topic Can you make juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer? in Kitchen

Can you make juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer?

house_cat — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:37:39 GMT

I've been trying to eat more simply and healthfully, but after numerous dried up oven baked chicken breasts, I finally broke down and ordered an air fryer. I actually have an air fry feature on my oven, but I'm not impressed with it.

Can those of you who are experienced air fryers please let me know your favorite way to cook chicken breasts?

Thank you!

This is the model I purchased, based on recommendations from America's Test Kitchen.

Re: Can you make juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer?

Nonametoday — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:31:54 GMT

Use meat tenderizer (if you don't have one, order one from Amz) and beat them very thin. Put olive oil and seasoning of your choice on them. Cook at 375 for 10 minutes, then turn over and cook for 3 minutes. Make sure they are cooked well with thermometer. I don't let mine get to 165 but to 155 and let them rest for 5 minutes and they will continue cooking. Then serve immediately. The longer they sit after heating, the tougher they get.

I no longer buy breasts, but tenderloins. I don't like tough, fibrous breasts. My husband does so I buy him some and I get tenderloins for myself.

Re: Can you make juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer?

grandma2pkmh — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 17:15:37 GMT

@house_cat I like to keep it simple with the air fryer. I use a chicken breast that has been pounded even(not flattened just even). Then spread with a light layer of mayo and topped with lemon pepper spice. Cook for 15 min at 400 then turn over and cook for another 5 minutes. Of course changes can be made for size and number of breasts being cooked.

Re: Can you make juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer?

Nightowlz — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:17:52 GMT

We make oven fried chicken in the oven using the air fryer cycle. Used to make it in a pan in the air fryer. Made it like this in our old oven without an air fryer on a cookie sheet lined with foil. This is how one of my aunts made it.

Pound the chicken breast so they are more of equal thickness. Dip lightly in flour, dip in egg, dip in panko or seasoned flour. We used to use the seasoned flour but now use panko.

Now melt some butter in a pan that will fit in your air fryer, add the chicken breast, air fry until done. You will need to turn it over to pour enough melted butter on other side so it will crisp up. DH uses more butter. I try to use only what I need so it's crisp but not dry.

I can't remember how long it took when we made it in the regular airfyer. I know you need to cook at 400° to get it to crisp & brown. If already browned like you like it but not done internally I would turn the temp down so you can finish cooking it.

It takes 8 mins per side in my air fryer in my oven at 400°.

My aunt always melted butter on a cookie sheet to make hers in the oven.

Re: Can you make juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer?

wagirl — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 19:49:28 GMT

@house_cat --I have the same air fryer. It does a great job. I cooked a good sized turkey breast in it---boy was it really good. I followed the instructions---from somewhere--prob online--but use a meat probe to check the internal temp---and start out with less time as sometimes the times are too much--that's why you need a thermometer. and remember also, that the meat will continue to cook so that is why I set maybe 5 minutes less time wise--then let it sit before you serve--and you NEED to cook meatballs in it!! Wow are they good--360* for 6 minutes!!

Re: Can you make juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer?

Nightowlz — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 22:25:05 GMT

@wagirl wrote:
@house_cat --I have the same air fryer. It does a great job. I cooked a good sized turkey breast in it---boy was it really good. I followed the instructions---from somewhere--prob online--but use a meat probe to check the internal temp---and start out with less time as sometimes the times are too much--that's why you need a thermometer. and remember also, that the meat will continue to cook so that is why I set maybe 5 minutes less time wise--then let it sit before you serve--and you NEED to cook meatballs in it!! Wow are they good--360* for 6 minutes!!

@wagirl

I have made bone in turkey breast & a small 3 lb boneless turkey breast in the air fryer. Both turned out really good.

I went by the cook time temp from the Air Fried Turkey Breast with Herb Butter recipe I found on Blue Jean Chef website if @house_cat wants to look at it.

Re: Can you make juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer?

house_cat — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 23:39:52 GMT

Thanks for the feedback. My son just filled our downstairs freezer with chickens from his farm and I'm looking forward to air frying a whole chicken. But meatballs! Now you're speaking my language!

Re: Can you make juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer?

Nightowlz — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 03:41:46 GMT

@house_cat wrote:
@Nightowlz
@wagirl
@grandma2pkmh
@Nonametoday

Thanks for the feedback. My son just filled our downstairs freezer with chickens from his farm and I'm looking forward to air frying a whole chicken. But meatballs! Now you're speaking my language!

@house_cat

Here is a lemon pepper chicken breast air fryer recipe I saved but have not tried yet. I keep forgetting about it.

If you don't like lemon pepper you could follow the recipe & use the seasoning you like. Hope you find some recipes you like that work in your air fryer.

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken

1.5 pound chicken breasts 3 chicken breasts
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Place the chicken in a large bowl.
Toss the chicken with the olive oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder until well coated
Place the chicken into the air fryer
Turn the air fryer on to 390°F and cook for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Re: Can you make juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer?

Lilysmom1 — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 08:41:06 GMT

I agree with @wagirl . Thermometer is a must. Also I use less time than specified after learning some times are too long. You can always cook more if needed.

Re: Can you make juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer?

JDW174 — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 14:59:54 GMT

If you want really juicy chicken in an air fryer, try using skin on/bone in breasts. I have an air fryer oven that I use for doing breasts and I've never had juicier chicken. I sprinkle the breast with HG Seasonings Zesty Carolina Seasoning. You can find that online. It's not cheap, but a little goes a long way. I use it on chicken wings as well. If you don't like the skin....toss it...but buying breasts with skin on will be cheaper than boneless/skinless.