15 Best Air Fryer Recipes Chicken In 20 Min

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Ready to transform your dinner game? These air fryer recipes chicken options will change how you think about quick meals! I’ve personally tested dozens of air fryer recipes chicken variations in my kitchen, and these 15 winners deliver that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside goodness in just 20 minutes or less. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the wait!

Why Air Fryer Recipes Chicken Are Total Game-Changers

Trust me as both a chef and nutritionist: air fryer recipes chicken dishes have revolutionized healthy home cooking. Using hot circulating air instead of oil, your air fryer creates that perfect crispy texture while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Here’s why these recipes deserve a spot in your weekly rotation:

• Super-fast cooking time – most air fryer recipes chicken take just 15-20 minutes!
• Up to 80% less fat than traditional frying methods
• Crispy texture without drowning in oil
• Easy cleanup (goodbye, greasy stovetop!)
• Consistent results every single time

As a personal trainer, I’m always recommending air fryer recipes chicken to my clients who want protein-packed meals without the extra calories from deep frying.

Essential Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Recipes Chicken Every Time

Before we dive into the recipes, let me share some game-changing tips I’ve learned from years of making air fryer recipes chicken:

1. Don’t overcrowd the basket – air needs to circulate for that Instagram-worthy crispiness
2. Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes (yes, this really matters!)
3. Spray or brush chicken lightly with oil for extra crunch factor
4. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning on all sides
5. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (no guessing games!)

Now let’s get to the good stuff – 15 quick and delicious air fryer recipes chicken that will transform your dinner routine!

15 Quick & Delicious Air Fryer Recipes Chicken

1. Crispy Parmesan Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These crowd-pleasing tenders are coated in a savory parmesan-garlic mixture that creates an irresistible crust. My kids literally cheer when these are on the menu!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Mix parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Dip chicken tenders in beaten egg, then coat in the parmesan mixture.
3. Place in air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd!) and spray lightly with olive oil.
4. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

These tenders pair perfectly with homemade vegetarian sides for a balanced meal!

2. Honey Sriracha Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Sweet, spicy, and ready in just 15 minutes! These bite-sized pieces are perfect for quick dinners or protein-packed snacking. The sauce caramelizes slightly in the air fryer for next-level flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Meanwhile, mix honey, sriracha, and soy sauce.
4. When chicken is done, toss in the sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.

3. 15-Minute Lemon Herb Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep! These chicken breasts stay moist thanks to a quick marinade and the magic of air frying. No more dry, sad chicken!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat chicken breasts in the mixture.
3. Air fry at 370°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Let rest for 3 minutes before slicing.

For more easy-to-follow recipes like this, check out our beginner recipes collection where we break down cooking basics!

4. Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Who needs takeout when you can make restaurant-quality wings at home? These crispy buffalo wings will satisfy your cravings in just 20 minutes! The secret is the baking powder trick for extra crispiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed
• 1 tsp baking powder (not soda!)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Pat wings dry with paper towels (this is crucial for crispiness!).
2. Toss with baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter, toss with hot wings.

For more wing variations, don’t miss our dedicated air fryer chicken wings guide!

5. Mediterranean Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

These flavorful skewers transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with minimal effort! They cook up in just 12 minutes and are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes.
2. Mix all ingredients except chicken to create marinade.
3. Toss chicken in marinade, thread onto skewers.
4. Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, turning halfway.

6. Coconut Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Craving something tropical? These coconut-crusted chicken strips bring vacation vibes to your dinner table in just 15 minutes! The contrast between the crispy coconut exterior and juicy chicken inside is unbeatable.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Sweet chili sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Create a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and coconut mixed with panko, salt, and garlic powder in a third.
2. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat in coconut mixture.
3. Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

7. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Weeknight Mexican food in minutes! These sizzling fajitas cook up quickly in your air fryer with minimal cleanup. The veggies and chicken cook perfectly together for a complete one-basket meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet fajita seasoning (or make your own)
• Tortillas and toppings for serving

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken and vegetables with oil and fajita seasoning.
2. Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
3. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Want to add some seafood to your menu rotation? Try our air fryer shrimp recipes for another quick protein option!

8. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Budget-friendly and incredibly juicy, these chicken thighs develop amazing crispy skin in the air fryer! They taste like they took hours to make but are ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels (don’t skip this step!).
2. Rub with olive oil and season with spice mixture.
3. Place skin-side down in air fryer at 380°F for 10 minutes.
4. Flip and cook for another 7-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Check out this amazing air fryer chicken breast recipe from Pinch of Yum for another fantastic chicken option!

9. Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken Bowls

A complete meal in one bowl! The chicken cooks quickly in your air fryer while you prepare the rest of your bowl components. This is meal prep made easy!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
• 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce + extra for drizzling
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and sliced carrots for serving
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder for 5 minutes.
2. Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Serve over rice with vegetables, extra sauce, and sesame seeds.

10. Ranch Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Kids’ favorite dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes! These ranch-flavored drumsticks are finger-licking good and super easy. Plus, they’re much healthier than fried versions!

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels.
2. Coat with oil, then sprinkle with ranch seasoning, paprika, and pepper.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

11. 5-Ingredient Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A weeknight version of the Italian classic that’s ready in just 15 minutes! No breading station required. This is one of my most requested air fryer recipes chicken from family members!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning to taste

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Air fry at 380°F for 6 minutes.
3. Flip, top with marinara and cheeses, then air fry for 3-4 more minutes until cheese melts and chicken reaches 165°F.

For more amazing air fryer chicken ideas, check out AllRecipes’ best air fryer chicken collection!

12. Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Skip the takeout! This homemade version of orange chicken cooks up in minutes and has all the flavor with less sugar and oil. It’s a family favorite that’s on regular rotation in my house.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Olive oil spray

For the sauce:

• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)
• Orange zest from half an orange

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Spray air fryer basket with oil, add chicken in a single layer.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
4. While chicken cooks, make sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and simmering until thickened.
5. Toss hot chicken with sauce.

13. Greek Yogurt Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

A protein-packed version of chicken tenders that uses Greek yogurt for extra tenderness and tang! These are a nutritionist’s dream with added protein and probiotics.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Mix Greek yogurt with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat chicken tenders in yogurt mixture, then dredge in panko.
3. Spray basket with olive oil, arrange tenders in a single layer.
4. Spray tops of tenders lightly with oil, air fry at 380°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway.

Looking for ways to make frozen chicken in your air fryer? Check out our guide on frozen food made easy!

14. BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs

These kebabs deliver all the BBQ flavor without firing up the grill! Ready in just 15 minutes for a quick and satisfying meal. The air fryer caramelizes the BBQ sauce beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce + extra for brushing
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes.
2. Toss chicken with 2 tbsp BBQ sauce, olive oil, and seasonings.
3. Thread chicken, peppers, and onions onto skewers.
4. Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway and brushing with additional BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes.

15. Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas

These quesadillas cook up crispy and perfect in the air fryer – no flipping required! Ready in just 8 minutes for a quick lunch or dinner. The tortilla gets amazingly crisp while the cheese gets perfectly melty.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 4 medium flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
• 2 tbsp diced onions
• 1/2 tsp taco seasoning
• Cooking spray
• Salsa and sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix chicken with taco seasoning, peppers, and onions.
2. Sprinkle half of each tortilla with cheese, add chicken mixture, top with more cheese.
3. Fold tortillas in half, spray both sides lightly with cooking spray.
4. Air fry at 370°F for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy.

For perfectly juicy chicken breast every time, check out Taming Twins’ air fryer chicken breast recipe!

Air Fryer Recipes Chicken FAQs

Conclusion: Air Fryer Recipes Chicken Made Easy!

These 15 air fryer recipes chicken options prove that delicious, healthy meals don’t have to be time-consuming. With just 20 minutes and your trusty air fryer, you can create crispy, juicy chicken dishes that will please even the pickiest eaters!

As both a chef and personal trainer, I love how these air fryer recipes chicken options help my clients enjoy “fried” food taste without the extra calories. The air fryer truly revolutionizes how we approach chicken dishes, delivering that satisfying crunch without all the oil and mess.

Which air fryer recipes chicken will you try first? Drop a comment below sharing your favorite quick chicken recipe or any air fryer tips you’ve discovered! I personally respond to all comments and would love to hear about your air fryer adventures. Happy cooking!