Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This Air Fryer Chicken Breast is perfectly seasoned with a golden exterior and a juicy, tender center. It’s a quick, healthy recipe that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Melted garlic butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
3. If one end is much thicker than the other, gently pound the thicker end so the breasts are an even thickness.
4. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
5. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
6. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
7. Air fry for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
9. Garnish with parsley, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or melted garlic butter before serving.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 16–18 minutes
• Rest Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 31–33 minutes

Servings: 2

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• For extra juicy chicken, marinate it for 30 minutes to 4 hours before cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Slice the cooked chicken for salads, pasta, grain bowls, tacos, or sandwiches.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.