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Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Recipe by Lee Lem on InstagramAdded 1 August 2026.

5 minutes to prep, 20 to cook. Juicy, tender chicken breasts cooked in an air fryer with no added oil. A simple weight‑based temperature adjustment guarantees consistent results, making it perfect for high‑protein, low‑fat meals. Season as you like and enjoy a quick, healthy dinner.

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Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Chicken Breast by Lee Lem, a frame from the Instagram video

Method

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season or marinate them according to your preference.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The chicken surface is dry. Drying the surface helps it brown evenly.

  2. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (356°F). For every additional 100 g of chicken, increase the temperature by 5 °C.

  3. If using oil, lightly brush the chicken breasts with a few drops; otherwise, skip this step.

  4. Place the whole chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The breasts sit in one layer with space around them.

  5. Cook for 10 minutes at the preheated temperature.

  6. When the timer sounds, open the fryer and flip the breasts over quickly to ensure even browning.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The first side is browned. Flip quickly to limit heat loss.

  7. Cook for an additional 10 minutes at the same temperature, or until the internal temperature reaches 167°F (165°F).

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The center reaches the stated safe temperature and the meat is cooked through.

  8. Remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and transfer to a cutting board.

  9. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for at least 10 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The juices settle during the rest. Keep the foil loose so it does not trap too much steam.

  10. Slice the chicken against the grain and serve hot, optionally with a side of vegetables or salad.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The slices show the grain running across them. Cut across the grain for a more tender bite.

Tips while you cook

Adjust temperature by weight
Set the preheat temperature and increase it by 5 °C for each extra 100 g of chicken.
Flip for even browning
When the timer sounds at 10 minutes, open the fryer and flip the breasts quickly.
Rest before slicing
Cover loosely with foil and let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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The recipe comes from Lee Lem’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

Are you Lee Lem and want this changed? Email [email protected].

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