Flattened Air Fryer Chicken Breast is a quick and easy way to get tender, flavorful chicken with a golden exterior and juicy center. By pounding the chicken thin, it cooks evenly and quickly.
This is a perfect chicken recipe for busy weeknights or meal prep. Seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and lemon pepper, this versatile air fryer chicken works beautifully in wraps, sandwiches, or as a protein-packed main dish. Top with a Creamy Caesar Salad for a quick and easy dinner idea.
Why You Will Love This Flattened Air Fryer Chicken
- Quick and Even Cooking: Flattening the chicken helps it cook evenly, in less time.
- Air Fryer Convenience: No need to heat the oven or stove, just pop the pounded chicken in the air fryer.
- Simple Ingredients: All you need is olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasoning.
- Versatile for Meals: Great on its own, over salads, in sandwiches, or sliced in grain bowls.
Ingredients
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: Substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs (pounded thin) or turkey cutlets. For a vegetarian option, use extra-firm tofu slices or large portobello mushroom caps (note: cook times will vary).
- Olive Oil: Swap with avocado oil, canola oil, melted butter, or a neutral vegetable oil. You can also use a flavored oil like garlic-infused olive oil for extra depth.
- Salt: Use sea salt, kosher salt, pink Himalayan salt, or even a low-sodium salt alternative if needed.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Substitute with your favorite seasoning blend.
How to Prepare Flattened Air Fryer Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer if it has a preheat function.
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of wax paper. Use a meat mallet to pound it to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil.
- Season both sides with salt and lemon pepper seasoning.
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
- Air fry one chicken breast at a time at 380°F (193°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.
How to Serve and Store Leftovers
- Serve flattened air fryer chicken breasts with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or in a wrap.
- Slice thin and layer the chicken breast on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
- Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3–4 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, but adjust the cook time and ensure they are boneless and pounded thin for even cooking.
- What if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning? You can use a mix of black pepper, lemon zest, and garlic powder as a substitute, or your favorite seasoning blend.
- Can I cook both pieces at once? Only if your air fryer has enough space to keep them from overlapping, otherwise cook separately for best results.
- Do I need to marinate the chicken? Not for this flattened air fryer chicken recipe! The seasoning and olive oil provide plenty of flavor in a short time.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Love
- Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
- Air Fryer Chicken and Tomatoes
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Salad
Flattened Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Flattened Air Fryer Chicken Breast is a quick and easy way to get tender, flavorful chicken with a golden exterior and juicy center.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning (or your favorite seasoning blend)
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer if it has a preheat function.
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of wax paper. Use a meat mallet to pound it to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil.
- Season both sides with salt and lemon pepper seasoning.
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
- Air fry one chicken breast at a time at 380°F (193°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.
- ENJOY!
Equipment
Golden Steer Steakhouse Seasonings with Discount
Buy Now →Notes
- Easily replace boneless chicken breasts with boneless thighs. Cook time may vary.
- Replace the lemon pepper seasoning with your favorite seasoning blend.
- If your air fryer has a preheat function, use that prior to placing the chicken in the basket. If not, you may have to add a minute, or two to the cook time.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Internal temperature, at the thickest part, should read 165°F or 74°C.
- Allow the flattened air fryer chicken breast to rest a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
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