Air Fryer Shredded Chicken

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Shredded Chicken is quick, healthy, and perfect for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.

Easy Shredded Chicken

This air fryer shredded chicken recipe makes tender, juicy flavorful chicken with crispy edges using minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.

With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick weeknight dinner on the table fast.

I love to use it in my chicken pot pie which is made with a ton of cooking shortcuts!

It is also perfect for meal prep when planning out your lunches (like this Ohio Shredded Chicken Sandwich) for the week. Just like my crockpot taco meat and my crockpot hot dogs.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Spices – Smoked paprika, garlic powder.

Pantry staples – Olive oil, salt, black pepper.

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How to Make Shredded Chicken in an Air Fryer

First: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3-5 minutes, and then brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and evenly coat both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil.

Second: In a small mixing bowl, combine the spices. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, so they are coated.

Third: Add the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken breast.

Fourth: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer to a mixing bowl and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Using two forks or a hand mixer, shred the chicken.

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How long does it last?

Cool the cooked chicken completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, you can microwave it until it’s heated through or place it in the air fryer for a few minutes. If the chicken is a little dry, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth.

If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ways to Use Shredded Chicken

This is a great ingredient to have on hand in the fridge or the freezer. I like to make a big batch and portion it out for later use. It makes meal prep a breeze and is a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

I love using leftover shredded chicken it in quesadillas, chicken salad, chicken sliders, sandwiches, tacos, soups, and casseroles.

Check out these chicken enchiladas, air fryer taquitos, and this chicken Dorito casserole. Just use chicken taco seasoning instead of the one listed above.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking, but if you’re using frozen chicken, make sure they are fully thawed before seasoning and cooking.

You can cook them from frozen but the chicken tends to dry out during the cooking process since it takes longer.

Can I use a rotisserie chicken?

Certainly! Shred leftover rotisserie chicken and then toss it in the air fryer for a few minutes at 375°F (190°C) to warm it up.

This is a great way to use leftover chicken and takes less time and minimal effort. Not only for chicken, but I love to make this Air Fryer Ham Steak when my husband is craving some ham.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

You can shred the chicken with clean hands, two forks while it’s still warm. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is a great option too. Especially if you are making more than the two pieces of chicken.

You can also just place them on a cutting board and chop them small if you like. Whatever is easier for you.

I prefer to use the two forks method or use my hand mixer. It’s quicker and cleaner. If you use your hands, wear gloves so your hands don’t get slippery or greasy.

More Shredded Chicken Recipes

• Baked chicken spaghetti
• Buffalo chicken pinwheel sandwiches
• Chinese chicken salad
• Buffalo chicken dip
• Chicken taco pinwheels

Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade for added flavor. Just be sure to pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I make shredded chicken in a slow cooker?

Certainly! Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is a great way to make shredded chicken.

If you do, be sure to cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Tips for No Leftovers

• Evenly coat with oil and seasoning.
• You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs but you will need to adjust the cook time.
• Preheat the air fryer so the chicken cooks evenly and also reduces cooking time.
• This is a simple seasoning mix but you can use your favorite one. I love a simple garlic and onion powder mix.
• Adjust the temperature and time based on the specific model of air fryer you have. Different air fryers cook differently.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The chicken won’t cook evenly or crispy.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to make sure they brown all over.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices can reabsorb. This keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

For tender chicken use this step-by-step guide to and make enough to feed the whole family! We love it for tacos and quesadillas on a busy weeknight.

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