One of the simplest bone-in chicken breast recipes I’ve ever made! This air fry bone in chicken breast is smothered and cooked in a delicious honey balsamic marinade that’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Incredibly flavorful and juicy, these tender chicken breasts will make any weeknight dinner feel special!
When it comes to quick and convenient cooking, an air fryer is a game-changer. Not only does it create crispy and delicious meals, but it also reduces the amount of oil needed, making it a healthier option.
This was inspired by my other recipes on this site, Honey Garlic Chicken Breast, and pairs well with my favorite sides like Sesame Braised Cabbage, Air Fryer Eggplant, and Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan.
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- How to make air fry bone-in chicken breast
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- How to store bone-in chicken leftovers
- How to reheat bone-in chicken breast
- 3 Top Tips for Success
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Balsamic Air Fry Bone-In Chicken Breast Recipe
- Here are some of my reader’s favorite recipes
- Garlic Miso Chicken Air Fryer
- Honey Ginger Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Recipe)
- Food safety
Ingredients
- Bone-in chicken breasts
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Grapeseed oil
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Parsley
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to make air fry bone-in chicken breast
Cooking chicken breast is often seen as a boring and bland option for dinner, not to mention it’s one of the toughest meats to cook without drying it out. But with this split chicken breast recipe, you’ll get perfectly juicy and tender white meat chicken every single time. It’s an extremely easy dinner you can cook for the whole family in 30 minutes.
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and combine thoroughly.
Air fry and enjoy!
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, grapeseed oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add the bone-in chicken breasts.
- Preheat the air fryer: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Air fry the chicken for 35 minutes at 375°F. The internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).
Substitutions
Here is a list of substitutions for each ingredient in the bone-in chicken breast recipe:
Bone-in chicken breasts: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless cuts may cook faster.
Balsamic vinegar: Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute. Just so you know, the flavor profile may vary slightly.
Honey: Agave nectar, maple syrup, or brown sugar can be used instead of honey. Adjust the quantity according to your desired sweetness level.
Soy sauce: Tamari sauce or coconut aminos can be used as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. If you don’t have any of these, Worcestershire sauce can also work in a pinch.
Grapeseed oil: Any neutral-tasting oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil, can be used as a substitute.
Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic cloves, you can use garlic powder. Substitute 1 clove of garlic with ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Red pepper flakes: If you prefer less heat or don’t have red pepper flakes, you can use paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper as a substitute. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Parsley: Fresh cilantro or basil can be used as an alternative garnish. They will add a different herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Remember, while substitutions can work well, they may alter the overall taste and flavor of the dish slightly. Feel free to experiment and adapt the recipe according to your preferences and the ingredients you have available. Happy cooking!
Variations
- Dry rub – Aside from seasoning with sea salt and black pepper, add a simple dry rub like garlic powder, brown sugar, or chili powder to give each juicy chicken breast some flavor before baking with the sauce.
- Kid-friendly – Add a side of baked potato wedges, roasted sweet potatoes, or macaroni and cheese for a complete meal and to make it more appealing to eat.
- Lighter – Use light soy sauce and reduce the amount of honey in the recipe to cut down on the sweetness.
- Spicier – Turn up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes, hot sauce, chili powder, or sriracha to the sauce.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Large bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
How to store bone-in chicken leftovers
To store cooked bone-in chicken breast, allow it to cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store the chicken breast in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How to reheat bone-in chicken breast
When it comes to reheating the chicken breast, there are a few options:
Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the cooked chicken breast in the air fryer basket and heat it for about 5-7 minutes until it is warmed through and crispy.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken breast on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Heat it in the oven for approximately 15-20 minutes until it is heated thoroughly.
Microwave: Place the chicken breast on a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat it on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring it occasionally to ensure even heating.
No matter which method you choose, ensure that the internal temperature of the reheated chicken breast reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
3 Top Tips for Success
- Preheating: Preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving optimal cooking results. It ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before placing the frozen chicken breast inside. This helps in achieving even and consistent cooking throughout.
- Seasoning: Seasoning the frozen bone-in chicken breast is essential to enhance its flavor. Don’t be afraid to be generous with your seasoning choices, such as salt, pepper, herbs, or spices. The seasoning will adhere better if the chicken is slightly thawed before applying the spices.
- Checking Internal Temperature: To ensure the chicken breast is cooked thoroughly and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The chicken breast should reach 165°F (74°C). This step is crucial for food safety and to avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken.
Bonus Tip: Letting the cooked chicken breast rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken.
FAQ
The time it takes to air fry chicken breast bone-in will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, as well as the temperature you are baking them at. I air fry them at 375°F . To make sure your chicken is cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast meat and see if it reaches 165°F before removing it from the oven.
The best way to ensure your chicken breasts come out moist and tender is to marinate them before baking. My Asian honey soy garlic sauce gives the chicken a delicious flavor, as well as helps keep it juicy while baking in the oven. Additionally, you can also cover your chicken with foil before baking to help lock in moisture and prevent drying out.
No, bone-in chicken breasts do not cook faster than boneless chicken breasts. In fact, they may take slightly longer to bake as the bones add an extra layer of insulation that helps keep the heat in and prevents the chicken from cooking too quickly. However, bone-in chicken breast comes out juicier and more moist.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with air fryer bone-in chicken:
Balsamic Air Fry Bone-In Chicken Breast Recipe
One of the simplest bone-in chicken breast recipes I’ve ever made! This air fry bone-in chicken breast is smothered and cooked in a delicious honey balsamic marinade that perfectly balances sweet and savory. Incredibly flavorful and juicy, these tender chicken breasts will make any weeknight dinner feel special!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 chicken breasts 1x
Ingredients
2 bone-in chicken breasts
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, grapeseed oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add the bone-in chicken breasts.
- Bone-in chicken breast: Cut diagonal slits in the middle. Add the bone-in chicken breast in the large bowl.
- Preheat the air fryer: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Air fry the chicken for 30 minutes at 375°F. The internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Garnish with chopped parsley.
Bonus Tip: Letting the cooked chicken breast rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: mains
- Method: air fry
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: air fryer bone-in chicken breasts, bone-in chicken breasts air fryer, baked bone-in chicken breasts
Here are some of my reader’s favorite recipes
Garlic Miso Chicken Air Fryer
Delicious and quick Garlic Miso Chicken recipe. Ready in 25 minutes. No need to marinade, combine and cook. Now, that’s a perfect recipe for your weekly recipe rotation.
Honey Ginger Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Recipe)
Honey ginger chicken is a delicious Asian dish that combines honey with the zesty kick of fresh ginger to make the most scrumptious air fryer chicken thighs recipe. The marinade infuses the chicken thighs with a perfect balance of flavors, resulting in a juicy and aromatic main course.
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Brjon V
Juicy and fantastic flavor. Highly suggest this dish.
Carmen Spillette
Thank you so much!
Louisa Potts
I love bone-in chicken because it keeps it so moist and this recipe is phenomenal. I love Balsamic chicken and this is my favorite!!
Carmen Spillette
Amazing! Thank you so much.
Francis Jackson
Love, Love, Love this Balsamic Chicken. Absolutely delicious and so easy in the air fryer!!
Carmen Spillette
Thats awesome. Thank you for making it.