You will love this easy air fryer blackened chicken breast recipe. This recipe is inspired by the southern classic, but is made simply using an air fryer. This flavorful chicken is a favorite recipe that's great with side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or on a fresh salad. Make it as spicy as you like so the whole family can enjoy this delicious meal for lunch or dinner.
We never get tired of using our air fryer because it helps us get dinner on the table quickly when we don't have a lot of time. This easy chicken recipe is one we make over and over again because the cajun seasoning blend is addictive and really spices up plain chicken.
We use my Louisiana rub recipe to make this chicken. I make a big batch of the seasoning mix so I have it on hand for other kicked-up meals.
We love this air fryer blackened chicken with salads when we're trying to keep things light. But sometimes a great side dish like this coconut rice or this baked mac and cheese makes this a hearty meal that fills everyone up.
Why this recipe works
Tons of flavor - spice up those bland chicken breasts with the unique flavor of this spice rub that's not too spicy.
Simple - you get a lot of flavor without all the work. The only ingredients are chicken and seasonings mix.
Versatile dish - this air fryer blackened chicken works for lunch or dinner, with salads or side dishes. You can put as much or as little seasoning on the chicken so it turns out just as you like it.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts - the cooking time for this recipe is based on boneless chicken breasts. I had 7 ounce breasts. If you use a different piece of chicken, such as bone-in, or thighs, then you will have to adjust the cooking times.
Blackened seasoning - we use my Louisiana chicken wings rub recipe for blackening the chicken. It's not too hot and has a touch of sweetness. You can go directly to that recipe for the exact measurements, but the spices you 'll need are:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Thyme
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- Brown sugar - if sweetness is desired, can be omitted
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Non stick cooking spray
How to make it
- Mix blackening spices if you don't already have some on hand. Set aside while you prepare chicken.
- Preheat air fryer using the preheat function at 360 degrees F. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Place chicken on a plate or dish and rub each side with a small amount of olive oil. You can also spray with cooking spray if that's your preference.
- Sprinkle each side being sure to press the seasoning in to help it adhere. Try to evenly coat the chicken, getting the sides of the chicken too. I used about ¾ tablespoons per side.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place each piece of chicken (I put the smooth side down first) in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360 degrees F for 8 minutes. Flip chicken over and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes. Note that this cook time is based on chicken that was about 7 ounce each.
- Let chicken rest about 5 minutes before slicing.
Quick facts
No, it's not always necessary to preheat your air fryer before cooking. If you don't, you may need to add a minute or two to the total cooking time.
Traditional blackened meats and fish are first dipped in melted butter, coated in seasonings, then cooked in a hot cast iron skillet until slightly charred. This high heat cooking method along with the seasoning make the food appear burned.
Yes, chicken is full of protein, important b vitamins, and minerals. It's low in fat making it one of the healthiest foods around. Blackening the chicken in the air fryer doesn't add any significant fat or calories to the dish.
I use the Cosori XL for all my air fryer recipes. It's perfect for 4 to 6 people. You may also like this one that's also a toaster oven, or this smaller one from Dash perfect for 2 people.
Top tips
For best results, use a meat thermometer to cook chicken to the proper temperature. Chicken breast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
A food scale is a great way to measure ingredients. It's helpful to know the weight of a cut of meat so it can be cooked to perfection!
Air fryers vary. Your model may be slightly different than mine, so adjust times as needed.
Air fryer boneless chicken breast cook time and temperature guide
Use these suggested cook times as a guide:
- 6 ounce breasts at 360º F for 15 minutes
- 8 ounce breasts at 360º F for 18 minutes
- 10 ounce breasts at 360º F for 20 minutes
- 12 ounce breasts at 360º F for 22 minutes
How to store
- Keep you leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days. Freeze for up to three months.
- Reheat in the microwave or in a 300 degrees F oven or air fryer until heated through.
What tastes good with blackened chicken?
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Air Fryer Blackened Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 (7 ounce) chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- Cooking spray
Blackened Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 ½ tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Mix blackening spices if you don't already have some on hand. Set aside while you prepare chicken.
- Preheat air fryer using the preheat function at 360 degrees F. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Place chicken on a plate or dish and rub each side with a small amount of olive oil. You can also spray with cooking spray if that's your preference.
- Sprinkle each side being sure to press the seasoning in to help it adhere. Try to evenly coat the chicken, getting the sides of the chicken too. I used about ¾ tablespoons per side.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place each piece of chicken (I put the smooth side down first) in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360 degrees F for 8 minutes. Flip chicken over and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes. Note that this cook time is based on chicken that was about 7 ounce each.
- Let chicken rest about 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to cook chicken to the proper temperature. Chicken breast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Keep you leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days.
- Freeze for up to three months.
- Reheat in the microwave or in a 300 degrees F oven or air fryer until heated through.
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