am sure that you will be making this recipe over and over again. It is that easy and delicious!

Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breast Seasoning

Although you could put plain chicken breast in the air fryer, it is best to add some seasoning to the surface before cooking them. The simple combination of a few common pantry ingredients makes a world of difference in both the taste and texture.

Brown Sugar – A common ingredient found in just about every barbecue rub. The sugar begins to caramelize as it cooks which provides a great contrast to the other spice rub ingredients.

Smoked Paprika – I am a huge fan of paprika, but especially smoked paprika. The subtle smoky flavor that it provides makes you think that you are eating from a barbecue grill. And since we are making thin chicken breasts inside in the air fryer this is important if you want that outdoor taste.

Garlic Powder – A staple ingredient in any dry rub mixture.

Onion Powder – Just like when making any seasoning rub onion powder is a key component.

Salt & Pepper – Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper are added to the mix but can also be used when serving.

Cornstarch – The surprise ingredient in this recipe is cornstarch. The cornstarch is used to get that extra layer of crunch on the outer surface of the chicken.

*If you prefer to use a store-bought chicken seasoning I would recommend McCormick’s Rotisserie Seasoning. Use 2 teaspoons of the seasoning mix and then stir in the recommend amount of the brown sugar and cornstarch before coating the chicken.

Make Ahead Instructions

If you want to get a jump start on the chicken you can coat the chicken breasts and let them sit with the seasoning for up to 24 hours. However, for best results, do not add the cornstarch to the seasoning mix, as it may get pasty as it sits.

Instead, sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned chicken right before they go into the air fryer.

Freezer Instructions: Prepare the thin chicken breast seasoning (minus the cornstarch) and place in a resealable freezer bag. Place the chicken in the bag and coat with avocado oil. Massage the seasoning all over the chicken until evenly coated.

Remove the air from the bag and seal. Label the bag and date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Before adding the chicken to the air fryer, sprinkle each chicken breast with cornstarch.

The Keys To Making Chicken Breast In Air Fryer

1. Thinly Slice The Chicken

Because we are using high heat and a quick cooking process, it is important that you are cooking thin chicken breasts.

I take a large chicken breast and slice it in half to get two thinner breasts. Then pound any thicker areas so that they are even thickness across if needed.

If you want to cook a larger, thicker chicken breast use this Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe instead.

2. Preheat The Air Fryer

Although not all brands of air fryers require or have a preheat setting, it is important that the air fryer basket gets nice and hot before putting the thin chicken breasts inside.

Simply preheat at the recommended temperature for 4-5 minutes. Then when you put the chicken in the basket you should hear it sizzle.

This will help develop that golden outer crust, but it also helps the chicken to cook evenly.

3. Use An Instant Read Digital Food Thermometer

The only way to ensure that the chicken is properly cooked is to use an instant read digital food thermometer. Place the probe in the center of the thickest section and once it reads 160°F remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest.

If you let the chicken cook longer, you risk the meat being dry and tough.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast For Two

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 teaspoon avocado oil (or any high-heat oil)
• 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 3⁄4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cornstarch

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut the chicken breast into two thinner pieces by placing the chicken on a cutting board and then take a sharp knife and cut through the center of it with the knife parallel to the cutting board. Pat the two thin chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a shallow container and set aside.

2. In a small bowl add the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and cornstarch and mix until well incorporated.

3. Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and then drizzle the oil on top. Toss the chicken in the oil and spices until evenly coated. Set aside.

4. Preheat the air fryer at 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, let the air fryer heat at 400°F for 4 minutes.

5. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being sure to leave a little space between them. Air fry for 10-13 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest section reaches 160°F when tested with an instant read digital thermometer.

6. Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-4 minutes before serving. The rest time will allow the chicken to reach the recommended temperature of 165°F.

Notes

• The actual cook time required will depend on the thickness of the chicken breast. But also based on the size and brand of your air fryer.

• It is best to use an instant read digital thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked properly and does not get overcooked.

Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce, as a stand alone main dish or slice and serve on a mixed green salad.

Enjoy! Mary

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