Cooking chicken breast in an air fryer typically takes between 10 to 20 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts and the temperature used.
General Guidelines for Cooking Time and Temperature
- At 180°C (356°F): Cook chicken breasts for about 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through at 10 minutes. Check doneness by ensuring juices run clear or internal temperature reaches 70°C (158°F)
- At 190°C (375°F): Cook 6-7 oz chicken breasts for about 10-11 minutes total, flipping halfway (7 minutes on one side, 3 minutes on the other). Larger breasts (8-9 oz) take 11-12 minutes, and 10 oz or more take 13-14 minutes. No need to preheat the air fryer for juicy results
- At 200°C (400°F):
- Thinly sliced chicken breasts (cut lengthwise) cook in 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway
* Small chicken breasts (4-6 oz) cook in about 8 minutes total (4 minutes each side)
* Average-sized breasts take about 13 minutes (7 minutes one side, 6 minutes flipped), checking internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C)
* Another recipe suggests 10 minutes on one side, then 4-8 minutes on the other side, resting 5 minutes before serving
- At 360°F (182°C): Cook for 9 minutes per side (18 minutes total) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Important Tips
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption
- Flatten thicker parts of the chicken breast for even cooking and juiciness
- Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning and doneness
- Rest the chicken for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute
Summary
Chicken Breast Size/Type| Temperature| Time (minutes)| Notes
---|---|---|---
Small (4-6 oz)| 200°C / 400°F| 8 (4 min each side)| Thin, small breasts
Medium (6-8 oz)| 180-190°C / 356-375°F| 10-15| Flip halfway, check temp
Large (9-12 oz)| 180-200°C / 356-400°F| 15-20| May require longer cooking
Sliced thin fillets| 200°C / 400°F| 10-15| Flip halfway
Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy chicken breast
