Looking for the very best way to cook amazingly juicy chicken breasts-fast? Welcome to your new go-to weeknight dinner: this Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe! Each piece comes out perfectly golden, lightly crisped on the outside, and tender on the inside.
You'll love the harmonious blend of savory spices and how the air fryer locks in all the delicious moisture without any fuss. This easy, healthy recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples and barely any prep. It's ideal for busy evenings, meal prepping, or anytime you want a reliable protein for salads, wraps, and more.
Inspired by my family's love for effortless, flavorful meals, this is the chicken recipe I cook most often. Trust me, once you taste it, you'll crave it every week!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and fuss-free: Ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Incredibly juicy and flavorful: The air fryer keeps chicken perfectly moist while delivering great seasoning in every bite.
- Healthy and versatile: Low-carb, gluten-free, and high in protein-perfect for many diets and meal plans.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch and enjoy in salads, sandwiches, or wraps throughout the week.
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
The star of the show! Opt for breasts that are similar in size (about 6 to 8 ounces each) to ensure even cooking. If they're particularly thick, use a meat mallet to pound them out to an even thickness-this helps you avoid dry edges and raw centers.
Olive Oil
A light brushing of olive oil both helps the seasoning adhere and encourages a beautiful golden crust in the air fryer. You can substitute avocado oil or even melted butter if you prefer a slightly different flavor.
Smoked Paprika
This powerhouse spice brings subtle smoky depth and vibrant color to the chicken. You can swap in regular paprika if that's what you have, or add a pinch of chipotle powder for extra smokiness and heat.
Garlic Powder
Adds big, savory flavor without the risk of burning like fresh garlic might at high temperatures. Onion powder makes a good substitute or companion if you want a sweeter, deeper seasoning.
Italian Seasoning
This all-in-one blend gives aromatic, herby notes that really liven up otherwise simple chicken breasts. If you don't have it, mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme in equal parts for a similar effect.
Instructions for Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If needed, pound the thickest part to ensure each piece is a uniform thickness-this ensures juicy, even cooking.
Mix and Apply the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub each chicken breast with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning blend over both sides, pressing gently to help it stick.
Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Air Fry the Chicken
Air fry for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the thickest part of each breast reaches 165°F (74°C). For best results, check with a meat thermometer. The outside should be slightly crisp and beautifully golden.
Rest and Slice
Transfer chicken breasts to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep them juicy and tender.
Recipe Variations
Turn Up the Heat
Craving a kick? Add a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the seasoning blend. For even more spice, brush the chicken with your favorite hot sauce before air frying.
Lemon Herb Version
For a bright, zesty twist, replace Italian seasoning with dried rosemary and thyme, add grated lemon zest, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon over the cooked slices.
BBQ-Style Chicken
Swap out the Italian seasoning and paprika for your favorite BBQ spice rub. After cooking, brush the breasts lightly with BBQ sauce and air fry 1 more minute for a caramelized glaze.
Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as written! Just be sure your seasoning blends and oil are free of any hidden gluten-containing ingredients.
Prep with Chicken Thighs
You can make this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts-just adjust air fryer cook time to about 15-17 minutes due to their smaller size and higher fat content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your air fryer chicken breasts with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic mashed potatoes for a wholesome meal. For extra flavor, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, and try a squeeze of fresh lemon. These chicken slices are also perfect for topping pasta, stuffing into wraps, or layering on sandwiches.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place pieces in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes. For longer storage, wrap cooked and cooled chicken in foil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe (FAQ)
Q: How do I keep chicken breast from drying out in the air fryer?A: Make sure the breasts are even in thickness and don't overcook-aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Resting the chicken for a few minutes before slicing also helps seal in juices.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?A: Yes, but thaw them completely first, pat dry, and season as directed. Cooking from frozen is not recommended, as the seasoning won't stick and the outside may overcook before the inside is done.
Q: Can I double the recipe?A: Absolutely! Just cook the chicken in batches so you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, which helps keep the chicken evenly cooked and crisp.
Ready for the juiciest, simplest chicken dinner ever? Give this Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe a try and watch it become your new staple! If you loved it, please leave a comment and rating-I'd love to hear how it turned out for you.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Pat chicken breasts dry and pound to even out thickness if needed.
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2In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
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3Brush chicken with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides.
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4Preheat air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
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5Arrange chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
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6Air fry for 8-9 minutes, flip each piece, then air fry another 8-9 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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7Transfer to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
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.
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