Hey y’all! If you’ve ever struggled with dry, boring chicken breast, this Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe will change your kitchen game. Super juicy on the inside with a lightly crispy exterior, these chicken breasts are perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even slicing up for salads and wraps. With minimal ingredients and hardly any prep, you’ll love how easy and tasty this recipe truly is. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
- Perfectly juicy and tender every single time, thanks to the air fryer.
- Ready in under 30 minutes—even on the busiest days!
- Healthier than traditional fried chicken breast with almost zero added oil.
- Versatile seasoning means you can use it in salads, sandwiches, pasta, and more.
- Minimal cleanup, so you spend more time enjoying and less time scrubbing.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions for Air Fryer Chicken Breast
1. Prep the Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) for even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels, then drizzle with olive oil to coat all sides.
2. Season Well
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing lightly so it sticks.
3. Preheat & Arrange
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
4. Air Fry Chicken Breast
Cook chicken breasts for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden and crisp. Total cooking time: 16-18 minutes.
5. Rest & Serve
Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let rest on a plate, loosely tented with foil, for 5 minutes. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Prep time: 6 minutes
Cook time: 16-18 minutes
Total time: 22-24 minutes
Notes: Helpful Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; air circulation is key for even cooking.
- Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer to prevent overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a juicier result—trust us!
Variations: Make It Your Way
- Lemon Herb: Add 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Spicy Cajun: Swap Italian herbs for Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Parmesan Crust: Mix 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese into the spice mixture before coating the chicken.
Air Fryer Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (any basket-style or oven-style model)
- Kitchen tongs
- Small bowl for spices
- Instant-read thermometer
- Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding)
Storage Instructions for Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Let any leftover chicken breast cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Serve sliced over a crisp green salad with your favorite dressing.
- Add to grain bowls with quinoa, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
- Stuff into wraps or sandwiches with fresh vegetables and hummus.
- Pair with simple steamed veggies or roasted potatoes.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Marinate the chicken in olive oil and seasonings for an extra hour for deeper flavor.
- Bring chicken to room temperature for 10 minutes before air frying for more even cooking.
- Explore seasoning ideas from homemade spice mixes to keep things exciting.
FAQ: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Tips
- Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer?
- Yes! Cook at 360°F (182°C) for about 20-25 minutes, checking that the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- How do I keep the chicken breast from drying out?
- Don’t overcook. Check doneness early and always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- What is the best way to season air fryer chicken breast?
- Use a blend of spices and a little oil, but feel free to get creative with your favorite herbs and seasonings!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
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1Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound to even thickness if necessary.
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2In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
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3Brush the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture on both sides.
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4Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket.
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5Air fry for 9 minutes, flip, and cook for another 7–9 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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6Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
220 caloriescal
Protein:
36gg
Fat:
7gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
2gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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