You know that struggle—chicken breast turns out dry, bland, or just plain boring. Well, not today. This air fryer chicken breast recipe keeps it juicy, full of flavor, and ready in no time.
And the best part? You don’t need to marinate for hours. My simple seasoning mix does the job fast. Let’s get cooking.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Knife
Important Info
- Servings: 2 chicken breasts
- Estimated Cost: Making this recipe costs about $5, depending on ingredient prices.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Calories per Serving: About 165 calories
- Cook Method: Air frying
- Season: Anytime
- Courses: Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, LowCalorieDiet, HighProteinDiet
Ingredients You Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | Avocado oil |
| Garlic powder | Fresh minced garlic |
| Paprika | Chili powder |
| Dried oregano | Italian seasoning |
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick.
- Season: In a bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 380°F (193°C) and let it warm up for 3 minutes.
- Cook: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). If it’s not there yet, cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Rest: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The chicken needs space to cook evenly.
- If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness before cooking.
- Cooking time may vary based on the size of your chicken. Use a thermometer to check.
- For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken after cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice and beans
- Fresh salad
- Garlic bread
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but you need to adjust the cooking time. Air fry at 380°F for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out?
Coating them with oil, not overcooking, and letting them rest before slicing helps keep them juicy. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to avoid dryness.
Can I marinate the chicken?
Yes, you can marinate it for extra flavor. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 12 hours.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken in an oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, this chicken is great for meal prep. Store it in the fridge and use it in salads, wraps, or sandwiches throughout the week.
