Air Fryer Chicken Breast

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This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe is your go-to solution for a quick, delicious dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. With a perfectly golden, crispy exterior and a juicy, tender inside, this chicken breast is seasoned to perfection and cooked just right every time.

slices of air fryer chicken breast on white platter with slices of fresh lemons

Easy Air Fried Chicken Breast

The air fryer is one of my favorite appliances because cooking in it is so convenient. It mimics roasting but takes much less time. This chicken breast recipe is proof of that because it takes minimal effort but the result is tender and juicy chicken that is so incredibly flavorful. If you are looking for a versatile chicken recipe, this should be a part of your dinner rotation. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight meal or prepping for a healthy lunch, this recipe ensures you’ll never have to settle for dry, bland chicken again.

air fryer chicken breast sliced on plate with green beans

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

  • 30-minute meal. If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner option, this one is ready to eat in half an hour.
  • Versatile recipe. Not only can you season the chicken breast how you like, but it can be served with any side dish.
  • Makes great leftovers. This air fryer chicken breast makes fantastic leftovers. Add it to a salad or soup recipe.
bite of air fryer chicken breast on fork

What You’ll Need

All you need for this recipe is chicken breasts, oil, and your favorite seasonings. It’s such a simple meal that works for any budget. 

  • Chicken breasts: I like to use boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook more evenly in the air fryer and for less time.
  • Avocado oil: I like avocado oil but you can use grapeseed or olive oil.
  • Spices: I keep my seasoning blend simple with salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Try anything you enjoy such as parsley, thyme, oregano, onion powder, chili powder, or a spice blend like taco seasoning.
ingredients needed to make air fryer chicken breast

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Season the chicken breasts and let the air fryer do the rest. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

  • Prepare the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes. 
  • Combine the oil and spices. While it preheats, add the avocado oil and seasonings to a small bowl. Whisk until well mixed.
  • Coat the chicken breasts. Cover both sides of each chicken breast generously with the spice mixture.
  • Cook the chicken. Arrange the breasts in a single layer on the bottom of the air fryer basket. Cook for 18-20 minutes or until no longer pink.
  • Let it rest. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and give it a couple of minutes to rest
  • Serve. Slice and enjoy with your favorite side!

Tips and Variations

  • Check with a thermometer. If you are unsure of the chicken being thoroughly cooked, use an instant read thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees F.
  • Let the chicken rest. Allowing the chicken breasts some time to rest before slicing ensures juicy chicken.
  • Grease the air fryer. Spray the inside of the air fryer basket to keep the chicken from sticking.
  • Cook in batches. If there isn’t enough room for all of the breasts without overlap, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
  • Marinade the chicken. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinade and let the breasts sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before they go into the air fryer.

air fryer chicken breast on platter with fresh lemons sliced

Serving Suggestions

Pair the chicken with a tasty vegetable side dish like Caprese Asparagus or Pomegranate Salad.

Top it with Pineapple Salsa and serve over white rice for a tropical twist.

Cheesy Garlic Bread is a great accompaniment to any meal.

If you like potatoes and chicken, you should try Oven Roasted Potatoes or Loaded Scalloped Potatoes. Baste the air-fried chicken breasts with a delicious sauce like Teriyaki Sauce or Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce.

air fryer chicken breast sliced on platter

Storage Directions

Store leftover air-fried chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or the oven until warmed through. 

To freeze, place the cooled chicken breasts into freezer bags and place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating them.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Try

Air Fryer Chicken Breast feature
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Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast makes a great easy chicken dinner. It gets a wonderful color on the outside while remaining moist on the inside. It’s seasoned and cooked to perfection!
Servings: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
  •  In a small bowl, mix together the avocado oil, salt, garlic granules, smoked sweet paprika, Italian herbs, and pepper to create a marinade.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or shallow dish, and coat them evenly with the marinade.
  •  Once coated, arrange the chicken breasts (with the rounded side facing down) in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
  • Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Serve with your favorite sides.

Last Step:

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Equipment

Notes

Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the model of your air fryer. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
 
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
 
Q: Can I use other types of oil for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use other types of oil such as olive oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.
 
Q: Can I add more seasoning to the chicken?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
 
Q: How do I know when the chicken breasts are cooked through?
A: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
 
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly if cooking from cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 844mg | Potassium: 856mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

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