Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—this thin sliced chicken breast air fryer recipe is your weeknight dinner hero! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, all without the need for heavy breading or deep frying. The best part? It’s ready in under 25 minutes start to finish!
This recipe was born from the need for fast, healthy meals that don’t skimp on flavor. I love making this thin sliced chicken breast air fryer recipe because it cooks evenly, soaks up seasoning like a pro, and turns out golden and crisp every time.
Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for the fam, this is a go-to dish you'll keep on repeat. You can add your thinly sliced chicken to this delicious Chicken Mango Salad or pair it with our famous Crispy Air Fryer Carrot Fries recipe.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Quick-cooking chicken with tons of flavor and minimal fuss.
- Crispy outside, juicy inside—no dry chicken here.
- Super versatile: serve with pasta, salads, wraps, or sides.
🌟 Star Ingredients
- Thin Sliced Chicken Breast – The MVP! Thin cuts cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer and absorb flavors beautifully. I like to slice them myself from full chicken breasts for maximum control.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds that smoky-sweet punch that gives the chicken depth and a golden hue. Don’t skip it—it really makes the flavor pop.
- Avocado Oil – This high-smoke-point oil locks in moisture and helps crisp the outside. It also helps your seasonings stick without overpowering the chicken.
- Garlic & Onion Powder – The flavor dream team! Together, they add a savory backbone that makes every bite feel just right.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Flavor Variations
Want to mix things up? These easy marinade swaps and flavor twists will take your thin sliced chicken breast air fryer recipe to the next level—no extra effort required.
- Lime & Cilantro – Bright, zesty, and packed with herby freshness. Perfect for taco night or summery salads.
- Soy Garlic – Rich, savory, and totally crave-worthy. This one’s a winner for wraps, stir-fries, or rice bowls.
- Balsamic Herb – A little sweet, a little tangy, and very Mediterranean. Try it with quinoa, couscous, or greens.
Craving more tasty pairings for your thin sliced chicken breast air fryer recipe? Try it with a creamy scoop of Pumpkin Mac and Cheese for cozy comfort, plate it up next to these crispy Okra Chips for a crunchy side, or add a pop of green with Air Fryer Asparagus with Parmesan—because who doesn’t love crispy-cheesy veggies?
🔪 How To Make This Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Air Fryer Recipe
This recipe includes options for air frying sliced chicken or air frying chicken breast and slicing at the end. Both methods work well and give great results.
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. While it heats, mix the smoked paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and avocado oil in a small bowl to make your marinade. You can either slice the chicken breasts into thin strips before air frying or cook them whole and slice afterward. (We cooked them whole and sliced after for the photos—both ways work great!)
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, then pour the marinade over them. Make sure they’re well coated, and let them sit for 15–20 minutes so the flavors really soak in.
- Step 3: If cooking whole and slicing after: Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If sliced before cooking: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and lightly crisp.
- Step 4: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices. Then slice (if needed), garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon, and serve it up with roasted veggies, a simple avocado salad, or almond milk mashed potatoes for a full-on comfort meal.
💡 Hint: Slice your own chicken breast to control the thickness—it’s more cost-effective and guarantees even cooking!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use a sharp knife for clean, uniform slices—it helps everything cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the rest—letting the chicken sit for 5 minutes after cooking makes it way juicier.
- Add flavor layers—sprinkle with lemon zest or fresh herbs just before serving for an extra kick.
💭 Thin Sliced Chicken Air Fryer FAQs
Cook your flavorful thinly sliced chicken breasts in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes.
Yes, preheating the air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately and helps achieve a crispier texture.
Definitely. Flipping ensures that golden crisp on both sides.
It's best not to layer chicken breast slices in the air fryer. For even cooking and a crispy finish, spread them out in a single layer so they don’t touch. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and cook the chicken evenly.
Cool thin chicken breast slices to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Air Fryer chicken breast can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store separately in freezer safe bags.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Pair your thinly sliced chicken with these flavor-packed sides!
- Spinach Rice Casserole – Creamy, cozy, and full of feta vibes.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad – Sweet, roasted, and basically fall in a bowl.
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters – Crispy little veggie pancakes that steal the show.
- Garlic Cilantro Rice – Garlicky, herby goodness—total flavor sponge.
- Red Cabbage Slaw – Crunchy, zesty, and just the right amount of sassy.
🍽 More Great Chicken Recipes
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Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Air Fryer Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Chicken Breast Boneless and Skinless
- 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Dried Onion
- ¼ teaspoon Dried Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Combine smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, chopped onion, minced garlic, and avocado oil in a small bowl to prepare the marinade.
- You can either slice the chicken breasts into thin strips before air frying or cook them whole and slice afterward. (We cooked them whole and sliced after for the photos—both ways work great!)
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, then pour the marinade over them. Make sure they’re well coated, and let them sit for 15–20 minutes so the flavors really soak in.
- Once marinated, transfer the chicken breasts from the marinade to the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer with the rounded side down.
- If cooking whole and slicing after: Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If sliced before cooking: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices. Then slice (if needed), garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon.
