Make juicy and tender air fryer shredded chicken in just 20 minutes! This quick and easy method gives you lean, flavorful shredded chicken that’s perfect for meal prep, tacos, salads, and so much more.
Need a quick and easy way to make juicy shredded chicken? Let your air fryer do the work! This air fryer shredded chicken is perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or whenever you need a protein-packed base for your favorite dishes. From tacos to salads, soups to sandwiches – this one’s a game-changer. I love using it for my cottage cheese chicken salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
See recipe card for measurements.
- Chicken Breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook quickly in the air fryer and shred beautifully.
- Olive Oil: A little oil helps the chicken stay juicy and prevents it from drying out in the air fryer. You can also use avocado oil or another neutral oil if you prefer.
- Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder & Salt: These are the perfect base spices to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering it. But don’t be afraid to get creative—depending on how you plan to use your shredded chicken, you can easily switch things up! Try adding a touch of cumin, black pepper, chili powder, or even taco seasoning for a bolder twist.
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Visual Step-by-Step Instructions
01
Step 1
Preheat the air fryer to 410°F (210°C). In a large bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Add the chicken breast to the bowl with the seasonings and toss until evenly coated.
02
Step 2
Arrange the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in an even layer.
03
Step 3
Air Fry for 10-12 minutes (see notes), flipping halfway. Place the cooked chicken breast in a bowl and let it rest for 5 minutes.
04
Step 4
Shred the chicken using two forks, or pop it into your stand mixer with the paddle attachment for super quick shredding.
Air Frying Time
Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, here’s a quick guide for air frying at 410°F (210°C):
- Small chicken breast: 8 minutes
- Medium chicken breast: 10 minutes
- Large chicken breast: 12 minutes
These times are approximate and can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your chicken.
👉 Once you figure out how long different sizes take in your air fryer, make a little note for next time—it’s a total time-saver!
To check if it’s done, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white and juicy, with no pink or translucent areas. If it still looks undercooked, air fry for another 1–2 minutes. For the most accurate results, use a meat thermometer—your chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Tips for Success
- Even pieces: Try to use chicken pieces that are the same size so they cook evenly.
- Make it juicy: Don’t skip the resting time before shredding—it helps keep the chicken moist.
- Double batch? Totally doable! Just cook in batches so you don’t overcrowd the basket.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it cool, then pack it into freezer bags or containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge before using.
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Shredded Chicken
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Plus, enjoy weekly doses of recipe inspiration as a bonus!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless & skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 410°F (210°C).
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken breast to the bowl with the seasonings and toss until evenly coated—I like to use my hands, but tongs work just as well.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in an even layer. Air Fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Your chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Place the cooked chicken breast in a bowl and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Shred the chicken using two forks, or pop it into your stand mixer with the paddle attachment for super quick shredding.
Notes
- Air Fry Time: See notes in the blog post for more details.
- Small chicken breast: 8 minutes
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- Large chicken breast: 12 minutes
- Curry Seasoning: I sometimes use this recipe for curried chicken salad, in this case, I marinate with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon curry powder, ½ teaspoon each salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Equipment
Nutrition
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