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The Best 20 Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Explore delicious and easy air fryer chicken recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to casual gatherings. Enjoy juicy, crispy chicken cooked to perfection with minimal oil, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

4 different air fryer chicken recipes in a collage

Guess what? I’ve been experimenting with my air fryer and, oh boy, have I stumbled upon some game-changing air fryer chicken recipes! 

If you haven’t been using your air fryer much, it’s time to pull that magic machine out from the cupboard and give these recipes a whirl. Trust me, they’re total game-changers for your weeknight dinners!

If you love air fryer recipes you may also want to try my 30 Low Carb Air Fryer Recipes or my Air Fryer Fish Recipe.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE AIR FRYER CHICKEN RECIPES

1. Quick and Easy: Each recipe is a breeze to prepare, making dinner time stress-free. Pop the chicken in the air fryer, and you’ll have a mouth-watering meal ready in no time. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a delicious dinner but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

2. Healthier Meals: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, cutting down on calories without sacrificing taste. You get all the crispy, juicy goodness of fried chicken, but with a healthier twist.

3. Crispy Perfection: The air fryer works magic on chicken, giving you that perfect crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside succulent and tender. Whether it’s wings, breasts, or thighs, the results are consistently amazing.

4. Versatile Flavors: From classic seasoned chicken breasts to spicy buffalo wings, these recipes cater to all taste buds. You can easily switch up spices and marinades to create a variety of dishes from just one simple cooking method.

5. Less Mess: Forget about splattering oil and multiple pots and pans. Air frying is a one-container cooking method that keeps your kitchen clean and your dishwashing duties light.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE QUICK DINNER RECIPES

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the best chicken recipes (the exact measurements, step-by-step instructions and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post):

  • Chicken sausages
  • Avocado oil spray or olive oil cooking spray
  • Chicken breast – can substitute for ground turkey, lean ground chicken, ground chicken breast, chicken thighs, or any other type of ground meat.
  • White flour – gluten-free flour also works great here for a gluten-free option.
  • Egg
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Burger buns
  • Brown sugar
  • Italian dressing
  • Your favorite seasonings – such as kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, or dried herbs for added flavor.

10-MINUTE CHICKEN SAUSAGES

This air fryer chicken sausage recipe is the perfect easy dinner idea for a busy weeknight. These juicy sausages are a great idea for a main dish with your favorite condiments or as a side dish for a delicious meal.

top down view of turkey sausage with a ramekin full of grainy dijon mustard

CRISPY AIR FRYER CHICKEN BURGERS

If you love easy dinners with simple ingredients then look no further than these Chicken Burgers In The Air Fryer. With very little prep and cook time, these air fryer ground chicken burgers are a healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

air fryer chicken patties in hamburger buns with fresh tomatoes

FROZEN AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS

Discover the ultimate hack for crispy, delicious chicken wings with our guide on cooking frozen chicken wings in the air fryer. Quick, easy, and mess-free, this method delivers perfect wings every time, making it ideal for impromptu snacks or gatherings.

top down view of crispy air fryer chicken wings on small white plate with ranch dressing

EASY TERIYAKI CHICKEN

Indulge in the delectable fusion of sweet and savory with our Teriyaki Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer. Effortlessly prepared, this dish combines the convenience of air frying with a flavorful teriyaki marinade, delivering perfectly cooked, succulent chicken that’s both easy and irresistible.

top down view of delicious teriyaki chicken on air fryer tray

FROZEN CHICKEN CORDON BLEU IN THE AIR FRYER

Discover the ultimate convenience and gourmet taste with Frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu in the air fryer. Effortlessly transform frozen delights into a mouthwatering meal with this quick and easy cooking method.

side view of frozen chicken cordon bleu on air fryer tray

BBQ AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST RECIPE

Discover the ultimate convenience of making a flavorful chicken breast with BBQ sauce in the air fryer with this simple recipe. Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy, it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners and weekend cookouts alike.

close up view of air fryer bbq chicken recipe on white plate

AIR FRYER CHICKEN PARMESAN RECIPE

Indulge in crispy perfection with our Parmesan Chicken Air Fryer recipe—easy to make, this dish boasts golden-brown goodness without the excess oil. Elevate your dinner game with flavorful boneless chicken breasts coated in a savory parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, all achieved effortlessly in the convenience of your air fryer.

top down view of parmesan chicken air fryer recipe on white plate

AIR FRYER BLACKENED CAJUN BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS

Elevate your dinners with our Cajun Juicy Chicken Breast Air Fryer recipe, delivering bold flavors and juicy perfection. Quick and easy, this dish is a spicy delight, made effortlessly with the magic of air frying.

side view of cajun chicken breasts on air fryer basket

EASY FROZEN CHICKEN BREAST IN THE AIR FRYER

Discover the ultimate kitchen hack with our frozen chicken breast air fryer recipe. Achieve a perfect balance of crispy and succulent in minutes, turning convenience into a gourmet experience with this game-changing cooking method.

top down view of frozen chicken breasts on air fryer tray

AIR FRYER BUFFALO CHICKEN TAQUITOS

Savor the fiery kick and crispy perfection of Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, a delightful fusion of shredded chicken drenched in tangy buffalo sauce, rolled into tortillas, and air-fried to golden goodness. This quick and easy recipe offers a zesty snack that’s perfect for game day, parties, or a spicy weeknight treat.

homemade taquitos fresh from the air fryer stacked on top of each other with ranch dressing and herbs

FROZEN CHICKEN NUGGETS

Discover the secret to achieving irresistibly crispy and healthier Chicken Nuggets in the air fryer. This cooking method combines speed, convenience, and a guilt-free approach to your favorite crispy, tender bites.

bite shot of an air fryer chicken nugget in a pile

CRISPY AIR FRYER SESAME CHICKEN BITES

This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner to serve with white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice or green beans. Made with a homemade sesame sauce and raw chicken, this easy recipe tastes like something you’d get from chinese restaurants.

side view of easy sesame chicken recipe on white plate with white sesame seeds

SPICY BUFFALO AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS

Looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders? Try our recipe for air fryer spicy chicken tenders! With a crispy coating and a spicy kick, these tenders are a crowd-pleaser and an easy weeknight meal. 

air fryer chicken tenders on a white plate with sliced cucumbers and carrots with ranch

HOMEMADE HEALTHY COPYCAT MCCHICKEN RECIPE

Unlock the secrets of my Homemade Healthy Copycat McChicken Recipe and bring the fast-food delight to your own kitchen with this easy, wholesome version. Indulge in a guilt-free, golden perfection, right from your stove, crafting the iconic taste of a McChicken at home in minutes! 

close up of a crispy chicken patty with lettuce in between a gluten free bun

AIR FRYER ORANGE CHICKEN

This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe In The Air Fryer is a homemade version of the bite-sized pieces of coated chicken you get from a Chinese restaurant. Each crispy bite of cubed chicken with tangy orange sauce makes the most delicious meal or side dish.

panda express orange chicken recipe

AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED TENDER CHICKEN BREASTS

This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipe is made with crispy bacon, warming spices and perfect for the chicken lover. This is such an easy recipe with simple ingredients and comes together so quickly, I guarantee your whole family will love it.

top down view of air fryer bacon wrapped chicken

AIR FRYER WHOLE CHICKEN

Enjoy chicken perfection with this Ninja Foodi air fryer whole chicken recipe. Crispy skin & juicy meat – effortlessly achieved at home!

Top down view of whole chicken in air fryer basket with lemon slice on top.

AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Savor the perfect blend of crispy and juicy with the best air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks. Irresistible barbecue flavor in minutes!

Close up shot of bbq chicken drumstick in white dish.

LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Lemon pepper drumsticks in air fryer is a very easy everyday recipe that we have on the regular in our house. Few simple ingredients and your dinner is ready in under 20 minutes.

Top down view of air fryer lemon pepper chicken drumsticks in air fryer basket.

CILANTRO LIME AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS

These awesome cilantro lime juicy chicken thighs are about to become your new favorite. Seriously, it’s all about juicy chicken with a kick of lime and a bunch of cilantro that makes it all kinds of delicious.

Top down view of cilantro lime chicken thighs on white plate.

FAQS

WHAT SHOULD THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF CHICKEN BE IF IT’S SAFE TO EAT?

The safe internal temperature for cooking chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an instant read thermometer to check this. Just insert it into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through without cutting into the meat.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COOK CHICKEN IN AN AIR FRYER?

Cooking times can vary based on the air fryer model and the size and thickness of your chicken pieces. Generally, for chicken breasts, you’ll want to cook them at 360 degrees F for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer.

WHAT ARE SOME GOOD MEAL PREP TIPS FOR AIR FRYER CHICKEN?

Air fryer chicken is great for meal prep! Cook a batch of chicken breasts, thighs, or legs, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. 

They’re perfect for salads, sandwiches, and quick meals throughout the week. Just reheat for 2-3 minutes in the air fryer when ready to eat.

WHAT ARE THE BEST SIDE DISHES TO SERVE WITH THE COOKED AIR FRYER CHICKEN RECIPES?

Some favorite sides to complement air fryer chicken include roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad. For a comforting meal, try serving it with mashed potatoes or a simple pasta salad.

HOW DO I MAKE SURE MY AIR FRYER CHICKEN RECIPES ARE CRISPY?

To achieve a crispy exterior, ensure the chicken pieces are dry by patting them down with paper towels before seasoning. Use a light spray of oil and a good seasoning blend. The hot air circulating in the air fryer will do the rest, giving you that desired crispiness.

CAN I COOK OTHER PROTEINS IN THE AIR FRYER LIKE SALMON?

Yes, the air fryer is versatile and excellent for cooking a variety of proteins, including salmon. Air fryer salmon typically cooks at 400 degrees F for about 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness. It’s quick, easy, and results in perfectly cooked, flaky salmon.

The Best 20 Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Explore delicious and easy air fryer chicken recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to casual gatherings. Enjoy juicy, crispy chicken cooked to perfection with minimal oil, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

IF YOU TRIED AN AIR FRYER CHICKEN RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS FOOLPROOF RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

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