Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Breast is juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned with a golden, crisp exterior—all achieved with minimal oil and effort. It’s a fast, healthy, and foolproof way to cook chicken breast that’s ideal for meal prep, salads, sandwiches, or weeknight dinners. No breading needed, just flavor-packed simplicity.

ingredients

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

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

directions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
    Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Chicken:
    Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil.
  3. Season the Chicken:
    In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  4. Cook the Chicken:
    Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 9-10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and Serve:
    Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and keeps the chicken tender.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2-4 people.

  • Preparation time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking time: 18-20 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Use Cajun, lemon pepper, or taco seasoning for a different flavor twist.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or drizzle of honey before serving for extra brightness or sweetness.
  • Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
  • Marinate the chicken overnight for even juicier results.

storage/reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
  • Sliced chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but they must be thawed before seasoning and cooking for even results.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and let the chicken rest before slicing.

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes, but they’ll need additional cook time—about 25-30 minutes total depending on size.

What should I serve with air fryer chicken breast?
It pairs perfectly with veggies, salad, rice, pasta, or even in wraps and sandwiches.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Breast is an easy, delicious way to make perfectly cooked chicken with minimal fuss. It’s seasoned just right, incredibly juicy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a quick dinner, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!

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Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

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  • Author: cozykitcheneats
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe gives you juicy, tender chicken with a flavorful, golden crust—ready in under 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or tossing on top of salads and pastas. No breading required, just simple seasonings and a quick air fry.


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 Italian seasoning

 

  • Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

  • Prep the Chicken:

    • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

    • Pound them to an even thickness for more even cooking (about ½ to ¾ inch thick).

  • Season:

    • Rub each chicken breast with olive oil.

    • In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

    • Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken and rub it in.

  • Air Fry:

    • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.

    • Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

    • Air fry for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook time may vary slightly depending on thickness—chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

 

  • Rest & Serve:

    • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

    • Serve whole, sliced, or diced with your favorite sides or on top of salads, rice bowls, or pasta.


Notes

  • For extra juicy chicken, you can brine the breasts in salt water for 30 minutes before seasoning.

  • Try switching up the spices—cajun, taco, or lemon pepper blends are great!

  • Leftovers are perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or meal prep bowls.

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