Name: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (preferably uniform size); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Optional dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)

Description

This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a crispy seasoned crust using simple spices and olive oil. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy dinner option perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The air frying method ensures a perfectly cooked chicken breast with minimal oil and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (preferably uniform size)

Seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)

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Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispy crust when air frying.
Season Thoroughly: Brush both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and any optional dried herbs over the chicken, gently rubbing the spices to create a thin, even coating.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This preheating step ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately for better texture.
Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful when sliced.

Notes

For best results, choose chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
If you prefer spicier chicken, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and dryness.
Leftover chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for meal prepping or feeding more people.