This foolproof recipe makes flavorful and tender air fryer chicken breasts every time, seasoned with herbs and spices.
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What is needed for air fryer chicken breasts recipe?
At what temperature do you air fry chicken breasts?
How to make air fryer chicken breasts
How long to cook chicken breasts in the air fryer
Size matters
Resting time
Chicken is undercooked
When to add vegetables
Variations
Storing leftovers
Reheating air fryer chicken breasts
FAQ
Wine pairings for chicken breasts
Favorite sides with chicken breasts
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
Similar to my air fryer chicken thighs, this air fryer chicken recipe is made with just the right amount of seasoning and extremely versatile. This recipe is also perfect for someone following a keto or Whole30 lifestyle.
Air frying is the best way to cook tender chicken in less time, since there’s no preheating the oven. And with my simple seasoning blend, these flavorful chicken breasts not only make an easy weeknight dinner, but they’re perfect for meal prep too. This recipe results in super flavorful, tender chicken breasts with no brining!
The best thing about serving chicken is that it is so versatile. Adding a delicious and creamy sauce like this white bbq sauce or Peruvian creamy green sauce can create an entirely new recipe.
And adding side dishes like Instant Pot Risotto or Sous Vide Asparagus makes it the perfect meal.
Don’t own an air fryer? Try my Sous Vide Chicken Breasts recipe! Looking for a crispier option? Try my Air Fried Crispy Chicken Tenders! There are so many options to choose from.
What is needed for air fryer chicken breasts recipe?
- Olive Oil
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- Kosher Salt
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
Note: To switch things up, try swapping in my Italian Seasoning or Cajun Seasoning in place of the herbs called for in this recipe.
At what temperature do you air fry chicken breasts?
- Cook at 370-degrees for the best flavor.
How to make air fryer chicken breasts
- In a small bowl combine the salt and spices with oil to create a paste. Coat boneless chicken breasts with the paste. Place chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook.
How long to cook chicken breasts in the air fryer
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 370-degrees for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-degrees.
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are the easiest dinner ever and are ready in under 20 minutes including prep!
The air fryer makes chicken breasts incredibly tender and juicy with just a couple of minutes of prep and a few seasonings.
This will definitely be a go-to recipe on busy nights! A nice golden crust and perfectly juicy, they’re great on their own or sliced over a salad!
Why You’ll Love Cooking Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer
- I air fry pretty much everything because it’s quick and easy (I have a 5.8QT Cosori Air Fryer).
- This needs just a couple of minutes of prep.
- It takes only a handful of ingredients. Use the seasonings below, your favorite chicken seasoning, or really any seasoning mix.
- The results are incredibly juicy every single time. Hands down one of our favorite 20-minute meals.
- It’s great to make ahead for meal prep.
Use this air fryer chicken breast recipe in all kinds of meal prep favorites like chicken burrito bowls or chicken salad. Slice it for sandwiches, serve it over caesar salad. Endless possibilities.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts can range in size from 5oz to 10oz. This recipe is for boneless skinless chicken breasts sized 6-7oz. (We use this recipe for air fryer chicken thighs). Four 6oz chicken breasts will weigh about 1 1/2 lbs.
Seasonings are simple. Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are all that’s needed. I prefer kosher salt for this recipe.
Seasoning Variations
Swap the seasonings and try Homemade Taco Seasoning, your favorite spice mixtures, or seasoning blends in your cupboard like lemon pepper or Greek seasoning.
These come out so juicy they’re even great with just salt, pepper, and Italian Seasoning.
Marinade or Brine?
A brine is great for lean meats like pork chops. While many recipes use brines, we use our air fryer for last minute quick and easy meals. So we say no brine is required!
As long as you don’t overcook it, you can make extra juicy chicken breasts in the air fryer without brining.
Marinating is also not necessary but if you’d like to use a chicken marinade you certainly can for some extra flavor. Once you remove the chicken from the marinade (if it’s a wet marinade), ensure to remove any excess to allow the chicken to crisp on the outside a bit in the air fryer.
How to Air Fry Chicken Breasts
Just like baked or grilled chicken breasts, you’ll want to add this to your collection of healthy chicken breast recipes!
- Rub chicken breasts with a little olive oil and seasoning (per the recipe below).
- Place in the air fryer basket ensuring there is space around each chicken breast.
- Cook 16-19 minutes flipping after 10 minutes.
Rest a few minutes before cutting.
How Long to Cook Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer
Note: this is for 6-7 oz chicken breasts. Chicken breasts can range in size from 5oz to 10oz. Adjust cook time as needed.
- Cook chicken breasts for about 10 minutes.
- Turn them over and cook another 6-9 minutes.
- Use an instant read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
NOTE: Be sure to check the temperature of the chicken a few minutes early to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Appliances can vary.
Tips for Success
- A few swipes of BBQ sauce will add a great flavor and sticky exterior.
- Check for doneness a few minutes before cooking should be done by inserting a meat thermometer in the thickest part. Chicken should reach 165°F.
- Let the chicken breasts rest 5 minutes before serving.
- When seasoning chicken breasts, pat the seasoning into it all over, firmly coating the chicken with the seasonings.
- Do not overcook.
More Great Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Hoisin Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken – a personal favorite
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Did you make these Air Fryer Chicken Breasts? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
5 from 98 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are perfectly seasoned, tender & juicy!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Holly Nilsson
Equipment
Air Fryer
Instant Read Thermometer
Ingredients
1x2x3x
- ▢4 boneless chicken breasts 6-7 oz each
- ▢1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning Mix (or use your favorite seasoning blend)
- ▢½ teaspoon paprika
- ▢½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper
- ▢¼ teaspoon oregano
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 370°F. Combine the seasoning mix.
Rub chicken breasts with olive oil. Season with the mix or your favorite seasoning blend.
Place chicken breasts in the air fryer (ensuring they don't overlap) and cook for 10 minutes.
Flip chicken over and cook an additional 6-9 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F. Do not overcook.
Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Video
Notes
For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Do not overcook.Cook time can vary slightly based on the size/shape of chicken, this recipe is written for 6-7 oz chicken breasts. Chicken breasts can range in size from 5oz to 10oz and appliances can vary. Adjust cook time as needed.Other seasoning options include garlic powder with Italian seasoning, Greek seasoning blend, cajun seasoning or lemon pepper.If your chicken breasts fit in your basket without overlapping, you can use 4 chicken breasts. If they're extra large, cook in batches or just use 3 chicken breasts (seasoning will remain the same). Larger chicken breasts will need an extra minute or two of cooking time.
5 from 98 votes
Nutrition Information
Calories: 174 | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 418mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Chicken, Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat
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Can I put raw chicken in an air fryer?
I like to cook my boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 10 minutes at 380℉, then flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165℉. Can you put raw chicken in the air fryer? Absolutely!How long should I air fry chicken breast for?
Spritz the chicken with oil and rub all over, then rub the spice mix over the chicken. Add the chicken to the air fryer basket and air fry in batches 380F 5 minutes on each side, 10 minutes total until browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. See notes below for larger breasts.At what temperature do you cook chicken in an air fryer?
Cook boneless skinless chicken breasts that are about 6 oz (170 grams) each and is around 1-inch (or less) thick at 375 F (190 C) in a preheated Air Fryer for 6 minutes on one side, then turn and cook for 4-7 more minutes, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 165 F (74 C).How do I cook a chicken in an air fryer?
Prep the Chicken: Rub the chicken with the oil. Air Fry: Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer. Cook at 360 degrees for 30 min. Flip: Turn the chicken and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.