How to Make Air Fryer Shredded Chicken
Quick and flavorful, Air Fryer Shredded Chicken is the perfect protein-packed ingredient for salads, wraps, and tacos. You won’t believe how easy it is to make!
Air Fryer Shredded Chicken
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, thanks to their ability to cook food quickly and healthily. One dish that can be made easily in an air fryer is shredded chicken.
This versatile protein can be used in various recipes, from tacos and salads to soups and sandwiches. Not only is this method quick and easy, but it also produces juicy and flavorful chicken that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
I love using this shredded chicken to make this delicious Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. Taste just like you are eating at Panera in the comfort of your own home.
You can use shredded chicken for this delicious and easy-to-make Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup.
One of my favorite things to use this shredded chicken on is this Southern Chicken Salad. Perfect summertime lunch or dinner, plus it’s super easy to make!
One of my favorite recipes is this Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast. So I had to spruce it up and turn it into this super easy Air Fryer Shredded Chicken.
If you’re looking for easier chicken breast recipes, check out these Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast, Air Fryer Katsu Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken and Veggies, and Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips recipes.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Shredded Chicken?
Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. Some benefits of using an air fryer include:
- Healthier: Air fryers use hot air to cook food, rather than oil, which can significantly reduce the fat content of the food. This makes it a healthier option for those who are conscious of their diet.
- Faster: Cooking shredded chicken in an air fryer is much faster than using a traditional oven or slow cooker. The hot air circulates around the chicken, cooking it evenly and quickly.
- Versatile: Air fryers can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including baking, roasting, and grilling. This makes it a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of dishes.
- Easy to Use: Air fryers are very user-friendly and require minimal effort to use. Simply season the chicken, place it in the air fryer basket, and set the temperature and time.
❤️ Why you’ll love this air fryer shredded chicken breast recipe
- Budget Friendly – I love getting the family chicken breast packs when they go on sale at Aldi’s. I pop them into the freezer and thaw them out the night before I need them.
- Easy Recipe – This recipe has just three ingredients and barely any steps, so the prep time is very little!
- Meal Prep – This shredded chicken is great for any meal prep ideas. Go basic, pair it with broccoli and rice, cut carbs, and serve it with a salad and homemade dressing, or even use it in casseroles!
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I used boneless skinless chicken breast for this recipe. You can also use bone-in chicken breasts, but you would need to increase the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Seasoning: This chicken breast is seasoned with Kosher salt and black pepper, but feel free to add your favorite spice blends or seasonings.
✳️ Tips & Tricks
- To ensure the chicken breast is juicy, make sure you don’t overcook them! Remove the chicken breast from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 165F with a meat thermometer.
- Let the chicken breast rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the chicken to absorb its juices and not dry out.
- Butterflying the chicken breast isn’t a bad idea if you have a giant chicken breast.
Tools to make this Shredded Chicken in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer – this is my favorite air fryer. The large air fryer basket makes it so easy to cook your favorite recipes.
- Tongs – tongs are easiest to remove and flip the chicken
- Meat thermometer – You always want to ensure the internal temperature of ANY chicken is 165F.
- Chicken Shredder – This chicken shredder is affordable and saves so much time shredding the chicken.
How to make Shredded Chicken in the Air Fryer
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken inside the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 390F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to the chicken shredded and place the lid on top. Grab the handles and move them from side to side. Shredding the chicken breast up.
- Serve and enjoy!
Oven Directions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken breast reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
- Transfer the chicken to the chicken shredded and place the lid on top. Grab the handles and move them from side to side to shred the chicken breast.
Substitutions
Chicken thighs: You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Chicken thighs have more fat and are more flavorful, which makes them a great alternative for this recipe. Follow my easy recipe for Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs if you want to try this substitution.
Turkey breast: If you want a leaner option, you can use turkey breast instead of chicken breast. Turkey breast is a great source of lean protein and has a similar texture to chicken breast.
What to serve with Air Fryer Shredded Chicken
Sone of my favorite things to make with shredded chicken once it cools down is this Chicken Salad or this salsa chicken, both of which are perfect for meal prepping. Below are some other great options.
I love using my Shredded Chicken in this delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, plus it only takes 25 minutes to make. Talk about quick and easy!
- Rice: Serve the shredded chicken breast over rice for a filling and nutritious meal.
- Salad: Pair the chicken with a fresh green salad or a vegetable salad for a light and healthy meal.
- Tacos: Use the shredded chicken breast as a filling for tacos or burritos. Add some avocado, salsa, and cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Sandwiches: Use the shredded chicken breast as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Add some lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a tasty lunch option.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes, for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
- Pasta: Toss the shredded chicken breast with some pasta and your favorite sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of quinoa for a protein-packed meal that is also gluten-free.
How to store shredded chicken
- Store leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 5 days.
♨️ How to reheat shredded chicken breast
Remove the lid from the container and microwave on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes or until the chicken is warm. Alternatively, you can transfer to a microwave save plate to warm up.
To warm this up in your air fryer, cook it for 2-3 minutes at 400F.
❓FAQs
Why is chicken rubbery in the air fryer?
If you over cook the chicken it can become rubbery.
How long does it take to cook shredded chicken in an air fryer?
It usually takes about 15-20 minutes to cook shredded chicken in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the chicken and the temperature of the air fryer.
Can I use frozen chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in an air fryer, but it will take longer to cook. You will need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use bone-in chicken for shredded chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for shredded chicken in an air fryer, but it will take longer to cook. You will need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. You may also have to use the 2 forks method for shredding the chicken instead of a chicken shredded.
More Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes
If you loved this shredded chicken breast in the air fryer recipe, check out these other delicious air fryer recipes using chicken breast.
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes
- Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
- Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Chicken and Veggies
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips
- Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
- Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Honey Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Breast
Air Fryer Shredded Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken breast with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken inside the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 390F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to the chicken shredded and place the lid on top. Grab the handles and move it from side to side. Shredding the chicken breast up.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
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what do you mean transfer to the chicken shredded?