Name: Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tsp Paprika; 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black Pepper

How can I cook chicken? What are some of the best recipes for brining, pan-searing and oven roasting? But nothing, and I mean nothing.nothingHow juicy and flavorful these Air Fryer Chicken breasts are. Is this a game changer? Think of it as the foolproof cousin of those dry, rubbery chicken breasts we’ve all unfortunately had. What is encountered (or, ahem, made I love this recipe, it’s ridiculously simple, which is a major win in my book. Especially on a busy weeknight.

What is an air fry chicken breast?

What is an Air Fryer chicken breast? What is so much more than that? What is the best way to cook chicken without the fuss? What is it like to have a mini convection oven on your countertop? The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, creating a beautifully browned exterior. What are some of the best juices you’ve ever had? Is oven baking healthier than frying in oil? Plus, clean-up is a breeze, which is always nice.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. Can you whip up a batch of these?Air Fryer chicken breasts.Is it possible to use them in salads, sandwiches, tacos or pasta dishes? Did I mention how juicy they are? Seriously, even my pickiest eater devours them. What’s the breakdown of the following

Flavor Explosion:What is bland chicken? The spice rub creates a savory, slightly smoky flavor that’s seriously addictive.
EffortlessWhat are some of the best recipes for a busy weeknight? It takes just minutes to prep and the air fryer does all the work. I’ve prepped it while helping my kids with their homework.
Budget FriendlyChicken breasts are a relatively inexpensive protein, and the spices are pantry staples. Is it easy on the wallet?
Ultimate Versatility:What are some of the best ways to use chicken breasts?

I know there are a million and one chicken recipes out there, but trust me on this one. Once you try it, you will be hooked.Air fryer Chicken Breasts.If you can cook chicken the other way, you’ll never go back to it. What is the Holy Grail of quick and easy dinners?

How do I make an air fry chicken breast?

Quick Overview

Making Air Fryer Chicken breasts.How do I prepare chicken breasts with a spice rub? What’s the best part? What is the best way to do it in less than 20 minutes? This method is special because it eliminates the need for constant monitoring and flipping. The air fryer ensures even cooking and a beautifully browned exterior. Is it faster to bake in the oven?

Ingredients

For the Chicken: What are some good

2 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts (about 6-8 ounces each) – I always go for the organic, 12 oz. breast. I like the free-range kind, but any will work! Just make sure they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.

For the Spice Rub:

1 tablespoon olive oil – This helps the spices adhere to the chicken and adds a touch of moisture.
What is the best flavor of paprika?
1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that classic garlic goodness.
1 teaspoon onion powder – A subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a touch of earthy herbaceousness.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – A classic Italian flavor that complements the other spices.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of spice.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Chicken

Preheat your Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it’s preheating, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. How do I get a nice sear on chicken? I usually do this while the air fryer is heating up to save time.

Step 2: Make the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and pepper. Set aside. Salt, and pepper. How do I get all the spice into a chicken?

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Brush the spice rub all over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them evenly on both sides. Don’t be shy! This is where all the flavor comes from. I like to use my hands to really massage the spices into the chicken.

Step 4: Air Fry

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re done before serving. Is it possible to If they are, you’ll need to cook them in batches. If you overcook a fryer, you will steam the chicken instead of searing it. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I always use a meat thermometer. It’s really helpful.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the Air Fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Before slicing Why is it that the juices are redistributed, resulting in a juicier chicken. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, this step is worth the wait.

What should I serve it with?

What is the beauty of these pictures?Air fryer chicken breasts.Is that they go with just about anything? Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:

What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner? Serve with roasted vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus), a simple salad, or quinoa. My kids love it with mac and cheese (don’t judge!).
For Meal Prep: Slice the chicken and add it to salads, grain bowls, or wraps for a healthy and satisfying lunch. I make a big batch on Sunday and it lasts me all week.
For Tacos or Fajitas: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or fajitas. Add your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
For Pasta Dishes: Dice the chicken and add it to pasta with your favorite sauce. Pesto, marinara, or Alfredo all work great.

My family also loves having it sliced over a bed of Caesar salad – the possibilities are endless! This is the perfect canvas for just about any flavor profile, which is why I adore it.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that guarantee perfectly cooked air fryer chicken breasts every single time. Here are my top tips:

Pound the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures they cook evenly. I use a rolling pin, but a meat mallet works too.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it. Remember, hot air needs to circulate!
Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should read 165°F (74°C).
Let It Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken. I can’t stress this enough!
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs. Try adding smoked paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning. The spice world is your oyster!
Brine for Extra Juiciness: For even juicier chicken, brine it in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes before cooking. This is totally optional, but it takes it to the next level.

I’ve learned most of these tips the hard way – by making mistakes! But now, I can confidently say that I make perfect air fryer chicken breasts every single time. I hope these tips help you do the same!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover air fryer chicken breasts (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating them:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. I like to wrap them individually in plastic wrap before putting them in the freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn.
Reheating in the Air Fryer: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This is my favorite way to reheat it because it keeps the chicken nice and juicy.
Reheating in the Microwave: You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave, but it may not be as juicy. Cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

I usually make a double batch of air fryer chicken breasts so that I have leftovers for lunches and quick dinners throughout the week. It’s such a time-saver!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

While it’s best to use thawed chicken breasts, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer. You’ll need to increase the cooking time and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I usually add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Do I need to flip the chicken breasts?

It’s not necessary to flip the chicken breasts, but I like to flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. It’s totally up to you!

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. I recommend cooking them for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this without olive oil?

You can substitute the olive oil with another oil, but I don’t recommend skipping it altogether. The oil helps the spices adhere to the chicken and adds moisture.

My chicken breasts are drying out. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure you’re not overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C), but don’t go beyond that. Also, make sure you’re letting the chicken rest before slicing.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for the easiest, juiciest air fryer chicken breasts you’ll ever make! I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and meal prepping. And honestly, it’s just so delicious! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other air fryer recipes for more quick and easy meal ideas. Happy cooking, friend! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas.

function toggleFAQ(element) {
var answer = element.nextElementSibling;
if (answer.style.display === “block”) {
answer.style.display = “none”;
} else {
answer.style.display = “block”;
}
}