Air Fryer Shaved Chicken Breast – Ready in 10 Minutes!
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If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to cook chicken, this Air Fryer Shaved Chicken Breast recipe is your new go-to! It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it cooks straight from frozen and is ready in just 10 minutes. With crispy browned edges and juicy, tender pieces, this air fried chicken is ideal for wraps, salads, bowls, or a simple protein-packed dinner. No need to defrost, no fancy prep—just toss it in the air fryer and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal in minutes!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Shaved Chicken Breast
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It cooks straight from frozen! No thawing needed means less prep time and more convenience. Just open the package, toss the chicken in the air fryer, and dinner is almost done. It’s the ultimate time-saver for busy days. You’ll love how easy it is to make a healthy meal without planning ahead.
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Deliciously crispy and browned. The shaved chicken breast turns golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges while staying juicy on the inside. It’s the perfect texture for adding to wraps, grain bowls, or enjoying on its own. You get that irresistible air fryer crispiness without any extra oil. So satisfying and flavorful!
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Customizable flavor. Whether your shaved chicken is pre-seasoned or plain, you can make it your own. Add your favorite spices or sauces after cooking to match whatever you’re craving. Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, BBQ sauce—anything goes! It’s a blank canvas for easy weeknight dinners.
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Great for meal prep. Cook a batch of this shaved chicken and store it in the fridge for quick meals all week. It reheats beautifully and works in so many dishes like salads, quesadillas, sandwiches, and more. Having this ready-to-go protein makes eating healthy so much easier. You’ll thank yourself later!
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Foolproof and beginner-friendly. This is one of those recipes that anyone can make, no experience needed. Just set the time and temperature and mix it a couple of times—that’s it! Perfect for beginner cooks or anyone who wants a reliable recipe that just works. The results are always tasty and consistent.
Ingredients For Air Fryer Shaved Chicken Breast
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Frozen shaved chicken breast – This is the star of the recipe! It’s super thinly sliced and cooks quickly in the air fryer without needing to be defrosted.
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Optional seasonings – If your chicken is unseasoned, you can add spices like garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or salt and pepper after cooking to boost flavor.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Shaved Chicken Breast
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Air fryer – This is the key to getting the chicken browned and crispy in just 10 minutes without any oil.
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Spatula – Use this to break apart the chicken halfway through cooking so it cooks evenly and thoroughly.
How To Make Air Fryer Shaved Chicken Breast
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Start by placing the frozen shaved chicken breast into the air fryer basket—no thawing required!
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Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for a total of 10 minutes.
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After 5 minutes, pause the air fryer and use a spatula to break apart any clumps of chicken so it can cook evenly.
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Pop the basket back in and continue cooking.
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A few minutes later, give it another stir to make sure all the pieces are separated and browning nicely.
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Once the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through, it’s ready!
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If the chicken is unseasoned, add your favorite spices or sauces after cooking.
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Serve hot and enjoy in your favorite dish!
Serving Suggestions
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Add the cooked chicken to a fresh green salad for a healthy and satisfying meal.
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Use the shaved chicken in homemade pita bread or soft flour tortillas for quick and easy wraps or tacos.
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Pair it with white rice, quinoa, or couscous and your favorite roasted carrots and brussels sprouts for a filling bowl.
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Sprinkle the chicken on top of flatbread wraps with parmesan cheese and homemade BBQ sauce for a tasty twist.
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Stir it into your favorite pasta dish, like pesto pasta, for an instant protein upgrade.
Tips For Success
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Cook straight from frozen – No need to defrost the chicken first. It cooks beautifully in the air fryer straight from the freezer, which saves time and makes this recipe super convenient.
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Break up clumps halfway through – At the 5-minute mark, use a spatula to break apart the frozen block of chicken. This helps it cook evenly and ensures that every piece is cooked through and crispy.
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Stir again before finishing – Give it one more mix a few minutes later to separate any remaining stuck pieces and encourage browning. Even stirring twice during cooking makes a big difference in the texture.
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Check for doneness – The chicken is ready when there’s no pink left and the edges are lightly browned. Add an extra minute or two if needed, depending on your air fryer model.
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Season after cooking – If your chicken isn’t pre-seasoned, wait until it’s fully cooked before adding spices or sauces. This keeps the seasonings from burning and gives you more flavor control.
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Don’t overcrowd – Cook in a single layer for best results. If you have a large amount, air fry in batches so each piece gets nice and crispy.
Variations and Substitutions
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Use fresh (thawed) shaved chicken – You can use thawed shaved chicken breast instead of frozen. Just reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes and follow the same steps.
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Add seasoning blends – Season your plain shaved chicken after cooking with your favorite blend. Try taco seasoning for a Mexican twist, Italian herbs for a Mediterranean feel, or a smoky BBQ rub for bold flavor.
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Toss with sauces – After cooking, toss the chicken with buffalo sauce, teriyaki glaze, or garlic butter for extra flavor. This is a great way to customize it for different meals without much extra work.
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Make it spicy – Love heat? Sprinkle on cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce after cooking to give it a spicy kick.
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Use different cuts – While this recipe is for shaved chicken breast, it also works with other thinly sliced cuts like shaved chicken thigh. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
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Make it low-sodium or keto-friendly – Use plain chicken and add salt-free seasoning blends to keep it low in sodium. It’s already naturally low-carb and high-protein, making it a great keto option.
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Serve it differently – Try it in lettuce wraps, omelets, or as a protein topping on baked potatoes or roasted veggies. The possibilities are endless!
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerator – Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezer – Freeze cooked chicken in a zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating in air fryer – Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until warmed through.
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Reheating in microwave – Microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to prevent drying out.
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Best results – For a crispy texture, the air fryer is the best method for reheating. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook this chicken from thawed instead of frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely use thawed shaved chicken breast. Just reduce the total cooking time by about 5 minutes. You’ll still want to stir and break up the chicken halfway through for even cooking. It’s a great option if you’ve already defrosted your chicken or bought it fresh.
What kind of seasoning works best?
You can use any seasoning you like after the chicken is cooked. Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or taco seasoning are all great choices. If the chicken is already pre-seasoned, you don’t need to add anything at all. Sauces like buffalo, barbecue, or teriyaki are also delicious!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, shaved chicken thighs work just as well. They may be slightly fattier and more flavorful than breast meat. Just watch the cooking time and check for doneness to make sure they’re fully cooked through.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! Cook a batch and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for tossing into salads, wraps, or reheating for quick meals. You can also freeze portions for longer storage and reheat as needed.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it’s no longer pink and has a golden color on the edges. Stirring during cooking helps you check that all the pieces are fully cooked. If you’re unsure, cook it for an extra minute or two until everything looks perfectly browned and cooked through.
Other Easy Chicken Recipes
Easy Ground Chicken Skillet – This quick and juicy ground chicken skillet is perfect for a healthy dinner in under 15 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
Healthy No Breading Chicken Cutlets – These thin pan-seared chicken cutlets are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and made without any breading for a light and healthy meal.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Wrap – Packed with bold buffalo flavor, this easy chicken wrap makes a deliciously spicy lunch or dinner in minutes.
Oven Broiled Chicken Strips – These juicy, golden-brown chicken strips cook fast under the broiler for a no-fuss, flavorful dinner option.
Air Fryer Aldi Frozen Chicken Patties – Turn Aldi’s red bag chicken into crispy, golden perfection right in the air fryer—no thawing needed!
Low Carb Chicken Fried Rice with Cauliflower – This quick stir-fry swaps rice for cauliflower for a low-carb, veggie-packed take on classic chicken fried rice.
Oven Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs – These juicy chicken thighs are baked with fresh lemon and herbs for a simple, flavorful Greek-inspired dinner.
Air Fryer Shaved Chicken Breast
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 package Frozen shaved chicken breast plain or pre-seasoned
- Optional seasonings of your choice if using unseasoned chicken
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
Instructions
- Place the frozen shaved chicken breast directly into the air fryer basket. No need to defrost.
- Set air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes.
- After 5 minutes of cooking, remove the basket and break up the frozen chicken clump using a spatula. This helps it cook evenly.
- Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking.
- After an additional 3 minutes, check and mix the chicken again to ensure even cooking. Break up any pieces that are still stuck together.
- Cook for the remaining time until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink. If needed, add a few more minutes, stirring in between, until done.
- Once cooked, season with your favorite seasonings if using plain chicken.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If using thawed shaved chicken breast, reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes.
- Be sure to mix and separate the chicken pieces during cooking so they cook evenly.
- If pre-seasoned chicken is used, no additional seasoning is necessary.
- Perfect for meal prep, salads, wraps, bowls, or as a simple protein-packed main dish.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Frozen Sausage Waffle Sandwiches in Air Fryer
- Tender Air Fryer Boneless Beef Short Ribs
- Crispy Air Fryer Cheese Tortellini