This Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breasts recipe is one of the easiest ways to cook chicken for a quick dinner. Just season the chicken, place it in the air fryer, and cook until juicy and tender. In just 10 minutes, you'll have flavorful chicken that's ready for salads, bowls, tacos, or a simple weeknight meal.
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Looking for more air fryer chicken recipes? Then try my Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast in Air Fryer, and Frozen Chicken Breasts in Air Fryer next!
This thin chicken breast recipe can be made in any brand of air fryer. I've cooked it in both my Ninja and Instant Pot air fryers with the same great results. The chicken cooks quickly at a steady temperature, giving you juicy meat inside with a golden, flavorful crust outside.
If you're looking for more easy air fryer recipes, try my Thin Pork Chops in Air Fryer and Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs. And when I have a little more time, I love making Air Fryer Whole Roast Chicken with Lemon and Garlic or Stuffed Chicken Breast with Stuffing.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Thin chicken breasts cook super fast in the air fryer - mine are usually done in about 10 minutes.
- No need for breading or messy steps. I just brush them with oil, sprinkle on seasoning, and let the air fryer do the work.
- The chicken stays juicy inside but still gets a nice golden outside that's full of flavor.
- I like to make a couple extra because they're easy to slice up for salads, wraps, or even a quick chicken sandwich the next day.
Ingredients Needed
To make these air fryer thin chicken breasts, you'll need:
- Chicken breast. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them in half myself to make cutlets. You can also butterfly them if that's easier. Buying them pre-cut works too, but I usually find it's cheaper to cut them at home myself.
- Olive oil. Just a light brush on each side helps the seasoning stick and helps crisp the outside. Avocado oil works just as well if that's what you have.
- Seasoning. Most of the time I reach for my Homemade Rub For Smoked Chicken made with brown sugar, Roasted Garlic and Peppers Seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Lately though, I've been hooked on the Club House La Grill Wild Whiskey Smoked BBQ Seasoning. You can also use Cajun, Greek, Italian seasoning, or your favorite spices.
See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.
How to Make Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breasts
Prep and Season the Chicken
- Pat the thin chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If you're cutting regular chicken breasts into cutlets, make sure they're even in thickness so they cook at the same rate.
- Brush or spray both sides lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle your seasoning blend evenly over the chicken. Don't forget the sides - that's where a lot of flavor hides.
Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece so the hot air can circulate.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part with an instant read thermometer.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside the meat.
- Slice and serve with potatoes, salad, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve these air fryer chicken cutlets with a simple Caesar Salad or a Creamy Cucumber Salad with Mayo, Roasted Potatoes in the Air Fryer or Oven Roasted Potatoes, and Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli for an easy weeknight dinner.
They're also great sliced for Chicken Tacos with Avocado Lime Crema and Fresh Chunky Salsa, tucked into a chicken sandwich with mayo and lettuce, or served over Pressure Cooker Rice with roasted veggies and your favorite sauces. The possibilities are endless!
Variations
- For a smoky-sweet flavor, season the chicken with my Brown Sugar Smoked Chicken Rub.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix if you like your chicken spicier.
- Brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 2-3 minutes in the air fryer for a sticky glaze.
Expert Tips
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken - it helps the outside get that nice golden crust.
- Use a good meat thermometer to check for doneness. Thin chicken breasts cook fast, so it's the best way to make sure they hit 165°F without overcooking.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken cutlets and the brand of air fryer you're using.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy inside before slicing or serving.
Related Recipes: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Quarters and Air Fryer Chicken Katsu.
Storage Tips
Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQs
Cook the thin chicken breasts in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 375 degrees F.
Yes, you can! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Absolutely! You can coat the chicken with bread crumbs or panko breadcrumbs for crispy chicken cutlets. Spray with cooking spray or olive oil spray before cooking for extra crispiness.
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Printable Recipe
Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 thin chicken breasts (or 2 large chicken breasts sliced in half)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tablespoon your favorite chicken rub (or Dry Rub For Chicken or Club House La Grille Wild Whiskey Smoked BBQ Seasoning)
Instructions
- Pat the thin chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush or spray both sides lightly with olive oil.
- Sprinkle chicken rub evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing the seasoning in gently with your hands.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375℉. Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ in the thickest part.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
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Notes
- If you cut the chicken breasts yourself, try to keep them an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken cutlets and your air fryer model.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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