Honey Balsamic Air Fry Bone-In Chicken Breast

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.

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.

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).