Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about ease, speed, and juicy results every time. The air fryer cooks the chicken evenly and quickly while locking in moisture, eliminating the need for heavy breading or excess oil. It’s a healthier alternative to pan-frying or baking, with a perfectly golden crust and tender interior. With a basic seasoning blend and less than 20 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is an ideal go-to for busy nights or healthy meal planning.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Optional: Italian seasoning, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for added flavor or heat

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
3. Brush or rub both sides of the chicken with olive oil.
4. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
6. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 17 minutes

Variations

• Use a marinade (like lemon herb or balsamic) for extra flavor—just let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Coat the chicken lightly in grated Parmesan for a crispy, cheesy crust.
• Add your favorite spice blends like Cajun, taco seasoning, or curry powder for variety.
• Slice and serve in salads, grain bowls, wraps, or sandwiches for a complete meal.
• Use chicken tenders or cutlets for faster cooking and smaller portions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until heated through, or microwave in short intervals.
Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain moisture.
You can also freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer?

Yes, but you’ll need to add extra cook time. Ideally, thaw the chicken first for even cooking and better seasoning coverage.

How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out in the air fryer?

Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F without exceeding it. Letting them rest helps retain moisture.

Can I bread the chicken before air frying?

Yes, lightly coat with breadcrumbs or panko after dipping in egg wash for a crispy version.

What size chicken breasts work best?

Medium-sized (6–8 oz) breasts cook evenly and fit well in most air fryers. Thicker breasts may need a few extra minutes.

Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you avoid spice blends that contain hidden gluten, it’s naturally gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs will be juicier and may need an extra 1–2 minutes of cook time.

What should I serve with air fryer chicken breasts?

Pair with roasted veggies, salad, rice, potatoes, or a simple side of steamed greens.

Can I season the chicken differently?

Yes, feel free to customize with your favorite spice blends or marinades for different flavor profiles.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are a fast, healthy, and versatile main dish you can rely on any day of the week. With minimal prep and endless seasoning possibilities, this juicy and flavorful chicken is perfect for dinner or meal prep. Whether you’re keeping it simple or dressing it up, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

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Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned with a golden, crisp exterior—all made with minimal oil in under 20 minutes. A healthy and quick main dish ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, chili powder, or cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
3. Brush or rub both sides of chicken with olive oil.
4. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of chicken.
5. Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overlapping.
6. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
• Let chicken rest after cooking to retain moisture.
• Customize seasoning with your favorite spice blends or marinades.
• Great for salads, wraps, grain bowls, or sandwiches.
• To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for best texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 95mg