I’ve been experimenting with air fryer recipes a lot lately, and let me tell you, it has changed the game. I’m all about those air fryer chicken tenders (because my kids devour them), but this Honey Balsamic Chicken has quickly become a family favorite. You know how we’re always looking for those crispy air fryer chicken tenders or air fryer chicken breast that are perfectly cooked in no time? This recipe does just that, but with a sweet, tangy balsamic twist that’s impossible to resist.
Whether you’re making air fryer chicken breast tenderloins for dinner or trying out something new like breadless chicken tenders, this recipe is simple, juicy, and so flavorful. You’ll be amazed at how quick the air fryer chicken cook time is — it’s done in under 20 minutes! So if you’re in the mood for some juicy air fryer chicken tenders, crispy air fryer chicken that rivals your favorite restaurant’s, or need some new air fryer ideas for dinner, this recipe has you covered.
Trust me, once you try air frying chicken tenderloins, you’ll never look back. So let’s get into this easy and tasty air fryer recipe for chicken breast! You’re going to love it.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless works best)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (it makes a big difference, trust me)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or just use oregano and basil if that’s what you have!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but it makes it look fancy)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Alright, first things first. Get those chicken breasts ready. I usually give them a quick pound with a meat mallet (or a rolling pin – no judgment). It just helps the chicken cook more evenly and keeps it nice and juicy. Plus, it feels kinda good to get out any frustration on the chicken, am I right?
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Go ahead and add a pinch of salt and pepper. The honey adds a subtle sweetness, and I promise it’s what makes this recipe stand out. If you’ve got kids, they’ll love the sweet-savory combo.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Once your chicken is all set, throw it in a bowl or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you get the air fryer ready. If you’ve got a little extra time (maybe when the kids are eating a snack), marinate it for 30 minutes to an hour, but honestly, 10 minutes is good enough if you’re in a rush. We’re busy moms, we get it.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. It’s important to get it nice and hot before you put the chicken in — that way, you’ll get that perfect crispy texture on the outside without overcooking the inside.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t touching each other; you want them to cook evenly. Set the air fryer for 12-15 minutes (depending on how thick the chicken is). Don’t forget to flip them halfway through cooking. This way, both sides get that beautiful golden brown color.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
After 12 minutes, check the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F. If it’s not quite there yet, pop it back in for a couple more minutes. No one wants undercooked chicken, trust me!
Step 7: Serve It Up
Once it’s cooked, take the chicken out of the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep all the juices inside (you want that perfect juiciness!). Then, slice it up, sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top if you’re feeling extra fancy, and serve! I love it with roasted veggies or a nice side salad.
FAQ: Air Fryer Balsamic Chicken
How long do I air fry chicken tenders?
For juicy air fryer chicken tenders, it typically takes about 12-15 minutes at 375°F. If you’re making boneless chicken tenders in air fryer, flip them halfway through cooking to get that crispy golden exterior. Just make sure to check the internal temperature — it should be 165°F.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?
Yep! If you’re using frozen air fryer chicken tenders, just cook them at 375°F for about 18-20 minutes. No need to thaw them — just pop them straight into the air fryer basket, and they’ll come out crispy and tender. For air fryer frozen chicken tenders, be sure to check that they’re fully cooked (165°F internally).
What is the best air fryer chicken breast recipe?
If you’re looking for air fryer recipes chicken breast, this Air Fryer Balsamic Chicken is one of the best! For air fryer chicken breast tenderloins, the balsamic marinade makes the chicken incredibly juicy, and the air fryer gives it that crispy edge. For a simple air fryer chicken breast, season with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
How can I meal prep with air fryer chicken?
If you want to use these chicken tenderloin recipes for meal prep, just cook extra chicken and store it in your fridge for the week. The chicken keeps well and makes for easy lunches or quick dinners. I love to pair it with a salad, veggies, or throw it in wraps for a change!
How do I make air fryer chicken tenders extra juicy?
For juicy air fryer chicken tenders, marinate your chicken for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. If you have time, you can also marinate it for a couple of hours (or overnight) to get even more flavor. Don’t overcook it — check the temperature around 12 minutes to make sure it stays juicy inside.
Air Fryer Balsamic Chicken Recipe Card
Air Fryer Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano and basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Lightly pound the chicken breasts for even cooking.
Make the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Marinate:
- Coat the chicken with the marinade and let it sit for 10 minutes (or longer if you have time).
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F.
Air Fry:
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check the internal temperature (should be 165°F).
Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
If you’re into air fryer ideas for dinner, this is one of the air fryer recipes chicken breast that makes it look like you spent hours in the kitchen. We all know that air fryer chicken cook time is a total lifesaver when you need dinner fast. Want to keep it simple? Try making some air fried chicken fingers or air fried chicken tenders. They’re perfect for the kiddos, and let’s be real — it doesn’t get better than crispy air fryer chicken tenders!
If you’re doing meal prep, this recipe also works wonders for chicken tenderloin recipes. You can whip up a batch and have it ready for lunches or quick dinners all week. And don’t forget, air frying chicken tenderloins gives you that crispy, golden perfection without all the mess of traditional frying.
So next time you’re looking for new air fryer recipes, try this one. I promise your family will love it, and you’ll have another easy air fryer dinner in your rotation.
