Description
This Air-Fryer Chicken Breasts recipe offers a quick, juicy, and foolproof way to prepare tender chicken with a perfectly crispy exterior. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, it requires minimal oil and simple seasonings, locking in moisture and flavor while cutting down on cooking time and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
Instructions
- Prep Your Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness. Lightly brush or spray both sides with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you are using onto each side, pressing gently to help the seasoning adhere.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps guarantee even cooking and crispiness.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (~1 inch) to ensure consistent cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space for hot air circulation.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid undercooking or drying out the chicken.
- Adjust cooking time by 2-3 minutes if breasts are thicker.
- Customize seasoning blends to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6-8 oz)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken, quick chicken breast recipe, healthy chicken breasts, juicy chicken, air fryer dinner, gluten free chicken