Air Fryer Chicken Breast (Juicy & Flavorful) 😋
This easy air fryer chicken breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly seasoned, lightly crisp exterior.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz / 170–225 g each)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for a little heat
Instructions
- Prep the chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- If one end is much thicker, gently pound it to an even thickness (about ¾ inch / 2 cm).
- Season
- Rub with olive oil.
- Mix all the seasonings together and coat both sides evenly.
- Preheat
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Air fry
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 16–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cooking time depends on thickness:
- Thin: 14–16 minutes
- Medium: 16–18 minutes
- Thick: 18–20 minutes
- Check doneness
- The chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Tips for Extra Juicy Chicken
- Don’t overcook—use an instant-read thermometer if possible.
- Let the chicken come close to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cooking.
- Resting after cooking is just as important as the cooking itself.
Serving Ideas
- 🥗 Slice over a fresh salad.
- 🍚 Serve with rice and roasted vegetables.
- 🥔 Pair with air fryer sliced potatoes or mashed potatoes.
- 🌮 Slice for wraps, tacos, or sandwiches.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 16–20 minutes
Total Time: 21–25 minutes
Servings: 2