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If you need new air fryer chicken dinner ideas, this list of recipes is for you! There are lots of delicious and creative ways to cook chicken breasts and thighs in your air fryer. Here’s my list of 10 Must Try Air Fryer Chicken Recipes!
Several years later and here I am still in love with my air fryer. I’m still trying new things in there all the time, and continuing to be amazed by its powers. Here are the First 15 Recipes I Made With My Air Fryer (circa 2019), as well as a list of 12 Fabulous Air Fryer Recipes for Fall.
Air fryers are becoming even more popular lately I’m noticing, and it’s easy to see why! Most of us are eating at home a lot more often, but we’re still craving restaurant foods. Some of my favorite freezer foods now come with air fryer instructions!
The air fryer is one of the BEST appliances at recreating crispy restaurant style foods while reducing oil and calories at the same time. It can also reheat leftovers like a champion (leftover fries as good as the day before!!). Win win in my opinion.
Why cook chicken in an air fryer?
All chicken cooking methods are valid, but in my opinion, the air fryer has a bit of a leg up on most of them. Here are a few reasons why I think you should try cooking chicken in an air fryer:
- locks in moisture – The fast moving air inside the air fryer is incredible at cooking while not drying out your chicken. Moisture is locked in, instead of dried out under a baking oven.
- faster than most methods – No waiting for the oven to preheat or the stovetop the heat up. The air fryer can be used immediately and does not require preheating.
- easy and clean – Most air fryers are super easy to clean, and may even be dishwasher safe. The mess is contained inside the basket.
- more options – Using the air fryer for a chicken main dish leaves the oven open for roasting veggies, baking, or pan frying whatever else you’re serving. I like having options!
What air fryer do you recommend?
These days, I’m still loving Cosori brand air fryer, but I have upgraded to the Cosori Turboblaze 6 Quart Air Fryer (affiliate link!). I love how quiet it is compared to my previous air fryer, and it heats up to 450F! So much easier to clean, as well.
In the past, I also had an air fryer with a wire basket. It was not my favorite. I recommend one with a non-stick basket or plate, such as the Turboblaze. It doesn’t actually have an inner basket, just the main basket and an optional crisper plate. All are dishwasher safe! 🙌
See photos of the new Cosori Turboblaze 6 Quart Air Fryer (affiliate link!) in my Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe.
What are the best air fryer accessories?
Here are the accessories and ingredients I’m almost always using when I use my air fryer:
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray (affiliate link!) – I use this oil spray for 90% of the cooking I do in the air fryer. I get them in bulk from Costco at a very reasonable price! Avocado oil has a high smoke point which is good for air frying. Plus the spray function helps distribute a little bit of oil very rapidly!
OXO 9-Inch Silicone Head Tongs (affiliate link!) – A solid pair of tongs is very necessary for air fryer cooking! These are my favorite tongs and I use them for most of my cooking. I especially love the silicone heads so the tongs don’t damage my Dutch oven or non-stick pans. Useful for lots of cooking applications!
Any kind of parchment paper – Parchment paper can be quite useful for keeping food from sticking and for easy cleanup. You can buy parchment paper specifically for the air fryer, but any will do.
All of these accessories will be helpful for cooking any of these delicious looking air fryer chicken recipes! Let’s get to the list!
10 Must Try Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
In this case, I decided to put the best air fryer chicken recipe FIRST. This is my favorite one on the list, and people are always impressed. With filling made of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, the inside stays super juicy while the outside gets a nice golden-brown.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading!)
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the verified number one air fryer recipe on Project Meal Plan! With over ten 5-star reviews, you can't go wrong for dinner with this basic but incredibly delicious main dish. Perfect for wraps, salads, sandwiches, or served with veggies on the side.
Air Fryer Bone-In Crispy Chicken Thighs
If you prefer a crispier option, these bone-in thighs are it. Leave the skin on, pat it dry to remove moisture, give it a nice coat of olive oil, salt and spices, then air fryer to perfection. This is the only way I make bone-in chicken thighs these days!
Juicy Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breasts
Perfectly slice-able, deliciously juicy, this all-purpose boneless skinless chicken breast recipe is one to keep in your back pocket. A little tenderizing goes a long way before air frying, but the marinade is quick and simple. Try my similar lemon version as well!
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
My personal favorite air fryer masterpiece, the Chicken Cordon Bleu. My version is made with gruyere on the inside (instead of swiss) and I honestly think it's even better than the original. There's also a creamy cheese sauce you can make on the stovetop - I highly recommend!
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
This traditional Southern fried chicken recipe looks absolutely perfect! Marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, perfectly seasoned, and then air fried to juicy perfection - I have got to try this air fryer chicken recipe!
Air Fryer Chimichangas
So customizable! I prefer filling of shredded chicken, beans and cheese. The air fryer does the best job of getting that tortilla nice and crisp on the outside, perfect for chimichangas covered in your favorite toppings.
Air Fryer Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs
Another more simple air fryer chicken recipe, this one is a BBQ chicken thighs version. It is also one of the most popular recipes on Project Meal Plan. I love to turn it into a bbq chicken sandwich, complete with a homemade slaw!
Air Fryer Garlic Rosemary Rotisserie Chicken
Juicy flavorful meat, crispy skin, thank you Air Fryer! This Garlic Rosemary Rotisserie Chicken is the best way to use your air fryer for Sunday dinner!
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Flautas
Calling all buffalo chicken lovers!! Cheesy, indulgent and full of juicy shredded chicken, I guarantee you everyone will be calling this a favorite. The air fryer is just incredible at making a tortilla crisp and crunchy. These are a go-to in my house - you simply must try them 🙂
Which to try? Quick Recommendations:
What are your favorite air fryer chicken recipes? Have you tried any of the ones listed above? Let me know in the comments below! As always, I love to see your food creations. Tag me on Instagram or use #projectmealplan to share!
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