Let’s take a look at how to cook chicken breasts. We will examine the pros and cons of an oven versus an air fryer. When it comes to cooking chicken breasts, there are many methods to choose from, including using an oven or an air fryer. While both of these cooking methods can produce delicious, juicy chicken, they each have their own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts
Oven-baked chicken breasts have long been a staple of home cooking. Cooking chicken in the oven is a simple and relatively hands-off process, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. To cook chicken breasts in the oven, simply preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), rub the chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. One of the main advantages of cooking chicken breasts in the oven is that it can cook a large batch at once, which makes it ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
However, there are some downsides to using the oven to cook chicken breasts. Because ovens tend to have hot spots and cool spots, the chicken breasts may not cook evenly, which can result in dry, overcooked meat in some areas and undercooked meat in others. Additionally, the high temperature and long cooking time can dry out the chicken breasts, making them less juicy than other cooking methods.
Air-Fried Chicken Breasts
In recent years, air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, which circulates around the food and creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Kiss the Cookbook loves having a quality air fryer on hand for busy nights. To cook chicken breasts in the air fryer, simply preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), rub the chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. One of the main advantages of using an air fryer to cook chicken breasts is that it can produce crispy, restaurant-quality chicken in a fraction of the time it takes to cook chicken in the oven.
However, there are also some potential downsides to using an air fryer to cook chicken breasts. For one, air fryers tend to have smaller cooking capacities, which may not be enough to cook a large batch of chicken at once. Additionally, air fryers tend to be more expensive than ovens, which may be a consideration for some home cooks.
The Final Word
When it comes to how to Cook chicken breasts: oven versus air fryer, the choice comes down to personal preference and priorities. If you value convenience and the ability to cook large batches of chicken at once, an oven may be the best choice. However, if you prioritize speed and crispy, restaurant-quality chicken, an air fryer may be the way to go. Whatever method you choose, be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature, and enjoy!
These Chicken Breasts are:
- Keto
- Paleo
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Juicy
- High in protein
How to cook chicken breasts in the oven:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, basil, rosemary, or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to cook chicken breasts in the air fryer:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the specific air fryer model. It's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
