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Juicy shredded chicken served in a white bowl, perfect for wraps, salads, or meal prep, made using an air fryer.

Easy Air Fryer Shredded Chicken – Juicy & Ready in 15 Min

Ifra Shahnawaz
Make juicy, tender, and protein-packed shredded chicken in only 15 minutes with your air fryer. It’s perfect for meal prep, tacos, salads, wraps, and more — all with just 3 simple ingredients!
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 165 kcal

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
  • Tongs or fork

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional Add-ins:
  • ½ tsp paprika or garlic powder
  • Lemon juice taco seasoning, or BBQ rub for extra flavor

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Air Fryer: Heat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes before cooking.
  • Season the Chicken: Rub salt, pepper, and optional spices evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts.
    Two chicken breasts lightly seasoned with spices, placed on a cutting board before air frying.
  • Cook: Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a thermometer to check that internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
    Raw chicken breasts placed in a single layer inside an air fryer basket, ready to cook at 390°F.
  • Rest & Shred: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Shred using two forks or a hand mixer for quick results.
    Cooked chicken breasts resting on a cutting board with two forks placed beside, ready to be shredded.
  • Serve & Enjoy: Use in tacos, salads, bowls, sandwiches, and more!
    Freshly shredded chicken served in a bowl with herbs, ready to enjoy in tacos, salads, or rice bowls.

Notes

💡 Notes & Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, marinate chicken 1–2 hours before air frying.  
  • Don’t skip resting time — it helps retain moisture.  
  • Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking or dryness.  
  • Works great with boneless thighs too (adjust cook time slightly).  
 
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
  • Tacos with salsa and avocado  
  • Chicken Caesar salad  
  • Stuffed baked potatoes  
  • BBQ chicken sandwiches  
  • Rice or quinoa bowls  
 
❄️ Storage & Reheating 
  • Reheat: In microwave (30-sec intervals) or air fryer at 400°F for 2–3 minutes
  • Fridge: Store tightly covered for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Keep in sealed bags for up to 3 months
Keyword air fryer shredded chicken