This air fryer chicken breast recipe is a weeknight dinner hero—it makes flavorful, juicy chicken every time! With a simple seasoning blend that creates incredible flavor, it’s my favorite quick and easy protein for weeknight meals.
Why you’ll love this recipe
OK, I don’t like the word “life changing” but this is one chicken recipe that actually is—it’s literally that easy and delicious! This air fryer chicken breast has become my go-to easy dinner at least once a week. It comes out tender and flavorful, and it is beyond simple! And all this is coming from a previous air fryer skeptic (me!).
After experimenting with countless chicken breast recipes over the years, I can confidently say this air fryer method is foolproof. Alex and I have created the perfect blend of spices that packs in flavor while the interior stays juicy. It’s become such a staple in our meal rotation to serve with cilantro lime rice, tacos, or to top salads and grain bowls throughout the week. (Our kids literally cheer when I say that this is on the dinner menu!)
Read a 5-Star Review
“Game changer! My family devoured it and asked when we could have it again. The seasoning blend is perfect – flavorful without being overpowering.” – Tanvee
What you need for chicken breast in the air fryer
The biggest challenge with chicken breasts is keeping them juicy. After much testing, I have discovered the air fryer solves this problem by creating a sealed exterior that locks in moisture while cooking the inside perfectly. You also don’t even have to wait for an oven to preheat for baked chicken or get your stovetop splattered like with pan seared chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Air fryer with large basket: I use this air fryer with a large basket that fits multiple pieces comfortably and is surprisingly easy to clean. The non-stick surface is a game-changer for quick cleanup on busy nights!
- Instant read thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure perfect doneness without cutting into the chicken.
- Kitchen mallet or rolling pin: For evening out the thickness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I look for pieces that are similar in size, around 8 ounces each.
- Olive oil: Creates a base for the seasonings to adhere to and helps with browning.
- Smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder: This is my secret seasoning weapon! The smoked paprika especially adds incredible depth of flavor without heat
How to make air fryer chicken—step by step
Alex and I have refined this process through dozens of test runs to get consistently juicy results every time! Here’s what to know:
1. Prep the chicken for even cooking.
One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was not addressing the uneven thickness of chicken breasts. The thinner end would dry out while the thicker part remained undercooked.
My solution: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels, then gently pound the thicker end until the breast is an even thickness throughout. This simple step ensures even cooking!
Pro tip: Don’t pound too aggressively. You’re just looking to even things out, not flatten the chicken completely.
2. Season for maximum flavor.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and chili powder (see the recipe below for quantities).
My technique: First, coat both sides of the chicken with olive oil (this helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning). Then generously sprinkle the seasoning blend all over both sides of the chicken breasts, gently pressing it in to adhere.
3. Preheat for crispy exterior.
I’ve learned that preheating the air fryer is non-negotiable for getting that perfect exterior texture.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. This step ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately when it hits the basket, creating a light crust that seals in moisture.
4. Adjust for the perfect timing.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. If your air fryer is smaller, cook them one at a time rather than crowding.
Cook for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The exact timing depends on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your specific air fryer model.
Critical tip: For chicken breasts around 8 ounces, I typically find that 13 minutes is perfect in my air fryer. If your chicken breasts are smaller (around 6 ounces), check at the 10-minute mark. Larger pieces may need up to 16 minutes.
5. Rest before slicing.
This is perhaps the most crucial step that many people skip! Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it.
During this rest period, the juices redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when you cut into it. I am usually extremely impatient when it comes to this part, but Alex has assured me it is super important (and it’s true!).
How long to cook chicken in the air fryer
I get this question all the time, so here’s my definitive guide to air fryer chicken breast timing:
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts at 400°F:
- Small (6 oz): 10-12 minutes
- Medium (8 oz): 12-15 minutes
- Large (10+ oz): 15-18 minutes
Remember that these are guidelines! The most reliable method is always cooking to temperature (165°F) rather than time, making sure to measure at the thickest part of the breast. I’ve found that checking with a meat thermometer at the minimum suggested time, then adding more time if needed, gives the best results.
Variations and serving ideas
This air fryer chicken breast is literally the best easy dinner idea: we make it at least once a week! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Different seasonings: Try adding Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, blackened seasoning, taco seasoning, or fajita seasoning.
- Meal prep: Slice and refrigerate for quick protein to add to salads and wraps.
- Family style: Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. Of course you could also add air fryer asparagus!
- Sandwich upgrade: Slice thinly and use in sandwiches with avocado and greens.
- Pasta adder: Dice and add to white sauce pasta or garlic butter noodles.
- Grain Bowls: Serve over brown rice or quinoa with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
Storing leftovers and reheating
One of the great things about this air fryer chicken breast recipe is how well it holds up as leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Slice or dice the chicken before freezing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Best reheating method: To prevent drying out, reheat briefly in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until just warmed through.
Dietary notes
This air fryer chicken breast recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and Mediterranean diet friendly.
Frequently asked questions
With my air fryer model, I don’t find flipping necessary. The circulating hot air cooks the chicken evenly from all sides. If you notice uneven browning with your model, you can flip halfway through cooking time.
No! Thaw the chicken before making this recipe.
Yes! For bone-in chicken breasts, cook at 370°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast—Best Ever!
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This air fryer chicken breast recipe is a weeknight dinner hero—it makes flavorful, juicy chicken every time! With a simple seasoning blend that creates incredible flavor, it’s my favorite quick and easy protein for weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air fryer
- Cuisine: Chicken
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry, then lightly pound the thick end of each piece of chicken with a kitchen mallet or rolling pin until the chicken breast is roughly the same thickness all the way across.
- Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and coat both sides with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, stir together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the seasoning all over both sides of the chicken.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes more until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the air fryer and allow the chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving to ensure juiciness. Slice into pieces and serve. Leftovers last 3 to 4 days refrigerated.
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