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!
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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 air fryer chicken leftovers
- How to reheat bone-in chicken breast
- How long do you cook chicken breast in the air fryer?
- 3 Top Tips for Success
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast - FAQs
- Related
- Pairing
- Balsamic Air Fry Bone-In Chicken Breast Recipe
- Here are some of my reader's favorite recipes
- Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
- Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Air Fryer
- Garlic Miso Chicken Air Fryer
- Food safety
Ingredients
- Bone-in chicken breasts
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Olive 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, dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. 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. Add the marinade and let it marinate for 30 minutes minimum. For best results marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
- 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 25 minutes at 375°F. The internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C). Check the chicken after 20 minutes. Do not overcook the chicken breast.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and drizzle with balsamic glaze for that caramelized finish.
- Serve and enjoy!
Substitutions
Here is a list of substitutions for each ingredient in the air fryer 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.
- Dijon mustard: whole grain mustard or yellow mustard will work. It helps emulsify and thicken the marinade.
- Olive oil: avocado oil or grapeseed 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 air fryer 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:
You can air fry it for a few minutes, bake it again in the oven, or microwave it for 1 minute.
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.
How long do you cook chicken breast in the air fryer?
BONELESS - Cook boneless chicken breast in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
BONE-IN - For bone-in chicken breast, cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Adjust time based on thickness. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure thorough cooking. The internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3 Top Tips for Success
- Preheating: Preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving optimal cooking results. You get a nice juicy chicken this way.
- Marinate or season well: I like to marinate my chicken the day before. But, if you don't have time, season well it's good to go. It's not the end of the world, it will still taste amazing.
- 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).
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.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast - FAQs
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.
This depends on the size of the chicken and whether it's bone-in or boneless. Usually, I cook them for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. I use a meat thermometer and take it out at 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes and dig in.
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!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- marinate: 30 minute or overnight
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 chicken breasts
- Category: mains
- Method: air fry
- Cuisine: american
Ingredients
2 bone-in chicken breasts
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish with chopped parsley and drizzle with balsamic glaze for that caramelized finish.
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. 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. Add the marinade and let it marinate for 30 minutes minimum. For best results marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
- 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 25 minutes at 375°F. The internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C). Check the chicken after 20 minutes. Do not over cook the chicken breast.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and drizzle with balsamic glaze for that caramelized finish.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Garnish with chopped parsley and drizzle with balsamic glaze for that caramelized finish.
- 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.
Here are some of my reader's favorite recipes
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
teriyaki chicken rice bowl
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Air Fryer
chicken tenders air fryer
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.
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
Phia N says
So much umami on that sauce glaze, Love it!
Carter says
Easy meal prep 💪
Izaiah E says
Highly recommended
Ramona says
Loved it,so easy.
Leah C says
Balsamically good haha
Alice E says
At first glance of the photo, I really need to make this ASAP!
Kari says
I tried the recipe using our air fryer with a bake or air fry option. I used the air fry option and seemed to take much longer the 20/25 minutes 😥 was I supposed to cook it on bake? The recipe specifically said air fry many times so I’m not sure what I did wrong 😑 it seemed closer to 45/50 minutes 😬
Carmen Spillette says
the time cooked depends on your air fryer and the size of your chicken breasts.
Charles C. says
Perfect with rice 😋😋😋
Carmen Spillette says
great with any sides.
analisa miro says
My teenage girls loved it, so it's a yes!
Carmen Spillette says
LOVE THAT!!! Im so happy.
Brjon V says
Juicy and fantastic flavor. Highly suggest this dish.
Carmen Spillette says
Thank you so much!
Louisa Potts says
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 says
Amazing! Thank you so much.
Francis Jackson says
Love, Love, Love this Balsamic Chicken. Absolutely delicious and so easy in the air fryer!!
Carmen Spillette says
Thats awesome. Thank you for making it.