Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe is the easiest way to cook perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken in under 30 minutes. Lightly seasoned and crisped on the outside while remaining moist on the inside, this versatile protein is ideal for quick dinners, meal prep, or a healthy lunch. Simple, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and tender every time

• Quick cooking—done in just 15 minutes

• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor

• Great for salads, wraps, or sandwiches

• Perfectly seasoned and crisp on the outside

• Healthier than pan-frying or deep-frying

• Low-carb, high-protein meal option

• Kid-friendly and great for busy weeknights

• Easily scalable for meal prep

• No marinade or long prep required

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each)

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Flatten the chicken:
   Use a meat mallet, rolling pin, or heavy pot to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly.

2. Season the chicken:
   Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil. Then season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika.

3. Air fry:
   Place the chicken breasts in a single layer, smooth side down, in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes.

4. Flip and finish cooking:
   Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Rest before slicing:
   Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest, loosely covered with foil, for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2 chicken breasts

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 10–15 minutes

• Resting time: 5 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning blend.

• Lemon herb: Replace oregano with Italian seasoning and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken.

• BBQ twist: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of air frying.

• Smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular for a deeper flavor.

• Garlic parmesan: Add grated parmesan cheese after cooking for a cheesy crust.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking for best results.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F at the thickest part.

Will the chicken dry out in the air fryer?

Not if you pound it evenly, avoid overcooking, and let it rest before slicing.

Can I make this with chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless thighs work well. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What can I serve this with?

Serve with salads, roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or in wraps and sandwiches.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Even thickness, proper seasoning, and resting after cooking are key to locking in moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which affects crispiness.

Can I marinate the chicken before air frying?

Absolutely! Marinate for 30 minutes to a few hours to add extra flavor before seasoning.

What if my chicken breasts are very large?

Consider slicing them in half lengthwise or pounding thinner. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it suitable for a keto diet.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe is a go-to solution for juicy, flavorful chicken with zero hassle. With simple seasoning and a quick cook time, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep. Whether served with veggies, on a salad, or in a sandwich, this air fryer method delivers perfect results every time.

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