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This incredibly easy air fryer chicken breast recipe delivers succulent, moist boneless skinless chicken breast coated in a rich, savory-sweet honey garlic marinade.
Boneless skinless chicken breast is a lean cut, which makes it a healthy choice, but it also means it can dry out quickly if not handled carefully.
It’s a versatile dish you can enjoy in countless ways: serve it over fluffy rice, toss slices into a fresh garden salad, tuck it into wraps or sandwiches, or pair it with roasted vegetables for a hearty plate.
This baked chicken breast recipe serves 4, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a casual weekend BBQ when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe? It’s quick and simple. From start to finish, you’re looking at less than 30 minutes of cooking time, plus a little marinating (which you can even do ahead of time).
One of the best things about cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer is its consistency, delivering an even cook every time without the unpredictability of oven quirks.
This honey garlic chicken dish fits into so many lifestyles; it’s naturally dairy-free, high in protein, and low in cholesterol, and with a simple swap to tamari or coconut aminos, it can be made completely gluten-free.
✅ Take a moment to read through the whole post for the ingredient list, expert tips, and equipment suggestions. The full recipe is right below!
Key Ingredients for This Boneless Chicken Breast Recipe
The key to delicious baked boneless chicken breast is a balanced glaze where every ingredient adds flavor, tenderness, and a perfect finish:
1. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Using boneless skinless chicken breast is crucial for this air fryer method, as it cooks rapidly and absorbs the marinade flavor deeply after scoring.
2. Honey
- Honey provides both the essential sweetness and the structure for the signature glossy, caramelized finish.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used for a slightly different flavor while still delivering natural sweetness.
3. Low Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari
- Adds a rich, savory umami flavor that balances the sweetness of honey without overpowering it.
- Choosing tamari or coconut aminos keeps the recipe gluten-free while still delivering that signature depth of flavor.
4. Fresh Garlic and Ginger
- These two aromatics are essential for giving the marinade its depth and warmth.
- Using fresh, minced garlic instead of powder provides a cleaner, more vibrant contrast to the glaze.
5. Cornstarch (or Gluten-Free Flour)
- This thickening creates a protective, adherent coating that traps moisture inside the chicken and prevents the glaze from running off and burning.
- Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch works just as well and is gluten-free.
6. Rice Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar)
- Adds a clean, bright acidity that balances the sweetness of honey and richness of soy.
- White wine vinegar or even fresh lemon juice can be used in place of rice vinegar.
7. Smoked Paprika
- Infuses a gentle smokiness and warmth that deepens the overall flavor profile without being overpowering.
- Regular paprika or chili powder can be used, depending on whether you want mildness or a touch of heat.
8. Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
- Used to loosen the marinade and achieve the perfect consistency for coating
- Water, vegetable broth or even a splash of white wine can add a different layer of flavor.
9. High-Heat Cooking Oil
- A light spray of high-heat cooking oil keeps the chicken from sticking and helps promote even browning in the air fryer.
- Avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil are all excellent choices since they can withstand high cooking temperatures without burning.
10. Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
- Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the ingredients, ensuring the chicken tastes vibrant and well-rounded.
- Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt are good alternatives; for pepper, use white pepper if you prefer a milder kick.
Tools You’ll Need for for This Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
For a truly professional result on your air fryer chicken breast, don’t overlook the necessity of the right kitchen tools.
- Air Fryer (High-Speed Convection Oven): This is the star of the show. Unlike a conventional oven, the air fryer circulates super-heated air around the chicken breast at high speeds (375°F), ensuring rapid, even cooking.
- Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the only way to confirm the internal temperature has reached exactly 165°F (74°C) without overshooting and drying out the meat.
- Aluminum Foil and Cooking Spray: Lining the air fryer basket with aluminum foil (ensuring air circulation is not blocked) is a chef’s trick for easy cleanup, especially when dealing with a sticky, sugary glaze.
- Sharp Knife: Necessary for both trimming the chicken breast and performing the shallow scoring technique that allows the marinade to fully penetrate the meat.
- Cutting Board: Provides a sturdy, safe surface for trimming and scoring the chicken, keeping your counters clean and protected during prep.
- Tongs: Used for safely flipping the hot chicken halfway through the cooking process and carefully removing the finished pieces from the hot basket.
- Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking the honey garlic marinade and coating the chicken evenly so every piece absorbs maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken
Beyond its exceptional flavor, this honey garlic chicken recipe is a nutritional winner, primarily due to the lean nature of the chicken breast.
- Exceptional Source of Lean Protein: A 6-ounce serving of this preparation can deliver approximately 30 grams of high-quality protein, an ideal meal for fitness goals, promoting muscle maintenance and growth, and ensuring long-lasting satiety.
- Low in Saturated Fat: Choosing boneless skinless chicken breast significantly reduces the total fat content, resulting in a meal that is naturally low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
- Rich in Essential Minerals: Chicken is a good source of potassium, iron, and selenium. Potassium is important for heart and nerve function, while iron supports healthy blood function, and selenium acts as an antioxidant.
- Immune Boosting: Fresh garlic is packed with natural compounds like allicin, which may help strengthen the immune system while also supporting heart health and overall wellness.
- Natural Energy Source: Honey delivers a quick and steady boost of energy from natural sugars, making it a healthier alternative to refined sweeteners and a nourishing addition to this dish.
- Immense Versatility: This air fryer chicken recipe pairs effortlessly with almost any side, from simple rice and roasted potatoes to vibrant green beans and fresh salads, allowing you to easily adapt it to your pantry or dietary needs.
- Unrivaled Speed and Ease: By using the air fryer, you achieve a beautifully cooked main course far superior to traditional chicken breast in oven methods in as little as 12 to 16 minutes.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Breasts
The rich, savory-sweet profile of honey garlic chicken makes it highly versatile. It acts as a delicious anchor that pairs equally well with simple sides such as;
- Starches and Grains: A bed of white rice, brown rice, or fragrant jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up any extra glaze. For heartier options, consider roasted or mashed potatoes.
- Green Beans: Steamed, sautéed with garlic, or simply roasted, green beans are a highly popular complement to this dish.
- Asparagus: Asparagus, especially when dressed with a sharp, slightly spicy vinaigrette (like ginger-wasabi), offers a delightful kick that cuts through the richness of the honey.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or baby bok choy, roasted until slightly tender-crisp, add bulk and great texture.
- Salads and Noodles: For a lighter meal, pair the baked chicken breasts with a fresh seasonal salad (like avocado, tomato, and cucumber), or with noodles, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
Chef Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Chicken
Cooking chicken in the air fryer is simple, but a few chef-approved tricks can take it from good to restaurant-quality:
1. Always Preheat for Evenness
- Preheating the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes eliminates cold spots in the basket, ensuring the chicken begins cooking instantly.
- This instantaneous, even heat application is critical to developing a good crust and preventing the meat from becoming dry or rubbery.
2. Score the Chicken
- The small, shallow cuts in the chicken breast serve as conduits for the chicken garlic and honey marinade, allowing flavors to penetrate beyond the surface layer of the protein.
- Furthermore, these cuts help the thicker sections of the breast heat more quickly and evenly, ensuring the entire piece finishes cooking simultaneously, thereby avoiding dry edges.
3. Ensure Even Thickness
- If your chicken breasts are unevenly thick (e.g., thicker on one side), lightly pound them between two pieces of parchment paper to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch.
- This single step ensures the entire chicken breast finishes cooking at the same time, preventing the thinner edges from overcooking and drying out.
4. Coat the Chicken with Neutral Oil
- Even when dealing with a full marinade, lightly coating the chicken with oil or spraying the basket is beneficial.
- Oil acts as a crucial heat transfer medium in the air fryer, ensuring the browning initiates quickly and evenly, leading to a superior crust texture and helping the cornstarch coating adhere firmly.
5. Maintain Optimal Airflow
- The high-speed convection of the air fryer is only effective if air can reach the entire surface of the food.
- Overcrowding the basket, or stacking the pieces, results in steamed rather than “air-fried” results, leading to tough, unevenly cooked meat.
Final Remarks
With tender, juicy chicken that’s lightly crisp on the outside and bursting with flavor, this air fryer chicken breast is a healthy, satisfying main that works for any night of the week.
Feel free to make it your own; swap in your favorite spices, add a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or slice it over salads, wraps, or grain bowls for a versatile meal prep option.
Pair it with roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or even garlic butter rice for a balanced plate that’s both wholesome and delicious.
If you give this recipe a try, let us know how it turned out in the comments below.
You’ll find the full recipe and step-by-step instructions just ahead.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
This quick and easy air fryer chicken breast recipe delivers tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken coated in a savory-sweet honey garlic marinade, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
How to Cook Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Score the Chicken
- Begin by patting the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels.
- Place the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board.
- With a sharp knife, gently slice 3 to 4 shallow lines across the top of each breast, about ¼ inch deep.
Make the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce or tamari, most of the honey (save 1 tablespoon), garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, paprika, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and water or broth.
- Whisk for about 30 seconds, until the cornstarch dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens.
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the scored chicken breasts into the bowl of marinade.
- Use tongs or your hands to coat the chicken thoroughly, making sure the marinade gets into the cuts.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for a deeper flavor, marinate 2 to 4 hours.
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes.
- If you like, line the basket with foil to catch any glaze drips.
- Lightly spray the basket (or foil) with a high-heat cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Air Frying Phase 1
- Remove the marinated chicken from the bowl, letting any loose excess marinade drip back.
- Place the chicken into the preheated air fryer basket in a single, evenly spaced layer.
- Avoid overlapping or stacking, as unrestricted airflow is essential for creating a uniform golden crust.
- Cook at 375 °F (190 °C) for 6 minutes to initiate browning and lock in the juices.
Flip, Glaze, and Phase 2 (Final Cook)
- After the initial 6 minutes, use tongs to gently flip the chicken breasts.
- At this point, the surface should appear set with a light golden crust.
- Brush a thin, even layer of the reserved tablespoon of honey over the newly exposed side, the scored side.
- Applying the glaze at this stage prevents prolonged sugar exposure, lowering the risk of scorching while producing a rich, glossy finish.
- Continue air frying for an additional 6 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165 °F (74 °C) internally.
Verify Doneness
- At the 12-minute total cook time, begin monitoring doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest section of the largest chicken breast.
- The air frying process is considered complete only once the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
- Keep in mind that larger, thicker breasts in the 9 to 10 ounce range may extend the cook time to as much as 16 minutes before achieving this safe temperature threshold.
Rest the Chicken
- Once the chicken breasts reach a safe internal temperature, transfer them immediately to a clean cutting board or platter.
- Cover it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil to tent it.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a mandatory 5 to 10 minutes.
- This brief resting phase enables the redistributed juices to settle back into the meat, ensuring every slice remains moist and tender.
Slice and Serve
- Once rested, slice the chicken against the grain and serve immediately, garnished with the fresh parsley or chives.
- Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh Greek salad to balance the rich honey garlic glaze with lighter, refreshing sides.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 6-ounce (170g) per serving
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 195kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4g7%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 250mg11%
- Potassium 350mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 36g72%
- Vitamin A 120 IU
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin K 12 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Always preheat the air fryer, since starting cold leads to uneven cooking and dry chicken.
- Place the chicken in a single layer with space between pieces, cooking in batches if needed for proper air circulation.
- Rely on a meat thermometer instead of cook time, making sure the thickest part reaches 165°F for safety.
- Brush on the honey glaze only after flipping to prevent burning while still achieving a glossy finish.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing so the juices stay inside and the meat stays tender.
