I am going to teach you how to make 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.

 

I make chicken breasts at least twice a week for dinner. It’s a meal that my kids love and they are so fast and easy to cook in my air fryer.

Lately, I have been loving cooking thin chicken breasts in the air fryer because they cook so quick.

Usually, I will make a double batch and save some for meal prep, like adding sliced chicken to salads, pasta, and chicken wraps.

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

If you are interested in more air fryer chicken be sure to check out air fryer BBQ chicken and air fryer chicken fries.

Why this method works

• 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

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.

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.

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.

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:

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Mashed potatoes
• Baked onion casserole
• Mac and cheese
• Stuffing
• Potato salad

More air fryer chicken recipes

• Air fryer chicken thighs
• Air fryer chicken legs
• Air fryer popcorn chicken
• Air fryer chicken tenders