Name: Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

If you haven't tried Air Fryer Chicken Breast yet, get ready to fall in love with your new weeknight staple! These chicken breasts are incredibly juicy inside, golden and flavorful outside, and require hardly any effort or oil.

You get a craveable, tender bite every time, thanks to the quick hot air magic of the air fryer. It's fuss-free, hands-off, and comes together in less than 30 minutes.

This recipe is a must-try for busy evenings, meal prep, or anytime you want a healthy, protein-packed main without turning on the oven. We make it at least once a week around here-it's just the no-fail dinner you need!

Air Fryer Chicken Breast - golden, juicy, and delicious!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Juicy and flavorful every time with minimal effort
Ready in under 30 minutes-perfect for busy nights
Healthy, lean protein the whole family will enjoy
Hands-off cooking with easy clean up
Versatile for salads, sandwiches, or meal prepping

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Breast

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

The star of this recipe! Choose evenly sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most consistent results. If your chicken breasts are extra thick, butterfly them or gently pound to an even thickness for even cooking and juiciness. You could also use chicken cutlets for a faster cook time.

Olive Oil

A touch of olive oil helps the seasoning stick and promotes a beautifully golden crust in the air fryer without making the chicken greasy. Avocado oil or melted butter can also be used for a different flavor profile.

Paprika

Paprika adds a gentle, smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken. Smoked paprika gives deeper flavor, while sweet paprika is more neutral-use whichever you have on hand.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder infuses savory depth without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic. It's the perfect shortcut for busy nights. If you're out, onion powder is a good swap.

Italian Seasoning

A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme gives a punch of flavor that keeps this chicken from tasting plain. Feel free to substitute with herbes de Provence or your favorite dried herb mix.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast cooking process

Instructions for Air Fryer Chicken Breast

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If needed, pound to an even thickness-about ¾ inch-so everything cooks at the same rate. This ensures maximum juiciness!

Season Generously

Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently so it sticks.

Preheat and Arrange

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 2-3 minutes. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece so the air can circulate.

Air Fry to Juicy Perfection

Cook for 9 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts and cook another 8-9 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). The surface should be golden with a crisp edge. Let rest a few minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Craving a little heat? Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper to your seasoning mix. You can also use a spicy Cajun or taco seasoning blend for a bold twist.

Herb Lovers' Version

Swap Italian seasoning for a blend of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished chicken for a bright, summery touch.

Dairy-Free or Paleo Option

This recipe is naturally dairy-free and paleo as written. Just be sure your spice blends contain no additives or sugars for a truly clean meal!

Marinate for More Flavor

If time allows, let your seasoned chicken rest for 15-30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge. This helps the flavors penetrate and makes the chicken even more tender and juicy.

Different Cuts

Try this method with boneless chicken thighs or turkey cutlets. Adjust the cooking time depending on thickness-thighs may need a few extra minutes in the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Air Fryer Chicken Breast alongside fluffy rice or garlic mashed potatoes, and a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for a well-rounded, satisfying meal. For extra zing, garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Sliced leftovers are fantastic over salads, in wraps, or tucked into hearty sandwiches!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or in the microwave until just heated through-adding a splash of broth helps keep it moist. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in the air fryer or oven.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Breast (FAQ)

Q: How long does it take to cook chicken breast in the air fryer?

A: Most medium chicken breasts cook in 16-18 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway. Thicker pieces may need a bit more time.

Q: How do I make sure my chicken stays juicy?

A: Pound to even thickness, avoid overcooking, and let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. Checking with a thermometer is the best way to ensure it's done but still juicy!

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

A: Yes! Cook from frozen by adding 5-7 extra minutes, but season right after flipping (since spices won't stick to frozen raw surfaces).

Thank you for trying this Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe. I know you'll love how easy, versatile, and delicious it is! If you make it, please leave a comment or rating below-I'd love to hear how it turned out for you.

★★★★★ 4.80 from 187 ratings