Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and foolproof way to whip up juicy chicken, this Air Fryer chicken Breast recipe is your new go-to. With a savory crust and tender, succulent meat, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing friends at a summer get-together. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

• Super Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for salads, sandwiches, or healthy lunchboxes all week long.
• Extra Juicy: The air fryer locks in all the moisture—never dry or rubbery.
• Easy Cleanup: One basket does it all, so fewer dishes to wash.
• Customizable Flavor: Change up the seasonings to suit your cravings!

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are very thick, pound them to even thickness (about ¾-inch) for even cooking.

Step 2: Season

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it evenly over both sides. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice mix all over the chicken, coating both sides.

Step 3: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Place the chicken breasts in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry for 9-11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute, keeping it extra juicy.

Notes

• Pounding the chicken helps it cook evenly for juicy results.
• If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid crowding.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.

Variations

• Lemon-Herb: Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs and the zest of 1 lemon to the seasoning blend.
• Spicy Cajun: Swap paprika and garlic for 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne.
• BBQ Style: Brush chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Required Equipment

• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer (recommended)
• Kitchen tongs
• Mixing bowls
• Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding, optional)

Storage Instructions

Store leftover air fryer chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3-4 minutes, or enjoy cold. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations

• Slice over a vibrant salad or grain bowl for a protein boost.
• Serve with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Make a hearty chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and avocado.

Pro Tips

• Letting the chicken rest after cooking prevents dry, tough meat.
• Don’t skip preheating the air fryer—this ensures an even, golden crust.
• Check doneness early if using smaller breasts; every air fryer cooks a bit differently.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but allow extra cooking time—add 5-8 minutes and check for 165°F internal temperature.

Why is my chicken breast dry?

Overcooking is usually to blame; always use a thermometer to avoid this and give your chicken a 5-minute rest after cooking.

Do I need to flip the chicken halfway?

Flipping ensures even browning and juicy chicken on both sides, so it’s highly recommended!

Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

★★★★★ 4.50 from 21 ratings

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

yield: 4 servings

prep: 10 mins

cook: 15 mins

total: 25 mins

Juicy and flavorful air fryer chicken breast made with simple seasonings. A quick and healthy dinner option that's ready in less than 30 minutes.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
2. 2
   Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil.
3. 3
   In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. 4
   Place seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
5. 5
   Air fry for 8 minutes, flip each breast, and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. 6
   Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 260cal

Protein: 41 gg

Fat: 9 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 1 gg

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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