This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe delivers perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken with a crispy exterior—without the need for excess oil. It’s quick, easy, and ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Seasoned with simple spices and cooked to perfection, it’s a versatile dish you can serve with salads, vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and tender on the inside, crispy on the outside
- Quick and easy—ready in under 20 minutes
- Requires minimal oil for a healthier option
- Perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or salads
- Customizable with various seasonings and marinades
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (similar size for even cooking)
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, a salad, or your favorite side dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 12-15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Air Fryer Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add fresh lemon zest and thyme for a bright, herby flavor.
- BBQ Chicken: Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for a smoky glaze.
- Parmesan-Crusted Chicken: Coat with a mix of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs before air frying for a crispy crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or microwave until heated through.
- Freeze: Store cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
How do I keep the chicken breast from drying out?
Don’t overcook the chicken—use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer?
Yes, cook at 360°F (182°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust the time based on thickness.
What’s the best oil for air frying?
Olive oil or avocado oil works best due to their high smoke points and mild flavors.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes, increase the cooking time to 20-25 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and a crispier exterior.
Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Absolutely! Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for extra flavor.
What sides pair well with air fryer chicken breasts?
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can affect cooking time and texture.
How do I get a crispy exterior on my chicken?
Brush with oil before seasoning, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer to allow proper air circulation for crispiness.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe is a quick, easy, and foolproof way to cook juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or adding protein to salads and sandwiches, this versatile recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Serve with your favorite sides for a healthy and satisfying meal!
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Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast is juicy, tender, and full of flavor with a crispy, golden exterior. Quick to make and perfectly seasoned, it’s ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner, meal prep, or slicing over salads. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a must-try for easy, hassle-free cooking!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra smoky flavor)
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes while you prepare the chicken.
2. Prepare the chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Cook the chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
- Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
4. Rest and serve:
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve whole or slice over salads, pasta, or with roasted veggies.
Notes
- Thicker chicken breasts: If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness for more even cooking.
- Marinate for extra flavor: Let the chicken sit in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.