Name: Thin Sliced Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 1 to 1¼ pounds thinly sliced chicken breasts (about 4 to 5 (4-oz) pieces); 1½ tablespoons olive oil; 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon table salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Thin sliced chicken breast in an air fryer is one of those recipes that fits into almost any weeknight meal. Seasoned with a simple spice blend, juicy all the way through, and done in about 16 minutes. Serve it over pasta, on top of a salad, or with a side of veggies and a carb.

air fryer thin chicken breast on a plate with broccoli and mashed potatoes

I use thinly sliced chicken breast for this recipe because it cooks so much faster than a full chicken breast and you still get a satisfying, full-sized piece on your plate. Season it, air fry it, and you've got a protein that works for almost any meal you're building around it.

If you prefer the oven, my baked thin chicken breast uses the exact same seasoning blend and is just as easy.

Ingredients & Substitutions

air fryer thin chicken breast ingredients

Thin Chicken Breast- Precut, thinly sliced chicken breast is usually right next to the regular chicken breast at the grocery store, labeled as "thin sliced" or "chicken cutlets." If you can't find it, butterfly a regular chicken breast down the center with a sharp knife. Watch this video to see how it's done.

Seasoning- I use smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also use Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or a Mexican blend. If you prefer a non-smoky flavor, swap regular paprika in place of smoked. Dried thyme works well in place of oregano, and onion powder can sub for garlic powder.

Olive Oil- A light coating of oil keeps the chicken juicy, helps the seasoning stick, and gives the outside a nice golden color. Avocado oil and vegetable oil both work just as well if that's what you have.

Tips

Don't overcrowd the basket. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If the pieces are overlapping, the air can't do its job, and you'll end up with uneven cooking.

Use a meat thermometer. Thin chicken breast has a short window between done and overdone. Start checking the temperature around 7 minutes, and pull it out once the chicken reaches 165F.

Air fryer size matters. Larger, higher-wattage air fryers can run hotter and cook slightly faster. This recipe was tested in a 6-quart Instant Pot Vortex. If you have a smaller or lower-wattage model, add a couple of minutes and check the temperature early.

Raw Chicken in an air fryer with oil and spices

Recipe Questions

Why is my chicken dry? Overcooking is almost always the reason. Thin chicken breast has very little margin for error. Pull it the moment it hits 165F and let it rest before slicing.

Does this have breading? No, this is just seasoned oil, no coating or breading. If you want a crispy breaded version, my air fryer chicken cutlets are the ones to make. Crispy outside, juicy inside.

How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out, or slice it cold over a salad straight from the fridge.

Make it a Meal!

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese - Rich, creamy, and a crowd-pleaser every single time. Slice the chicken on top and dinner is done.
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes - Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing the whole family will be happy about.
Crack Green Beans - A quick, flavorful veggie side that comes together with almost no effort.
Roasted Broccoli Potatoes - Throw these in the oven while the chicken cooks in the air fryer and dinner is basically on autopilot.

Tried this recipe? Let everyone know how it turned out! Your feedback and tips help others decide if they should make it.