Got 20 minutes to spare? Whip up some tasty cumin chicken recipe with just a few spices and lime juice for a start to dinner that’s super easy and delicious.
Jump to:
This air fryer cumin chicken recipe is my lifesaver when I’m short on time and need to get a tasty dinner on the table fast.
This chicken is flavorful but versatile. Serve it with sides like noodles or rice, or stuff it into tacos with some pico de gallo, shred it into quesadillas or on top of nachos with guacamole on the side, or toss it on top of my chicken kale salad.
You need only two spices but they really pack a punch, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice gives it a tangy twist.
Forget boring chicken dinner and try an easy chicken recipe in the air fryer to save the day. It’s bursting with flavor and quick, easy with a cooking time. The perfect choice for busy nights!
You can also toss the chicken on the grill for delicious hassle-free summer dinners.
Try this air fryer coconut chicken or air fryer teriyaki salmon next!
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- chicken breasts: I use two fairly large (about 8 oz) chicken breasts, so I cut them into cutlets for air frying. This ensures the chicken cooks all the way through and is golden brown on the outside without drying out.
- spices: I season this chicken with a blend of ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Try adding onion powder, garlic powder, or dried oregano if you like.
- lime juice: for acidity. Try lemon juice instead.
- oil: I like extra virgin olive oil for its flavor. You can use a neutral cooking oil instead if you prefer.
Cook the chicken on a Blackstone or propane grill instead during the summer for 4-5 minute per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Instructions
Prep Tips
Cut the chicken into cutlets. This helps cook the chicken evenly and helps prevent the outside from cooking too fast while the inside cooks.
- Use a sharp knife to prevent slips and be careful. Place the chicken breast on a cutting board. Press down with one hand and slide the knife through horizontally, being careful to keep your hand out of the way.
- Separate the two halves.
- You'll now have two chicken cutlets. These cook fast and evenly in the air fryer or on a grill.
- Add the chicken pieces to a large bowl and coat with the oil and lime juice. Add the spices, half a teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and toss to coat.
- Place the chicken on the air fryer trays.
If using a basket-style air fryer, you may need to make this in batches, depending on the size of the basket.
- Air fry the chicken for 6 minutes. Flip and rotate the trays and air fry for another 4-6 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with extra lime wedges for squeezing.
Tips for making air fryer chicken
- Large chicken breasts can take a long time to cook fully through to the middle. When air frying, this can cause the outside to become overcooked before the inside is done. Cutting each chicken breast into two cutlets helps them cook evenly and quicker!
- Customize this recipe with your favorite spices or dried herbs. Garnish with fresh herbs when serving.
- The cooked chicken will last in the fridge for 4-5 days, making it great for meal prepping.
What to serve with cumin chicken
For a full plate serve this chicken with Instant Pot brown rice or cheesy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.
You can also make the chicken to add to other meals. My favorite thing to add it to is in my kale chicken salad which is the salad that I created this chicken for originally.
You can also add the chicken to nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, easy fajitas, wraps, grain bowls, or make a chicken burger with it using a brioche bun and avocado sauce with shredded lettuce and tomato slices.
Want to try more air fryer chicken? Try air fryer chicken katsu.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
FAQs
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness when cooking chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Recipe
Air Fryer Cumin Chicken
Equipment
- Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer or a basket style air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the chicken breasts into cutlets: Place the chicken breast on a cutting board. Being careful, press down on the chicken breast with one hand while sliding a sharp knife through sideways.
- Add the chicken to a large bowl and coat with the oil and lime juice. Sprinkle on the spices and seasoning and toss to coat.
- Move the chicken pieces to the air fryer tray or basket.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165℉ (74℃) on a meat thermometer.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used.
SHARE THIS RECIPE
Rating, commenting, and sharing my recipes really helps. Thanks for taking the time! Mention @pipercooksblog on Instagram.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!