Quick Answer
Chicken breast can absolutely get dry in an air fryer if it’s not cooked properly. The key is to not overcook it. Air fryers cook very quickly, so chicken breasts should only need 10-15 minutes at around 380°F to cook through while remaining juicy and tender. Brining the chicken before air frying also helps keep it moist. As long as you don’t cook it too long, air fried chicken breast should come out juicy with a crispy outside.
Why Chicken Can Dry Out in an Air Fryer
Chicken breast dries out easily because it has very little fat. Fat acts as a buffer against moisture loss as the proteins denature and tighten during cooking. With minimal fat, it’s easy for chicken breasts to lose moisture rapidly in the hot, circulating air of an air fryer.
Some other reasons chicken dries out in an air fryer include:
- Cooking at too high temperature
- Cooking for too long
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket
- Not letting the chicken rest after cooking
The high heat and quick cooking of an air fryer make it especially prone to drying out lean meats like chicken breast. But with the right technique, it can produce juicy, tender results.
How to Keep Chicken Breast Juicy in an Air Fryer
Here are some tips for keeping chicken breast nice and moist when cooking in an air fryer:
Don’t Overcook
Cook chicken breast just until done, not longer. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 inch thick, cook at 380°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part and making sure the inside is no longer pink.
Brine First
Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine before air frying infuses it with moisture and seasoning. Dissolve 1 tbsp salt in 4 cups water. Submerge chicken in brine for 30 minutes up to overnight. Rinse and pat dry before air frying.
Use a Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness. Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s cooked through but not overdone.
Don’t Overcrowd
Leave space around each piece of chicken in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding causes uneven cooking and moisture loss.
Coat with Oil
Lightly brushing or spraying chicken with oil helps promote browning and keeps the surface from drying out too quickly.
Let Rest Before Serving
Let chicken rest 5 minutes after air frying. This allows juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when you cut into it.
Best Practices for Juicy Air Fried Chicken Breast
Follow these best practices, and your air fried chicken breast will be super juicy every time:
– Brine chicken for 30 minutes to 1 hour in saltwater
– Pat chicken dry and coat lightly with oil
– Preheat air fryer to 380°F
– Cook chicken for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway
– Use a meat thermometer to check doneness of 165°F
– Let chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting into it
The combination of brining, moderate temperature, and short cooking time allows the chicken to cook through without moisture loss.
Tips for Crispy Air Fried Chicken Breast
In addition to being juicy, you also want your air fried chicken breast to have a nice crispy exterior. Here are some ways to achieve that:
Use a Dry Brine
A dry brine of just salt and baking powder removes moisture from the skin’s surface. This helps the skin get ultra crispy in the air fryer. Mix 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp baking powder and rub all over chicken. Chill 30-60 minutes before air frying.
Coat with Starch
Lightly dust chicken with cornstarch, potato starch, or flour before air frying. The starch browns and crisps up the skin.
Spray with Oil
Misting chicken with oil gives a very crisp and even browning. Avoid brushing on oil, which can make the skin soggy.
Crank Up the Heat
Preheat and cook at 400°F for ultimate crispiness. The higher heat helps the coating or skin get browned and crisp.
Finish Under the Broiler
For extra crispy skin, broil chicken for 1-2 minutes after air frying. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Tender and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes
Here are a few of my go-to recipes for making chicken breast in the air fryer that turns out super juicy and flavorful every time:
Simple Seasoned Chicken Breasts
– 1 lb chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp pepper
1. Toss chicken with oil and seasonings
2. Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes
Breaded Parmesan Chicken Breasts
– 1 lb chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1 egg, whisked
1. Dip chicken in egg, then breadcrumb mixture
2. Mist with oil spray
3. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes
BBQ Chicken Breasts
– 1 lb chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1. Toss chicken with BBQ sauce and spices
2. Air fry at 380°F for 12-14 minutes
Conclusion
With its hot, concentrated heat, air frying chicken breast can be tricky—but it’s not impossible. By brining, monitoring cook time and temperature, and not overcrowding, you can absolutely get tender, juicy, perfectly-cooked chicken breast from your air fryer. Aim for an internal temp of 165°F and a total cook time under 15 minutes for the best results. Crispy crusts and flavorful marinades or breadings also pair great with air fried chicken. Follow these tips for enjoying moist chicken breast with that iconic air fryer crunch every time.