22 Top-Rated Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast

"This was the best chicken I've ever made," says reviewer peloni. "Usually chicken breasts get dried out and tough, but this was definitely not. The spice rub is flavorful and, yes, spicy. But the chicken! It was juicy and tender and perfectly done."

Crumbed Chicken Tenderloins (Air-Fried)

"These beat chicken nuggets any day and the recipe is so simple," says Launa. "I tend to use chicken tenderloins but you can use sliced chicken breasts if easier."

Air-Fried Maple Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are marinated in a maple-buttermilk mixture and crisped to perfection in the air fryer. The chicken emerges "subtly sweet, yet savory," says Allrecipes Allstar thedailygourmet.

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

For anyone that does not know this trick, we could not recommend it enough. Before beginning the dredging process, soak your chicken in buttermilk for four hours or overnight if you have time. You chicken will turn out more crispy and extra flavorful.

Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Schnitzel

"I find chicken thighs to be more flavorful than chicken breasts, and this schnitzel is a perfect example," says Yoly. "Not only is it delicious, it is also cooked in the air fryer, making it lower in calories, oil free, and grease free."

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Thighs

A quick and easy mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and Sriracha serves as the marinade for these chicken thighs. "Crispy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside," says recipe creator Soup Loving Nicole.

Air Fryer BBQ Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Stuff these chicken breasts with cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, and bacon bits. Use whatever bacon is left to wrap the chicken and dinner is sure to be delicious.

Mexican-Style Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

"Vegetables and spices are rolled up in chicken breasts and air fried for a quick and easy dinner perfect for a busy weeknight," says recipe creator Buckwheat Queen. "Just over 10 minutes in the air fryer gives you juicy, tender chicken breasts filled with spicy veggies. Serve with fresh pico de gallo and tortillas."

Air-Fried Buffalo Chicken

"What a delicious meal," raves Buckwheat Queen. "I love the yogurt and hot sauce mix." Serve with ranch or blue-cheese dressing and more Frank's hot sauce for dipping.

Crispy Ranch Air Fryer Nuggets

"These air fried nuggets are healthier than deep fried, and have tons of flavor," says France C. "Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or chipotle mayo."

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are stuffed with turkey and Swiss cheese, breaded, and then air-fried. "These chicken thighs are juicy with a crispy crust," says recipe creator  thedailygourmet. "They're reminiscent of chicken cordon bleu but have turkey instead of ham."

Air-Fried Chicken Calzone

Fresh baby spinach, marinara, and mozzarella as well as the shredded chicken come together to make a crispy calzones everyone will love. With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is easy to pull together.

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Air Fryer

"Amp up the flavor of your boneless, skinless chicken breast with this recipe," says recipe creator Bibi. "The breasts are butterflied, which you can either do yourself or ask your butcher to do it for you. You can then stuff them with cheese and asparagus, wrap them up in a bacon blanket, and air fry. While they cook, toss a green salad, add a veggie or potato, and some bread, and you'll be enjoying your dinner in no time."

Air Fryer Honey-Cajun Chicken Thighs

Buttermilk and hot sauce serve as the marinade for this dish. Then, the flour mixture brings an extra kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The chicken thighs emerge spicy and moist. "I'm a wimp when it comes to heat, but this packs some heat without being overwhelming," says thedailygourmet.

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

"Dinner doesn't get any more simpler than this air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken main course," says thedailygourmet. "It uses basic ingredients most will already have."

Air Fryer Chicken Piccata

The Italian-American creation Chicken Piccata goes great in an air fryer. With a dredge made of flour, parmesan, parsley and salt, let the fryer do the work while you cook the lemon butter sauce separately to drizzle over the chicken when done.

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

"These taquitos are air fried, which makes them healthier than deep-fried ones. Using shredded rotisserie chicken provides a quick prep, but you can always use home-cooked chicken. Serve with sides of sour cream, Mexican tomato sauce, and guacamole, or your choice of sides," Yoly says.

Chicken Cordon Bleu in the Air Fryer

Chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer? Oh yes! Pair these "delicious packages of breaded chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese with steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, and a nice crusty bread," recommends Bibi, who submitted the recipe.

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce

"Air-fried chicken katsu that is crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside," says recipe creator Soup Loving Nicole. "The sauce is a little bit sweet, a little bit tangy, and complements the chicken perfectly."

Air Fryer Coconut Chicken

"These coconut-panko crusted chicken strips are crispy, crunchy, and oil-free. The chicken strips are double dipped in egg and in the coconut-panko mixture to ensure crispiness," says recipe creator Yoly. "They are moist and tender on the inside. Serve with or without your choice of dipping sauce."

Air-Fried Korean Chicken Wings

Whether as an appetizer or over some rice and veggies an an entree, you'll want to eat these spicy Korean chicken wings any time you can. With a hot sauce made of hot honey, gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, and so much more, you're bound to get a kick out of these.

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

"These air fryer honey-mustard chicken thighs prove that simple chicken recipes don’t have to be boring," according to Brenda Venable. "Jazz up your chicken thighs with this tasty, smoky, honey-mustard sauce."

More Inspiration

• Best Air Fryer Main Dishes for Dinner
• Best Mexican Recipes for the Air Fryer
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