Air Fryer Chicken Breast

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This air fryer chicken breast recipe makes juicy, tender chicken with a flavorful, lightly crisp exterior. It’s perfect for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or serving with vegetables and potatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz / 170–225 g each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. If the chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness (about ¾ inch/2 cm).
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil.
4. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat both sides evenly.
5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
6. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for:
   • 6–7 oz (170–200 g): 14–16 minutes
   • 8–10 oz (225–280 g): 16–20 minutes
7. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
8. Cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Juicy Chicken

• Don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
• Resting the chicken keeps the juices inside.
• Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to 4 hours adds even more flavor.

Flavor Variations

• Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and thyme.
• Cajun: Use Cajun seasoning instead of the spice blend.
• BBQ: Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 2–3 minutes.
• Parmesan: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan during the final 2 minutes.

Serving Ideas

• Roasted vegetables
• Rice or mashed potatoes
• Caesar or garden salad
• Pasta
• Sandwiches and wraps

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to keep the chicken moist.