21 Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes Everyone Will Love

I didn’t fully understand how useful my air fryer could be until I started making chicken in it regularly.

It’s one of those appliances that can put browned, well-cooked chicken on the table without heating up the whole kitchen or making you stand over a skillet, which is especially helpful on a busy weeknight when dinner needs to happen fast.

If you’re looking for a good air fryer, I really like the Beautiful 6 Qt Air Fryer with TurboCrisp Technology because it does a great job of getting chicken crispy without using much oil.

The thing is, “air fryer chicken” isn’t really one recipe. A boneless chicken breast cooks very differently from a drumstick, and a breaded tender is nothing like a plain tenderloin.

Having a reliable method for each cut, along with a few different flavors to switch between, is what makes an air fryer so handy. Here are 21 ways to use it.

A quick note before you start: every air fryer is a little different, and chicken pieces vary in size and thickness, so use the cooking times below as a starting point rather than a guarantee.

The one number that doesn’t change is 165°F. That’s the internal temperature chicken needs to reach at its thickest part to be safe to eat.

A digital instant-read meat thermometer is the easiest way to check without having to cut into the chicken to see if it’s done. Just insert it into the thickest part, making sure the tip isn’t touching the bone.

Jump To Recipe

Looking for a specific type of air fryer chicken? Use the links below to jump straight to the section you’re interested in.

• Basic Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
• Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Recipes
• Flavored Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Basic Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

If you need an easy chicken dinner without a lot of work, start with these basic air fryer chicken recipes. You’ll find everyday favorites like chicken breast, thighs, tenderloins, fajitas, and kebabs.

1. Air Fryer Chicken Breast

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Boneless chicken breast can dry out quickly, and the air fryer is no exception. Keeping the pieces an even thickness and watching the cooking time closely helps keep them juicy.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (similar size)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

How To Make It

1. Pound the breasts to an even thickness, about 3/4 inch, so they cook at about the same rate.
2. Rub with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 370°F for 9 minutes. Flip, then cook for another 8–9 minutes.
4. Remove once the internal temperature reaches 165°F and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Don’t skip the resting time. Cutting into the chicken right away can cause the juices to run out before they have a chance to settle back into the meat.

2. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are one of the easiest cuts to cook because the extra fat helps keep the meat juicy.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper

How To Make It

1. Rub the thighs with oil and seasoning, getting some seasoning underneath the skin if you can.
2. Place them skin-side down in the basket and cook at 380°F for 12 minutes.
3. Flip them skin-side up and cook for another 10–12 minutes, until the skin is browned and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

Tip: Starting the thighs skin-side down helps render some of the fat before you flip them, which helps the skin brown nicely.

3. Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipe

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Boneless chicken thighs cook faster than bone-in thighs and stay juicy, making them a good option for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

How To Make It

1. Toss the thighs with oil and seasoning.
2. Arrange them in a single layer in the basket.
3. Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, flip, then cook for another 6–8 minutes.
4. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Chicken thighs can safely go a little higher without drying out as quickly as breast meat.

Tip: Boneless thighs can vary quite a bit in thickness, so start checking a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time, especially if you have smaller pieces.

4. Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloin Recipe (Plain and Simply Seasoned)

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This is the simple, unbreaded version, perfect for when you want a quick chicken dinner without a heavy coating or complicated seasoning.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper

How To Make It

1. Toss the tenderloins with oil and seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Arrange them in a single layer in the basket.
3. Cook at 390°F for 5 minutes, flip, then cook for another 4–5 minutes.
4. Check that they have reached 165°F before removing them from the air fryer.

Tip: Chicken tenderloins are naturally tender and don’t need much seasoning, so this is a good recipe when you want something simple that still tastes good.

5. Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs (Chicken Skewers)

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Chicken skewers take up more room in the air fryer than most cuts, so you’ll need to arrange them carefully to give the hot air enough room to circulate.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Skewers (wooden skewers soaked in water for 20 minutes, or metal)

How To Make It

1. Toss the chicken cubes with oil and seasoning, then thread them onto the skewers.
2. Lay the skewers in the basket with some space between them so air can circulate. Trim the ends if needed to make them fit.
3. Cook at 380°F for 6 minutes, turn, then cook for another 5–6 minutes.
4. Check a few pieces for an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Tip: Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so they finish cooking at about the same time.

6. Air Fryer Chicken Fajita Recipe

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This recipe cooks the chicken and vegetables together, so cutting everything into similar-sized pieces helps them finish around the same time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fajita seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder)

How To Make It

1. Toss the chicken strips and sliced vegetables with oil and fajita seasoning.
2. Spread everything in the basket in as close to a single layer as possible.
3. Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes, shake or toss the basket, then cook for another 5–6 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables have some char around the edges.

Tip: Serve the fajita chicken and vegetables over rice or in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

If crispy chicken is what you’re after, these air fryer recipes have you covered. From crispy-skinned wings and drumsticks to breaded tenders, nuggets, and popcorn chicken, there’s something for every kind of craving.

7. Air Fryer Chicken Wings

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Wings are one of the best things to make in an air fryer because you get crispy skin without deep frying or turning on the oven.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
• 1 tbsp baking powder (not baking soda)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

How To Make It

1. Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible helps the skin get crispy.
2. Mix the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken wings and toss until they’re evenly coated. The baking powder helps draw moisture from the skin, allowing it to brown and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
3. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket without stacking them.
4. Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes, flip, then cook for another 10–12 minutes at 400°F until the skin is browned and crisp.
5. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F at the thickest part before serving.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. If you have more wings than will fit in a single layer, cook them in two batches instead of piling them up.

8. Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

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Because drumsticks are round, turning them more than once helps them brown more evenly on all sides.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

How To Make It

1. Toss the drumsticks with oil and seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Arrange them in the basket with some space between each piece.
3. Cook at 380°F for 20–22 minutes total, turning every 7 minutes or so to help them brown evenly.
4. Check the thickest part near the bone for an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Tip: The meat closest to the bone is often the last part to reach the right temperature, so check that area instead of only checking the outside.

9. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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These are the crispy, breaded chicken tenders you’d want for dipping, rather than plain strips of chicken.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Cooking spray

How To Make It

1. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko mixed with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge each tenderloin in flour, then egg, then press it into the panko mixture to coat.
3. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket and spray the tops with cooking oil.
4. Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes, flip, spray the other side, and cook for another 5–6 minutes, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tip: Press the panko firmly onto the chicken instead of simply rolling the chicken through it. This helps the coating stay in place while it cooks.

10. Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets Recipe

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Chicken cutlets are thin, so they cook quickly and can dry out fast if you leave them in the air fryer too long.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced horizontally and pounded thin (about 1/4 inch)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

How To Make It

1. Rub the cutlets with oil and seasoning on both sides.
2. Lay them flat in the basket without overlapping.
3. Cook at 390°F for 4 minutes, flip, then cook for another 3–4 minutes.
4. Remove them as soon as they reach 165°F, since the thin pieces don’t need much extra cooking time.

Tip: Set a timer and check them early rather than guessing. With thin cutlets, even an extra minute or two can make a difference.

11. Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

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These nuggets are smaller and more uniform than tenders, with a lighter breading that makes them easy to grab and dip.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken or finely diced chicken breast
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

How To Make It

1. If using ground chicken, mix it with a little salt and pepper, then shape it into bite-sized nuggets.
2. Dredge each piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder.
3. Arrange the nuggets in the basket, leaving some space between them, and spray with oil.
4. Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes, shake the basket to turn the nuggets, then cook for another 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Tip: Shaking the basket is easier than flipping each nugget individually and helps the smaller pieces cook evenly.

12. Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

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Popcorn chicken is smaller and crunchier than nuggets, making it perfect for snacking, dipping, or serving alongside fries.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small bite-sized cubes
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

How To Make It

1. Dredge the chicken cubes in flour, then egg, then panko mixed with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread the pieces in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed.
3. Cook at 400°F for 4 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for another 4 minutes until golden and crisp.
4. Check that the chicken has reached 165°F before serving.

Tip: These small pieces cook quickly, so start checking them a minute or two early to keep them from drying out.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Recipes

A quick note before this section: BBQ sauce contains sugar, which can burn if it’s exposed to high heat for too long. For the recipes below, add the sauce near the end of cooking instead of putting it on at the beginning.

Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ Sauce is a good option if you want a classic, sweet barbecue flavor without having to make your own sauce.

13. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Recipe

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Think of this as a basic BBQ chicken method that works with different bone-in chicken pieces rather than one specific cut.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (a mix of thighs and drumsticks works well)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 2/3 cup BBQ sauce

How To Make It

1. Rub the chicken with oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook at 380°F for about 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Brush generously with BBQ sauce, then cook for another 4–5 minutes to let the sauce set and caramelize slightly.
4. Check the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it has reached 165°F before serving.

Tip: Brush on a second light layer of BBQ sauce right after cooking if you want a glossier finish.

14. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe

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A leg quarter is bigger than a drumstick because it includes both the thigh and drumstick, so it needs more cooking time and a little extra attention around the joint where the two pieces meet.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken leg quarters (thigh and drumstick attached)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

How To Make It

1. Rub the leg quarters with oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, making sure to season around the joint between the thigh and drumstick.
2. Place them skin-side down in the basket and cook at 370°F for 15 minutes. The lower temperature gives the thicker thigh portion more time to cook without burning the drumstick end.
3. Flip skin-side up and cook for another 12–15 minutes.
4. Brush with BBQ sauce and cook for another 4–5 minutes to set the glaze.
5. Check the internal temperature in both the thigh and drumstick, since they may finish at slightly different times. Both should reach 165°F.

Tip: Leg quarters are fairly large, so don’t overcrowd the basket. Two quarters per batch is usually the limit for most standard air fryer baskets, even if it looks like you could squeeze in another one.

Leg quarters vary a lot in size depending on where you buy them, so the cooking time above is more of a starting point than usual, and larger quarters may need another 5 minutes or so.

15. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe

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This uses the same crisping method as the plain wings above, but the BBQ sauce is added at the end instead of using a dry seasoning mix.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• Salt and pepper
• 2/3 cup BBQ sauce

How To Make It

1. Pat the wings dry, then toss them with baking powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes, flip, then cook for another 10 minutes at 400°F.
3. Toss the crispy wings in BBQ sauce, then return them to the basket for 2–3 minutes to set the sauce.

Tip: Tossing the wings in a separate bowl instead of brushing the sauce on while they’re in the basket helps coat them more evenly.

16. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

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Bone-in thighs stay juicy during a longer cook, giving the BBQ sauce time to set without drying out the chicken.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

How To Make It

1. Rub the thighs with oil, salt, and pepper, then cook skin-side down at 380°F for 12 minutes.
2. Flip skin-side up and cook for another 8 minutes.
3. Brush with BBQ sauce and cook for another 4–5 minutes, until the sauce is set and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tip: Letting the skin brown before adding the sauce gives you a better texture underneath the glaze.

17. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

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Chicken breast needs a little more attention because it can dry out while you’re waiting for the BBQ sauce to set.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

How To Make It

1. Pound the breasts to an even thickness and rub them with oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook at 370°F for 8 minutes, flip, then cook for another 6 minutes.
3. Brush with BBQ sauce and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just long enough for the sauce to set without overcooking the chicken.

Tip: Check the internal temperature before adding the sauce. If the chicken is already close to 165°F, keep the final sauce step short.

Flavored Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

These recipes take air fryer chicken beyond basic seasoning with flavorful marinades, sauces, and spices. They’re a great option when you want something a little more exciting without making dinner complicated.

18. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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Parmesan can burn quickly at high temperatures, so it’s best added after the chicken has cooked rather than at the beginning.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken wings or bite-sized chicken pieces
• 1 tbsp baking powder (if using wings)
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley, chopped

How To Make It

1. Cook the chicken using the wings method above, or at 400°F for 10–12 minutes if using boneless pieces, flipping halfway through.
2. While the chicken cooks, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic.
3. Once the chicken reaches 165°F and is nicely browned, toss it with the garlic butter, then sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley while it’s still warm.

Tip: Toss the chicken in the garlic butter while it’s still hot from the air fryer. The butter coats the pieces more evenly that way.

19. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken

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Buffalo sauce is usually made with hot sauce and butter, so you don’t have to worry about it burning as quickly as a sugary BBQ sauce.

Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce is a good choice for this recipe because it gives you that classic tangy, cayenne-pepper flavor when mixed with melted butter. It’s still best added after cooking, though, so it coats the chicken evenly.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken wings or tenders
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 3 tbsp melted butter

How To Make It

1. Cook the chicken using the wings method above, or the breaded tenders method if that’s what you’re using.
2. Mix the hot sauce and melted butter together while the chicken finishes cooking.
3. Toss the hot, cooked chicken in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.

Tip: Serve with something cool on the side, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery, to balance the heat.

20. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken

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Honey can burn under high heat, so just like BBQ sauce, it’s best added near the end of cooking. A less-sodium soy sauce works well here, especially since the recipe also calls for salt, and it lets the honey’s sweetness and garlic come through without making the glaze overly salty.
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Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp less-sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

How To Make It

1. Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper and cook at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s nearly cooked.
2. Mix the honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a small bowl.
3. Brush the glaze over the chicken and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the glaze is sticky and the chicken reaches 165°F.

Tip: Keep an eye on the chicken during the last few minutes. Honey can go from nicely caramelized to burnt pretty quickly.

21. Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken

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Unlike the sauces above, lemon and pepper don’t have the same risk of burning, so you can season the chicken before it goes into the air fryer.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken wings, thighs, or breast
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Juice of 1/2 lemon, for finishing

How To Make It

1. Toss the chicken with oil, lemon zest, pepper, and salt.
2. Cook using the time and temperature that matches your chosen cut from earlier in this list.
3. Once the chicken reaches 165°F, squeeze fresh lemon juice over it right before serving.

Tip: Add the lemon juice at the end instead of before cooking. This keeps the lemon flavor brighter.

Final Thoughts

That’s 21 ways to make chicken in an air fryer, covering many of the cuts you’ll find at the grocery store along with several different flavor options.

You don’t need to work through the list in order. Pick the cut you have in the fridge, choose a flavor you’re in the mood for, and start there.

The next time you’re wondering what to do with that pack of chicken, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Recommended reading:

27 Feel-Good Meals That Are Delicious & Easy To Make

21 High-Protein Indian Breakfast Ideas For Weight Loss

10 Best Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes

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