50+ Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Looking to add to your weekly menu with the best chicken recipes for air fryer?
Here are the Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipes whether it’s for dinner to an appetizer. This complete list has recipes that include breaded and seasoned, to sauced!
Fact: Chicken is most likely the most popular dish to make. Not only is it budget-friendly, yet this meat is such a versatile protein too.
Such a wide variety of dishes can be made with chicken.
Quickly becoming just as iconic as chicken itself, is the air fryer.
The air fryer is so great for cooking chicken. More often than not, I’m opting to use my air fryer over the oven or BBQ.
No matter the season or occasion, an air fryer is a handy appliance that is changing the way we cook.
If you aren’t familiar, an air fryer is a small appliance that cooks by circulating hot air, without the use of oil.
The air fryer cooks by rapidly circulating air inside, like a countertop convection oven. This rapid circulation makes the food crisp.
Air frying is much like deep-frying, but without the oil. So you can have your delicious Classic Fried Chicken without it being deep fried at all.
The air fryer is perfect for cooking tender chicken with an outside that is crispy perfection. Plus, it’s quicker at doing so when compared to baking it in the oven.
Best Chicken Recipes for Air Fryer
Of all my air fryer recipes, my air frier chicken recipes might just be my favorite.
I know I could use more of them, so I know you will appreciate the best chicken recipes for air fryer as well.
Are you looking for appetizers like Air Frier Chicken Bites, an easy weeknight dinner such as Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken, or Air Fryer Chicken Wings for game day snacks?
This list gives you a flavorful chicken recipe for every single day – whether it’s a busy day dinner or a special occasion!
Your whole family will love the juicy results.
After this list of the best air fryer chicken recipes, check out the FAQ’s at the end of the post. I provide some tips and basics on how to air fry chicken!
The Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Make
The best part about this incredible list of air fryer chicken recipes, is that they are also easy chicken recipes too.
The air fryer method of cooking chicken makes such easy meals and side dishes.
I’ve put together a list of 50 best chicken recipes for air fryer. Most of these delicious recipes take only 30 minutes to make.
Choose and make your favorites, and never make bland chicken again.
The recipes below are also separated for the following:
Try one for dinner tonight! Yet first a few tips to get you started.
Air Fried Chicken Tips
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The Best Air-Fryer Chicken Recipes
Looking to add more air fryer chicken recipes to your weekly menu? Here are the best chicken recipes for the air fryer, most of which only take 30 minutes to make. From appetizers to main dishes, sides and snacks - there's plenty to choose from. Great for busy weekdays to special occasions.
- There is separate sections for: chicken breasts, chicken legs and drumsticks, chicken wings, whole chicken and ground chicken.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Boneless air fryer chicken bites easy to make and ready in 20 minutes. Seasoned with herbs and spices, they are crispy even though there is no breading.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are seasoned juicy chicken bites wrapped in crispy bacon. This tasty appetizer has a smoky sweet flavor, and is made in under 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe is coated with a panko mixture and parmesan cheese for a crispy outside. The juicy inside is flavorful thanks to a garlic-lemon marinade that adds that little bit of ‘extra’ to this family favorite comfort meal!
Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
These quick and easy air fryer chicken nuggets are perfectly golden brown, crispy, and moist. The secret here is drizzling the breading with melted butter to create the perfect texture. These chicken nuggets are freezer-friendly too!
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Easy air fryer chicken fajitas are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that will be ready in less than 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Homemade popcorn chicken in the air fryer is an easy kid-friendly snack, lunch or dinner that the whole family will love. Instructions for frozen popcorn chicken in the air fryer are also included! They can even be made gluten-free or paleo.
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken (using cornflakes)
Just 5 ingredients to make this Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken. For a quick dinner, feeding a crowd, or serving up as a party appetizer or a snack on game day. You’re going to love this super crispy chicken.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are an incredibly crunchy and flavorful homemade version of every kid’s favorite restaurant meal. Save money and time by cooking in air fryer at home. Chicken tenders in air fryer are easy to make and are a serious upgrade from frozen chicken tenders. You won’t believe you can air fry your own chicken tenders that are so crunchy.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a satisfying and easy air fryer chicken recipe! Juicy chicken that is coated in Parmesan mix and then air fried to make the perfect crispy crust with a tender and juicy chicken.
Air Fryer Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts
Crispy air fryer lemon pepper chicken breasts are made with “made from scratch” lemon and pepper seasonings and a cornstarch and flour mixture.
Air fryer Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Air Fryer Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets are the ultimate way to get your chicken fix at home. Pickle soaked chicken nuggets that are battered and air fried to golden crispy texture.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken cordon bleu is quickly cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. This classic chicken recipe is always a crowd favorite, and now it's ready to serve in a fraction of the time. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
Orange Chicken
This Orange Chicken (Air Fryer) is the easiest weeknight dinner and it is much tastier (and healthier) than takeout. The lightly breaded crispy chicken is tossed in the most vibrant orange soy flavored sauce. Serve this air fryer orange chicken over steamed or fried rice and dinner is served!
Everything Bagel Seasoning Chicken Fingers
In just 25 minutes this Everything Seasoning Chicken Fingers Recipe can be on the table. It's super easy and quick to make using your air fryer and it makes the yummiest, crispiest, and totally delicious chicken fingers around!
Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken
This bold Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken is a super flavorful upgrade to your ordinary chicken dinner. This crispy dish is gooey and cheesy with a little extra jalapeño kick.
Easy Chicken Caprese
Chicken Caprese is an easy air fryer main dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, then finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Makes a great dinner for two or is easily doubled for a family of four.
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
Delicious Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast cooks in just 20 minutes! This flavorful chicken stuffed with cheese and spinach is easy enough for weeknights, but elegant enough for entertaining and special occasions.
Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
These chicken kabobs in air fryer are so delicious and succulent, the perfect appetizer or main. Very easy recipe. Needs only 30 minutes of marination, and taste just like grilled skewers and are done much faster.
Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers
Low-Carb Chicken parmesan stuffed peppers, and can be made in the air fryer! Made with juicy pieces of chicken, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, all stuffed in a tender bell pepper.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Stuffed Chicken
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Stuffed Chicken is a cinch to make in Air Fryer. Flavorful Stuffed chicken breast filled with cheesy jalapenos wrapped in crispy bacon.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are an easy, crispy chicken tender made with 5 ingredients: buffalo sauce, panko crumbs, salt, pepper, and chicken!
Chicken Katsu Curry
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside this Chicken Katsu is so easy to make. Don't forget the creamy curry sauce and bring your favourite restaurant treat home.
Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders {Greek}
These Greek keto air fryer chicken tenders are easy to make, flavorful, and sure to hit the spot. Best of all, with a salad or side of veggies, they're perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight family low carb meal.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
These Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets are crispy, juicy, and delicious. They are easy to make and take less than 15 minutes to cook in the air fryer!
Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Breasts
This Air Fryer Lemon Chicken recipe is moist, delicious and full of bright fresh lemons, fresh garlic and rosemary flavors. It's perfect as an a main meal, and to use in other dishes. It's a great low calorie, low carb dish with cooking time about 15 minutes!
Homemade Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Chicken and Waffles is such a classic dish, it’s just good comfort food. It’s super popular and definitely a crowd favorite. This recipe calls for chicken breasts to be seasoned perfectly in a flour mixture then air fried until they are golden brown.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipes
Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken at home, just like at your favorite restaurant! This recipe has a buttermilk marinade and a tasty coating, and is made in under 45 minutes. Super crispy on the outside and tender and juicy inside. YUM!
Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
This tandoori chicken will taste just like it came from your local Indian restaurant! Learn how to make this iconic Indian dish in your air fryer, which delivers an authentic taste fast and fuss free.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Cook the most delicious BBQ Chicken Drumsticks every time in your air fryer! They come out sticky and crispy on the outside and perfectly moist and juicy on the inside. You only need 4 ingredients and less 25 minutes!
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
These air fryer chicken leg quarters roast to perfection in under 25 minutes. With crispy skin, a mouthwatering spice rub and tender, juicy meat, you will love this easy dinner!
Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipes
Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These crispy air fryer chicken wings are breaded with spices, cooked and then double cooked in a sweet chili sauce. Seasoned and sauced to perfection, and so quick to make.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Want to how to cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer? These Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings are super easy to make and a great option when you don’t have fresh chicken wings on hand. They’re ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Air Fryer Taco Chicken Wings
With chicken wings, salt, pepper, butter and taco seasoning - this is an easy appetizer to make at home.
Garlic Parmesan Wings in Air fryer
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings in air fryer is a delicious and indulgent appetizer. Addictively tasty, the recipe is really easy to make at home and needs minimal supervision.
Air Fryer Korean BBQ Chicken Wings
Smothered in a sweet and sticky sauce, these Air Fryer Korean BBQ Chicken Wing are an easy way to enjoy this crowd-pleasing fried chicken meal.
Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings
Using Old Bay seasoning, These air fryer old bay chicken wings are so addicting. Seasoned to perfection, an easy quick lunch or dinner, and a huge hit for a game day appetizer.
Air Fryer Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken Wings
These flavour-packed Vietnamese-style fish sauce chicken wings are simple to make and will be an instant hit with family or for entertaining. This fish sauce chicken marinade will create the perfect sweet and sticky wings.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Roast Chicken
This succulent Air Fryer Roast Chicken is dressed up gorgeously in a butter mustard rub and crisped up in honey to finish. The chicken is tender and juicy inside and makes a wonderful dinner any time!
Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken
Air Fryer Spatchcock chicken is a an easy way to cook whole chicken while taking out the backbone and placing it in a butterfly position. This recipe will leave you with a crispy outside and perfectly moist and tender meat!
Whole Chicken with rosemary, lemon and garlic
This Air Fryer Roast Chicken is simple to make, tender, juicy and flavorful! When you roast a whole chicken in the air fryer using the roast function, you get rotisserie style chicken right in your air fryer (and without a spit)!
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Cooking Cornish Hens in the Air Fryer is an easy and delicious main dish idea. Easier than cooking a whole regular chicken, these small chickens make a great meal for two with juicy meat and crispy skin. With only 30 minutes cooking time, perfect for a weeknight dinner or dinner guests!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipes
Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken
With a deliciously seasoned crispy, golden cornflake crust, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken is crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy on the inside. Use bone-in thighs or drumsticks. Just 30 minutes to make!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Get ready for your new favorite air fryer recipe! These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are juicy on the inside and nice and crispy on the outside. They’re incredibly simple and easy to make, and are ready in under 30 minutes with just 5 ingredients!
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken (Crispy)
This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken has the crispiest skin and is tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Serve these juicy chicken thighs over a bed of steamed white rice for the perfect weeknight dinner. This recipe has a cook time of 25 minutes!
Air Fryer Paprika Chicken
These chicken thighs have super crispy, crunchy skin and juicy, tender meat with delicious spices. With garlic and paprika, this recipe takes just 30 minutes ot make.
Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Buffalo Chicken Thighs recipe is a super simple way to prepare boneless skinless chicken thighs in the oven or air fryer that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game night. The meat is both marinaded and smothered in Frank’s Hot Sauce for the ultimate Buffalo flavor experience.
Air Fryer Greek Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Greek Chicken Thighs are crispy, lemony, and so flavorful! The Greek-inspired marinade coats the chicken and the air fryer crisps them to perfection. An easy meal that is quick to make for a weeknight or weekend dinner.
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
With thighs or chicken breast, this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy this extremely popular Chinese dish, but without all the breading. Moist chicken air fried to an even crisp, drizzled with a red sauce that's sour yet sweet, and served with perfectly cooked bell peppers.
Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy and make a simple recipe. I love the crispy skin that the air fryer gives to chicken thighs and how little clean-up is involved. You can change up the spices that are used in the marinade depending on what you have on hand.
Air Fryer Ground Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are zesty little appetizers that are perfect for the big game and tailgate parties! They're incredibly tasty, and can be served alone, or as sliders for football season and weeknight dinners!
Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Get a tasty and healthy dinner on the table in 20 minutes with these delicious air fryer chicken meatballs. Simply seasoned and made with a few simple ingredients, they come out perfectly juicy and are great for meal prep.
FAQS
How long should you cook chicken for in the air fryer?
Cook time greatly varies on the type of air fryer you are using and the size of the pieces of chicken. Also, if it’s boneless or bone-in chicken.
As in, a whole chicken would take longer to cook than a boneless chicken breast. Likewise, a chicken drumstick would take longer than a boneless chicken thigh.
The best way to determine if chicken is fully cooked, is with tan instant read thermometer.
Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F with a meat thermometer, to be considered safe to eat.
What temperature should I cook chicken in the air fryer?
Chicken cooks in an air fryer anywhere from 350°F – 400°F.
Obviously, the lower the temperature, the longer it will take to cook and reach that safe 165°F internal temperature reading.
The higher the temperature, the more the chicken skin will be nice and crispy.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
While it’s not a must, it cannot hurt, so I suggest you should. If you don’t, your food might take longer to cook, and the outside might be less crispy. The best way to know, is to check the manual and follow their instructions.
Do you have to thaw chicken before air frying?
Chicken can be cooked from frozen. No need to thaw.
Can you cook frozen chicken in the air fryer?
Yes you certainly can! Always take note in each individual recipe on whether it calls for fresh chicken or frozen chicken.
Most recipes detail on how to use the alternate, so go forth from those tips when needed.
How long does air fried chicken last?
Place air fried chicken leftovers in an airtight container or plastic wrap. Leftovers should be refrigerated and will last for 3-4 days.
Can you reheat chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, and oftentimes it’s the best way! Reheating chicken in the air fryer ensures you get that crisp back to the food, when compared to the microwave that will make chicken soggy.
While there isn’t a general rule for time and temperature, I suggest reheating at 350ºF until the chicken is back to a food safety temperature of 165ºF.
65+ EASY CHICKEN RECIPES
The most popular best chicken recipes including comfort food chicken recipes such as casseroles, takeout copycats, appetizers, and soups.
What kind of chicken can you air fry?
Whether raw chicken or frozen chicken, any kind of chicken can be air fried as long as it fits in the air fryer basket.
Remember, the air fryer works by circulating air around the food. So always ensure each piece has space around it for even cooking.
Created by Tammi Roy
Tammi Roy is the founder of My Organized Chaos, a Canadian food and lifestyle blog. She lives in Alberta, Canada and is the mom of three beautiful teenage girls. Tammi’s passions are her family, creating and sharing delicious recipes, travelling and photography. Learn more about Tammi.
The air fryer is my favorite kitchen tool. I’m loving all of these recipes; can’t wait to try some of them!
Love this comprehensive round up of air fryer chicken recipes. So many fabulous ideas to try out. Thanks.
Delicious round-up! Thank you for including my two air fryer chicken recipes! Nettie