Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breasts

5 from 1 vote
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Learn how to make the perfect, juicy air fryer thin chicken breasts in minutes. Cooking thin chicken breasts in the air fryer at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes is great for a fast dinner and perfect for meal prep.

Sliced chicken on a plate with lettuce.


 

Chicken breast is a versatile protein that can be served as a main dish, on a salad, on a sandwich, and more. While you can cook chicken in the oven, cooking in the air fryer is fast and easy.

In this post, we are sharing tips and tricks for making the perfect thin chicken breasts in the air fryer.

Why you will love these thinly sliced chicken breasts

  • Fast – These perfectly cooked thin chicken breasts can be made in about 10 minutes in the air fryer. Great for a busy weeknight meal.
  • Flavorful – This seasoning blend adds tons of flavor. It’s also easy to substitute with your favorite seasonings.
  • Even cooking – The air fryer is a great way to get evenly cooked, juicy chicken. The hot air in the air fryer circulates the food which helps for nice, even cooking.

Ingredients needed

Start with your air fryer. I am using a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer to make this chicken.

Chicken – You can typically find thin sliced chicken breasts in the grocery store. They might also be called chicken cutlets. If you can’t find them prepackaged, place a chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to a thin, even thickness.

Olive oil – Used to coat the chicken to help cook and hold the seasoning.

Seasonings – Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and salt make a great all-purpose chicken seasoning rub. You could substitute with different seasoning blends like an Italian seasoning, Mexican seasoning, Jerk seasoning, or Cajun seasoning blend.

Think chicken breasts on a plate, bowl of seasonings, and olive oil.

How to make air fryer thin chicken breasts

Step one: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Brush olive oil on the chicken breasts.

Step two: Combine the seasonings. Sprinkle on the chicken and then rub the seasonings all over the chicken breasts.

Air fryer basket with seasoning chicken breasts.

Step three: Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.

Cooked chicken breasts in air fryer basket.

Recipe tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The size of your basket and chicken will determine how many chicken breasts you can fit. My 5.8 quart will fit 2-3 chicken breasts. You might need to cook in two batches.
  • Cook time may vary depending on the air fryer and the thickness of the chicken breast.
  • The key to juicy chicken breasts is not to overcook. Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook fast. You can start checking the internal temperature at about 7 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165 degrees F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
  • If you are making this chicken for meal prep or have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to serve

Chicken pairs well with so many different things. It can also be used on a salad or to make a chicken sandwich. Some of our favorite side dishes include:

How long does it take to air fry thin sliced chicken breast?

Depending on the thickness of the chicken, it will take 8-12 minutes to cook.

Can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken or try different seasonings to flavor the chicken.

More air fryer chicken recipes

Sliced chicken on a plate with lettuce.
5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breasts

By Heather
Discover the secret to perfect juicy, seasoned, air fryer thin chicken breasts. A quick meal perfect for a busy weeknight and meal prep.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions 

  • Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel. Brush olive oil over the chicken breasts.
  • Stir the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and salt together.
  • Sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken. Rub the seasonings over the chicken to cover the chicken breasts.
  • Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might have to cook in 2 batches.
  • Cook at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. (If the chicken if very thin, check the temperature at 7-8 minutes. If it's on the thicker side, check at 10-12 minutes.)

Video

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The size of your basket and chicken will determine how many chicken breasts you can fit. My 5.8 quart will fit 2-3 chicken breasts. You might need to cook in two batches.
  • Cook time may vary depending on the air fryer and the thickness of the chicken breast.
  • The key to juicy chicken breasts is not to overcook. Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook fast. You can start checking the internal temperature at about 7 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165 degrees F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
  • If you are making this chicken for meal prep or have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 278mg | Potassium: 441mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 282IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
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