~ Air Fryer chicken breast recipes offer up the perfect chicken experience – moist, juicy, lean meat inside a crispy “fried” exterior. The coveted joys of deep frying … without all the mess, calories and fat. I’ve got hand-picked new recipes for you to try, whether you’re brand new to the air fryer scene, or a seasoned veteran looking for fresh inspiration! ~
Some kitchen gadgets don’t have much staying power. (Indoor electric s’mores maker, anyone?)
But where, oh where, would we all be without microwaves, Crock-Pots, and … Keurigs? We can probably safely add Instant Pots to the “keeper” list now, too.
Next stop?
Air fryers!
Why Are Air Fryers So Popular?
They have tiny, food-crisping magic wands. (Well … kinda …)
Seriously, though – what seemed like a short-lived fad has grown and improved, and then grown some more.
And, really, what’s not to love here?
There are so many different air fryer models now, to fit a wide range of budgets (and counter space).
They offer up a quick, easy alternative to the classic fryer, with one primary goal: To produce all those qualities we adore about deep-fat frying, without the dreaded “deep fat” part. Less mess. Super fast. Yummy … and HEALTHIER! Woot woot!
And what’s a perfect thing to pop in your beloved air fryer? America’s go-to dinner meat. Chicken breasts!
Why Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes Work Well
Air fried chicken breasts can yield juicy, moist, tender chicken inside (and we all know that, so often, those lean and healthy chicken breasts can get a bit dried out if they’re not cooked just so).
Plus, thanks to the “air frying” (aka “air circulating”) method, those air fried chicken breasts can also end up with crunchy or seared exteriors, very, very similar to what would come out of a traditional fryer.
For health-minded cooks who hate compromising on flavor in their quest for better nutrition (me me me! … and also … you you you!), this is a total win all around.
How I Chose These Recipes
I asked hundreds of terrific food bloggers to share their yummy, air fried chicken breast recipes, and I was thrilled with the variety of flavors and techniques they offered up.
From Greek to Italian, Mexican to Mediterranean … brined and marinated, and breaded with all sorts of yummy crumbs … there are so many different ideas to try.
I sifted through all the submissions and came up with the list below as being the best of the best.
If you love air fryer chicken breasts and need some fresh inspiration, or if you’re new to air fryer recipes and want a safe place to start … either way, this is the ideal list for you!
I can’t wait to hear which recipe you try first!
1
Basic Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Photo Credit:carmyy.com
New to air frying chicken? This basic recipe is a great place to start! Super simple, with ideas for changing up the flavors ... and suggestions for what to do with your delicious, perfectly cooked chicken once it's done!
2
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Photo Credit:nourishplate.com
Chicken Parm in just 20 minutes from start to finish – so easy! Juicy inside, crispy outside. All topped with marinara and melted cheese, definitely making it a dinner you can serve kiddos and adults alike!
Besides the delicious recipe pictured, you might also enjoy trying the Weight Watchers Chicken Parmesan recipe at Midlife Healthy Living, which starts with a uniquely flavorful vinaigrette to add an extra pop of flavor to your chicken.
Or, for a gluten-free alternative, check out the quick Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe at Eat the Gains, which leverages yummy almond flour in its breading mixture.
So many delicious options!
3
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Photo Credit:littlesunnykitchen.com
Craving Mexican? Make these chicken fajitas in your Air Fryer in way under half an hour! The result is perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken with crunchy bell peppers. An easy, healthy dinner that's totally do-able even on busy weeknights!
4
Juicy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts
Photo Credit:colleenchristensennutrition.com
Gone are the days of BBQ chicken being limited only to the summer grilling season. Thanks to your air fryer, tender, juicy BBQ chicken is just minutes away ... indoors ... all year 'round!
5
Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Photo Credit:carmyy.com
Swap out those frozen, store-bought chicken nuggets, and make these super-easy homemade ones instead! They've got great crunch from panko and a pop of flavor from parmesan and sweet paprika.
(Or, for a gluten-free alternative, try this Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets recipe.)
6
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Photo Credit:www.thecreativebite.com
These easy 3-ingredient chicken strips have a bit of spice, and a whole lotta crunch! Flavorful hot sauce and crispy Panko breading are always a winning combination, perfect with sliced boneless chicken breasts!
7
Air Fryer Chicken Tikka
Photo Credit:rachnacooks.com
Love the Chicken Tikka you get at your local Indian restaurant? Make your own at home – it's actually very easy. Succulent chicken is marinated in a spiced yogurt paste, then perfectly air fried to be deliciously moist, with those wonderful hints of char at the edges!
8
Chicken Breast Cutlets in the Air Fryer (Brined and Breaded)
Photo Credit:www.howewelive.com
These chicken cutlets are brined (which is optional but totally recommended), and then coated in a delightfully seasoned breadcrumb mixture. They're cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a cutlet that's pretty much got it all – juicy, tender, flavorful and crunchy. Yum!
Easy Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes Dinner
Photo Credit:budgetdelicious.com
Made with basic pantry staples, this is one of those recipes you should always keep in your back pocket to throw together on hectic evenings. A deliciously quick and simple air fried chicken breast dinner the whole family will love!
10
Easy Air Fryer Greek Chicken and Potatoes
Photo Credit:masonfit.com
Love the idea of air frying chicken and potatoes, like in the recipe above ... but wanna shake it up a little? Try Greek chicken and potatoes! These are deliciously accented with Greek spices and a pop of lemon, and you could even toss on some olives and feta if you'd like.
11
Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
Photo Credit:littlesunnykitchen.com
Light and healthy, with irresistible layers of flavor from fresh ginger, honey, sesame oil and soy sauce! Serve it straight-up, or with extra sauce. Either way, it's really quick and easy to make, and ideal for busy weeknights!
12
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce
Photo Credit:vikalinka.com
Slice chicken breasts into strips, and then coat 'em up with this special combination of cracker crumbs and flavorful spices. Then, for the perfect finish, dunk your crispy, air fried strips in a quick and easy honey mustard sauce ... for a dinner your family will request again and again!
13
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
Photo Credit:thatgirlcookshealthy.com
Succulent, lean chicken breasts are highlighted with a flourless breading that's packed with lots of lemon pepper flavor (with some rosemary and garlic thrown in for good measure). As a bonus, this totally simple recipe also happens to be grain/gluten free!
14
Air Fried Chicken Breast Marinated in Baba Ganoush
Photo Credit:travellingfoodie.net
This Mediterranean-inspired twist uses baba ganoush as a coating for the chicken, with its delectably savory combination of smoky eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic. (You can use store-bought or homemade baba ganoush.) The chicken comes out so tender and juicy ... in under 20 minutes!
15
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Photo Credit:budgetdelicious.com
A terrific recipe for quick, kid-pleasing dinners, and also for fun party appetizers or game day snacks. The classic duo of creamy, tangy buttermilk and crispy cornflakes is always a winning combination!
16
Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken (Breasts, Thighs or Drumsticks)
Photo Credit:rachnacooks.com
Although the photos for this recipe were taken with chicken drumsticks, the recipe can be used for bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, too. Tandoori Chicken is traditionally made in a clay tandoor, but this version cleverly uses air frying to achieve the characteristic char and taste. Spicy and delightfully moist!
17
Air Fryer Greek Chicken Skewers with Feta Sauce
Photo Credit:www.biscuitsandburlap.com
This ingenious recipe relies on a Greek-inspired yogurt marinade, which not only adds fantastic flavor to the chicken but also keeps it so moist and tender. Tart lemon, oregano, thyme, garlic, and tangy yogurt are the perfect Greek combo. Add a splash of creamy feta sauce, and you've got a memorable chicken dinner!
18
Marinated Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Photo Credit:www.thegayglobetrotter.com
This recipe starts with a punchy marinade of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, andWorcestershire sauce – plus a handful of flavorful spices – to quickly elevate boneless chicken breasts to superstar status.
19
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts
Photo Credit:www.feedingyourfam.com
Oh no ... did you forget to defrost your chicken breasts for dinner tonight? Not a problem! This recipe will save the day, showing you how to cook juicy, tender chicken straight from frozen! Whew ... and now you don't have to call for take-out!
Want More Air Fryer Recipes?
I’m curious to know how many of my readers out there are passionate about their air fryer, and how many of you would like me to focus on more air fryer recipes for you – whether that’s specifically for chicken (and if so … be sure to check out my collection of Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipes!), or for other things.
Chicken recipes are not only some of the most searched-for content on the Internet, they’re also among the most popular here on my own site. There’s no doubt you’re wild about all our other types of chicken breast recipes. And you guys love my collections of rotisserie chicken recipes, slow cooker chicken recipes, and Instant Pot chicken.
So, tell me … more chicken recipes for the air fryer (thighs, maybe??), or shall we venture into other things you’d like to explore healthfully “frying”?
Let me know what you think – just pop down to the Comments section below!
