13-Minute Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Air Fryer

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By Liliya

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This Juicy Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Air Fryer recipe gives you perfectly juicy, tender chicken in minutes—without drying it out. If you want a fast, easy, and foolproof way to cook thin sliced chicken breast in the air fryer, you’re in the right place.

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I used to struggle with cooking thin chicken breasts. Either they’d end up too dry or not evenly cooked. But once I started using the air fryer, everything changed. The circulating hot air locks in moisture, gives the chicken a slight crisp on the outside, and keeps it juicy inside. Best of all? It’s done in under 10 minutes!

I’ve tried so many air fryer chicken recipes, and these are some of my absolute favorites. Juicy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is smoky, saucy, and full of flavor, while Cheesy Air Fryer Cordon Bleu gives you that crispy, melty, restaurant-quality bite. If you’re into easy meals, Air Fryer Chicken Patties are perfect for quick sandwiches, Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken brings that sweet and savory kick, and Air Fryer Chicken Bites are crispy, juicy, and great for snacking!

This Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Air Fryer  recipe is my favorite for meal prep, quick dinners, or even slicing up for salads and wraps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal effort.
  • Juicy & Flavorful: No more dry, overcooked chicken.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or bowls.
  • Works with Any Seasoning: Customize it to match your favorite flavors!

How to Cut Chicken Breasts Thinly

If your chicken breasts are too thick, slicing them thinly ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy in the air fryer. The best way to do this is to place the chicken breast on a cutting board, hold it steady with one hand, and use a sharp knife to carefully slice it in half horizontally. You’ll end up with two thinner pieces, perfect for quick cooking. If you want even more uniform thickness, lightly pound the chicken with a meat mallet between two sheets of plastic wrap. This trick helps the chicken cook faster and stay tender!

Ingredients You’ll Need For Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Air Fryer

I keep it simple with a few ingredients that guarantee flavor and tenderness:

  • Thin Sliced Chicken Breast – I prefer boneless, skinless chicken sliced evenly for fast, even cooking.
  • Olive Oil or Avocado Oil – A light coating helps lock in moisture and enhances the seasoning.
  • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – My go-to for boosting flavor.
  • Paprika – Adds a little color and a mild smoky touch.
  • Salt & Pepper – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.

You can also switch it up with Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, or Cajun spice depending on what you’re craving!

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How to Make Thin Sliced Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and get that perfect slight crisp on the outside.

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Season the Chicken

Lightly coat the thin-sliced chicken breasts with olive oil and rub in your seasonings of choice.

Air Fry the Chicken

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time will depend on thickness, but thin chicken cooks fast!

Check for Doneness

Use your meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If needed, cook for 1–2 more minutes.

Rest & Serve

Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing—this keeps it juicy. Serve hot, or store for meal prep!

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Tips for the Best Air Fryer Thin Sliced Chicken Breast

  • Don’t Overcook: Thin chicken cooks fast, so check at the 6-minute mark to avoid drying it out.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: This guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time.
  • Season Well: Thin chicken needs bold seasoning for flavor—don’t skip it!
  • Let It Rest: A few minutes of resting time keeps it juicy and tender.

How to Keep Chicken Moist in the Air Fryer

The biggest mistake with air fryer chicken is overcooking, which can dry it out quickly. To keep it juicy, always coat the chicken with a little oil before seasoning—it helps lock in moisture. Cooking at 375°F–400°F gives the best balance of crispiness outside while keeping the inside tender. Most importantly, don’t skip the resting time! Letting the chicken sit for a couple of minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.

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What to Serve with Air Fryer Thin Sliced Chicken Breast

This chicken is super versatile! Serve it with roasted veggies, rice, or mashed potatoes air fryer style for a full meal. It’s also perfect for salads, wraps, sandwiches, or meal prep bowls.

For a low-carb option, pair it with steamed broccoli, a side salad, or cauliflower rice. Or, slice it up and add it to make a delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or even Marry Me Chicken Pasta .

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Storing and Reheating Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Air Fryer

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Reheat: Pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to keep it juicy. Avoid microwaving—it can dry out the chicken.

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How to Use Leftover Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Air Fryer

Leftover air fryer chicken is incredibly versatile and can easily be turned into another meal. Slice it up for chicken salads, wraps, or sandwiches for an easy lunch. Chop it into small pieces for tacos, quesadillas, or pasta dishes. You can even toss it into a stir-fry or grain bowl for a quick and healthy dinner. If you want to reheat it, just pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for a couple of minutes to bring back that fresh, juicy texture!

Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Air Fryer Variations

  • Spicy Kick – Add cayenne or chili powder for some heat.
  • Herby & Fresh – Try lemon zest, rosemary, or thyme for a light, fresh flavor.
  • Asian-Inspired – Season with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an umami-packed twist.
  • Crispy Coating – Dip in panko breadcrumbs before air frying for a crunchy texture.

Tools You’ll Need To Make Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Air Fryer

Cooking thin sliced chicken breast in the air fryer is super easy, but having the right tools makes a big difference. Here’s what I always use:

  • Air Fryer – Any model works, but a basket-style air fryer helps cook the chicken evenly.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife – Essential for slicing chicken thinly for quick, even cooking.
  • Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for prepping the chicken.
  • Meat Mallet – If your chicken isn’t evenly thin, lightly pounding it ensures it cooks evenly.
  • Tongs – Perfect for flipping the chicken halfway through cooking without losing moisture.
  • Meat Thermometer – The best way to avoid dry chicken—make sure it reaches 165°F but not higher.
  • Olive Oil Spray – A light spray helps lock in moisture and adds crispiness without extra fat.

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FAQs About Air Fryer Thin Sliced Chicken Breast

Can I cook frozen thin chicken breasts in the air fryer?

Yes! Just add 2 extra minutes to the cooking time and make sure they reach 165°F internally.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No, but if you have time, marinating for 30 minutes adds extra flavor and tenderness.

Can I stack chicken in the air fryer?

No, always cook in a single layer so the chicken gets evenly crispy.

How do I make the chicken extra juicy?

Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and let chicken rest before slicing.

Can I bread the chicken?

Yes! Coat with panko or seasoned breadcrumbs and spray with a little oil for a crispy crust.

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Cooking thin sliced chicken breast in the air fryer is the easiest way to get juicy, flavorful chicken in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re making a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or adding protein to a salad or sandwich, this method never fails.

Try it out and let me know your favorite seasoning combo!

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juicy-thin-sliced-chicken-breast-air-fryer-served

Juicy Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Air Fryer Recipe

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  • Author: Liliya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Juicy and golden thin sliced chicken breast in the air fryer, cooked in minutes with a crispy edge and tender inside. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced, about 1 lb)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Variations:

  • Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
  • Add Italian seasoning for a herby flavor twist.
  • Use lemon pepper for a zesty touch.


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps create a golden-brown crust.
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat the thin-sliced chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, coat the chicken with olive oil, then rub in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to evenly season the pieces.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer to allow even air circulation. Cook at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If needed, cook for 1–2 more minutes.
  5. Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices. Serve hot with your favorite sides like roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Arrange the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer – Thin chicken cooks fast, so checking temp prevents dryness.
  • Let It Rest – A short resting time keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
  • This quick and easy air fryer thin-sliced chicken is low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. It pairs well with pasta, salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches, making it a versatile meal option for any day of the week!

Nutrition

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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