Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy outside and tender inside in under 20 minutes. Using simple seasonings and minimal oil, it’s a healthy and versatile dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or protein-packed lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (preferably uniform size)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, helping the seasoning stick and ensuring a crisp crust when air frying.
- Season Thoroughly: Brush olive oil evenly on both sides of the chicken. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and any optional dried herbs. Gently rub the spices into a thin, flavorful coating.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes to ensure immediate cooking once the chicken is placed inside.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and juicy when sliced.
Notes
- Choose even-sized chicken breasts for consistent cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and avoid dryness.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes if you want extra flavor.
- Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for an evenly browned crust on both sides.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg