Introduction

Air fryer chicken breast is a quick and healthy way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy exterior. This simple recipe uses basic spices and olive oil to create a delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Two well-cooked chicken breasts sit on a layer of crumpled white parchment paper, inside a round black pan. The chicken breasts are golden brown with darker spots of char and black pepper, showing a crispy texture on top. The pan rests on a light brown cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Step 2: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching.
Step 5: Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Swap paprika for smoked paprika to add a smoky depth to the seasoning.
If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave to avoid drying out the meat.

How to Serve

Two cooked chicken breasts with a golden brown top layer, speckled with black pepper and spices, rest side by side on crinkled white parchment paper. The chicken has a slightly crispy and seasoned surface, showing hints of charred spots. The parchment paper lines a round baking pan with a dark rim, which sits on a beige cloth. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer?

Yes, but cooking time will need to be increased by about 5-7 minutes. It’s best to thaw the chicken for even cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 130 reviews

This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy exterior. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe uses simple spices and olive oil to enhance the natural taste of chicken breasts while keeping the cooking process fuss-free in an air fryer.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
Total Time: 21-23 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better crisping. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures even cooking.
Season the Chicken: Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides. Rub the spices into the meat for full flavor coverage.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy crust.
Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts over and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
Serve: Slice and serve the chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as salads, vegetables, or grains.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Keywords: Air fryer chicken breast, easy chicken breast recipe, healthy chicken, quick dinner, air fryer recipes