Crispy Air-Fryer Chicken Breast with Sweet-Savory Glaze

Updated Nov. 13, 2023

Total Time: 25 minutes | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Serves 1

• 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 11 oz/312g)

• ¼ tsp salt (generous for seasoning)

• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tsp light brown sugar

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 lime (optional, for serving)

Equipment

• 5–6 quart air fryer (or compatible oven-style air fryer)

• Instant-read meat thermometer

• Small mixing bowl (for marinade)

• Paper towels (to dry chicken)

• Chef’s knife & cutting board

• Tongs (for flipping chicken)

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat Air Fryer

Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes. For oven-style air fryers (e.g., GE Café range), set the oven to "Air Fry" mode at 375°F and preheat the oven.

2. Prep Chicken for Even Cooking

Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels (critical for crispiness). Using a chef’s knife, cut the chicken crosswise into two equal-weight pieces: one shorter/thicker (≈5.5 oz) and one longer/thinner (≈5.5 oz). This ensures uniform cooking. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and brown sugar on all sides.

Pro Tip: For enhanced flavor, marinate the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator (uncovered) for up to 12 hours. Remove 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.

3. Marinate the Chicken

In a small bowl, whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, and olive oil until smooth. Place the chicken in the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly. Let marinate for 5 minutes.

4. Air Fry the Chicken

Transfer the marinated chicken (reserve the extra marinade) to the preheated air fryer basket (line with parchment/silicone mat if needed). Cook for 6 minutes. Flip the chicken with tongs, then spoon the reserved marinade over the top. Continue cooking for 6–10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Adjustment for Oven-Style Air Fryers: If using a toaster oven, increase temperature to 400°F (205°C) and reduce cooking time by 2–3 minutes. Place a heat-safe tray beneath the rack to catch drippings and prevent sauce burning.

5. Rest and Serve

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes (allows juices to redistribute). Slice against the grain into strips or cubes. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the air fryer over the chicken. Squeeze fresh lime juice (if using) for brightness.

Chef’s Tips

• Even Cooking for Oven-Style Air Fryers: If the sauce burns, reduce marinade by half and brush only in the last 2 minutes. Slice the chicken thinner (½-inch thick) with a meat tenderizer to minimize time differences.

• Enhanced Flavor: Marinate the chicken for 12+ hours with the brown sugar-salt-pepper rub for deeper caramelization.

• Alternative Tools: For "pod" air fryers, use a non-stick basket and avoid overcrowding. For deep fryers, substitute 1 tbsp oil and cook 8–10 minutes per side.

User Testimonials

• "Letting the chicken marinate overnight in the fridge with the brown sugar rub was game-changing! Reduced soy sauce by 1 tsp and simmered the extra marinade for 3 minutes for richer flavor." – Home Cook

• "In my oven air fryer, the sauce burned. Solution: Lower temp to 350°F (177°C) and thin the marinade with 1 tbsp water. Sliced thinner first – perfect result!" – Sarah

Enjoy your crispy, juicy chicken! Adjust techniques based on your air fryer type, and share your results below.