This air fryer thin sliced chicken breasts recipe takes only 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. Each chicken breast is sliced into two thin cutlets, coated in the best homemade seasoning mix, and then air-fried until perfectly cooked. You can easily modify the seasoning to match whatever you are serving it with.
Try our homemade taco seasoning.
Recently, have been making recipes with thinly sliced chicken breasts, and they've been turning out great as my whole family loves them.
When chicken breasts are sliced into cutlets they cook faster, absorb more flavors from the sauce or seasonings and they always come out so juicy.
You may also like to try our baked thin sliced chicken breasts, chicken piccata with mushrooms, air fryer breaded chicken cutlets, or oven-baked crispy chicken cutlets - all these recipes are made with thinly sliced chicken breasts.
You can buy thin sliced chicken breast at the store or make your own chicken cutlets by slicing them horizontally with a sharp knife.
Recipe highlights
- Quick and easy: this is really the fastest way you can prepare chicken breast. This recipe is also easy and does not require any marinating or flipping.
- Great for meal prep: prepare a large batch and use it throughout the week to make versatile meals with it such as salads, wraps, pasta, bowls, and more.
- Juicy and flavorful: this recipe makes the juiciness and the most flavorful chicken breasts. It is truly my favorite way to cook it.
Ingredients
Besides chicken breasts, you will need a few more simple ingredients listed below. Please, see the recipe card below for the ingredients' quantities.
- Chicken breasts: for this recipe, I choose larger chicken breasts and slice them into cutlets myself. You can buy already sliced ones, they are usually called chicken cutlets on the package.
- Olive oil: you can also use avocado or vegetable oil instead.
- Seasonings: this is my favorite ever chicken seasoning mix, which includes salt, paprika, brown sugar, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, and black pepper. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Cooking spray: for the air fryer basket, to prevent the meat from sticking to it.
How to make it
Simple to follow step-by-step directions with images of how to make thin sliced chicken breasts in the air fryer.
Step 1. Slice the chicken into cutlets. (skip this step, if you already have pre-cut chicken cutlets). Place chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice chicken breast horizontally starting from the thick side into two cutlets.
Step 2. Prepare the seasoning. In a small bowl, mix salt, paprika, brown sugar, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, black pepper, and olive oil into a thick paste. If it looks too thick, add another splash of olive oil.
Step 3. Season the chicken. Using your hands, spread a thin layer of the seasoning rub onto each chicken cutlet, both sides. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to bring it to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees f for about 5 minutes.
Step 4. Air fry the chicken. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with some cooking spray. Place chicken cutlets, facing the cut side down in the preheated basket. Do not overcrowd the air fryer and ensure to leave some space between the chicken.
Air fry the thin chicken cutlets for 8-10 minutes at 400°F. Start checking the temperature after 8 minutes, as it cooked much faster compared to whole chicken breasts. When the chicken at the thickest part reaches 165 degrees F and it becomes golden brown with slightly crispy edges, it is ready to serve
Note: I cooked 4 cutlets in two batches because my air fryer is not big.
Nataliia's recipe tips
- Always bring raw chicken to room temperature before air frying, so it cooks evenly.
- If the chicken pieces are not even, you can slightly pound the thick side of the chicken with a meat mallet.
- The cooking time may vary, as some chicken can be thicker, and also depending on the air fryer model.
- Always use the meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F, and to prevent overcooking it.
- It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer. so the hot air circulates well and cooks the meat evenly.
How to store and reheat leftovers
Place the cooked chicken breasts leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to use, reheat the needed amount in the microwave for about 1 minute or until heated through.
You can also reheat it in the air fryer at 390°F for about 2-3 minutes.
Serving ideas
There are unlimited ways to serve chicken breasts, below are only a few of our favorite ideas :
- Pasta: slice cooked chicken and add to your favorite pasta dish with tomato or Alfredo sauce.
- Salads: great protein option to add to your salad and make it a complete meal.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: turn it into a chicken sandwich or wrap it with some mayo, sliced tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Favorite sides: serve it with a side of these air fryer potato wedges, buckwheat, or pasta.
Frequently asked questions
400°F is the optimal temperature to cook thin chicken breast, as it cooks the meat quickly and evenly, keeping it juicy on the inside while making the outside deliciously golden brown.
he chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. If you do not have an instant read thermometer, cut into the thickest part and if the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.
Yes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes before cooking chicken breasts.
More delicious and easy air fryer chicken recipes
- air fryer chicken thighs
- air fryer chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs)
- air fryer chicken tenders
- air fryer chicken bites
- air fryer frozen chicken breast (no thawing required)
- air fryer chicken meatballs
- air fryer buffalo chicken wings
- air fryer chicken sausage
- air fryer chicken fajitas
- air fryer chicken legs
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts
Equipment
- Air fryer I used Ninja XL for this recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon coriander
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Remove the chicken breasts from the packaging and pat them dry with some paper towels. Slice each chicken breast horizontally into two cutlets.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ onion powder, ¼ teaspoon coriander, ¼ teaspoon black pepper. It will become a thick paste. If it is too thick, add a little bit more olive oil.
- Rub each chicken cutlet with the seasoning paste. It is easier to use hands to do it.
- Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400℉. Spray the basket with some cooking spray oil.
- Place the chicken breasts into the basket, two at a time so the air fryer does not get overcrowded. Air fry the chicken for about 8-10 minutes at 400℉ (air fry mode)or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cook the second batch the same way.
Moe says
You did not say what temperature to set the air fryer to.
Nataliia says
Thank you for letting me know. It should be air fried at 400°F. I have added the temperature to the recipe card as well.