Air Fryer Chicken Breast Without Breading

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 4 8 ounce chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon Spanish paprika; 1/2 teaspoon Lawry's seasoned salt (or similar); Spray cooking oil

Jevin Morris

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Air fryer Chicken Breasts Without Breading is a tasteful, tender, and juicy dish that is super easy to make. Coated with spices, this dish is made by using minimum oil and is therefore healthy and quick.

This recipe is a fantastic time-saver that I incorporate into my weekly routine without fail. Its versatility, thanks to the absence of breading, allows me to integrate it into various dishes. Additionally, the leftovers are great for tossing atop a fresh salad at lunch.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish is you can make it in advance and store it for later use. Try adding it to this crack chicken broccoli casserole or cobb salad with penne pasta. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze this chicken for up to 2 months. Thus it is a very convenient dish you can make whenever you want!
Air fryer chicken breasts without breading is a great choice for those looking to cut down on unnecessary calories and carbohydrates. You can savor the natural flavors of the chicken without the added layers of breading, making it a lean and wholesome protein source.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: The main ingredient used for this dish is chicken breast. We are using boneless and skinless chicken breast for this recipe.
Paprika: Paprika is a perfect ingredient that adds smokiness and heat to a dish. You can add red chili powder or cayenne powder as well.
Lawry’s seasoned salt: Lawry’s seasoned salt is a premade seasoned salt that is a mixture of several spices and herbs. It adds tones of flavor to the dish. By adding seasoned salt, you don’t have to add individual spices like garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, etc. you can use any brand’s season salt or homemade season salt as well.
Dried oregano: Dried oregano is known for its intense warm and earthy flavor. You can add fresh oregano instead of dried one as well.
Spray cooking oil: Because we are cooking the chicken breasts in an air fryer, you will need cooking oil spray. However, you can also use a dash of olive oil as well. Rub it gently on the chicken breasts, and that’s it.

Equipment Information

Air fryer: I use the 5.5-quart Ninja MaxXL basket-style air fryer. Angie uses this 5-quart Cosori Pro LE air fryer. We also both occasionally use the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill that has an air fryer setting.
Kitchen tongs: It’s very easy to remove food from your air fryer with kitchen tongs. I use these kitchen tongs that are silicon coated so they don’t scratch the interior.
Meat thermometer: The only way to tell if meat is fully cooked to the right temperature is to use a meat thermometer. I use this Instant Read thermometer. It’s so quick to open the basket and check the temp.

Helpful Tips

If the chicken breasts are large in size or are thicker, they will take more time to cook. You can cut the breasts in half or pound them to reduce the thickness.
Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F(75°C) so that it is safe to eat.
If cooking from frozen, it will take just a few minutes longer than from fresh. Add 3 minutes per side for frozen and be sure to check the temperature before eating.
The chicken will not cook thoroughly if stacked on top of each other, so be sure to move the pieces around the basket a few times during cooking if they are overlapping.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prep the chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry using a kitchen towel and trim excess fat.

Step 2: Season the chicken

In a bowl, add seasoned salt, dried oregano, and paprika. Mix well and rub the dry mixture generously on chicken breast pieces.

Step 3: Air fry

Spray cooking oil on the bottom of the air fryer basket.

Place the chicken breast pieces in an air fryer basket and cook for about 18 minutes at 360° F(185°C). turn the chicken halfway into the cook.

Check that your chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Rest the chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the air fryer from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Serve.

What to Pair with Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Without Breading

There are so many things you can pair with this tasty chicken dish. Here are a few ideas you should try:

Leafy greens: Top your fresh leafy green salad up with this delicious chicken piece and turn it into a healthy and complete meal.
Roasted vegetables: You can serve it with these hasselback potatoes or spaghetti squash.
Rice/quinoa: The dish goes well with garlic rice or quinoa as well.
Gravy: You can serve it with any gravy. Try it with peppercorn sauce, and I am sure you will love it.
Sandwich: You can turn this chicken piece into a grilled sandwich as well. Top with onions, tomatoes, and cheese, and enjoy.

Questions About the Recipe

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out without the protective layer of breading?

To prevent dryness, it’s crucial not to overcook the chicken. The air fryer’s rapid cooking method can quickly dry out lean chicken breasts. Monitor the cooking time closely, and consider using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level without surpassing it.

What is the recommended cooking time and temperature for air fryer chicken breasts?

The optimal cooking temperature for air fryer chicken breasts without breading is around 360°(185°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, but generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes. To ensure thorough cooking, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Always check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Can I freeze air fryer chicken breasts to use later?

Yes, you can freeze air-fried chicken breasts for future meals. Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

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