Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Temperature
375°F
190°C
Time
15 min
2 breasts (450g)
Safe internal
165°F
74°C
Chicken breast was the very first thing I cooked when I got my air fryer, and it's still what I make most weeks. In the oven it always dried out on me, but in here it stays lovely and juicy as long as I give it a little oil and turn it over halfway. My kids actually ask for it now, which never used to happen.
How to air fry chicken breast
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Add the fresh chicken breast in a single layer. Ensure single layer. Do not stack.
- Cook for about 15 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Pro tip
Use a meat thermometer; pull at 165°F (74°C) for max juiciness.
How to tell when it's done
I always check it's cooked right through to 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part - no pink in the middle and the juices running clear. If I cut in and it still looks a bit glassy, I pop it back for another two or three minutes.
Safe internal temperature
Cook to 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point. An instant-read thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm it.
Converting from an oven recipe
If your recipe is written for a conventional oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and reduce the time by roughly 20% to land near 375°F for 15 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.
Cooking from frozen instead? See our air fryer frozen chicken breast guide .
Air fryer chicken breast: FAQ
How long does it take to air fry chicken breast?
Air fry chicken breast at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. That's for 2 breasts (450g) in a single layer; adjust slightly for a fuller basket or a different model.
What temperature do you air fry chicken breast at?
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If you're converting an oven recipe, that's roughly 25°F (15°C) below the oven temperature, with the time cut by about 20%.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for chicken breast?
A 2-3 minute preheat gives the most accurate timing and the best browning, but it isn't essential - if you skip it, add a minute or two to the cook time.
What's the safe internal temperature for chicken breast?
Cook chicken breast to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), measured at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking time is a guide; internal temperature is what confirms it's safely done.