Description
This easy and healthy air fryer chicken breast recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken in under 20 minutes. Using minimal oil and simple pantry ingredients, it locks in moisture for perfectly cooked chicken that’s bursting with flavor. Ideal for quick dinners, meal prep, and customizable with your favorite herbs and spices, this recipe is a convenient and delicious main dish for any busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (evenly sized)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help seasoning stick and promote browning. Drizzle olive oil over both sides and evenly sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to coat the chicken completely.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and better browning.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket without overlapping to allow air circulation. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken and let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes so the juices can redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy bites.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning for uniform cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid overcooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crisp edges and even cooking.
- Allow resting time post-cooking to maintain juiciness.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken breast size and thickness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken, tender chicken, easy dinner