Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Juicy and tender, air fryer chicken breasts are a game-changer for busy nights and meal prep. Perfect for pairing with salads, veggies, or pasta, this easy chicken recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!
You are going to love air this fryer chicken. It's so easy to make, you'll wonder why you ever cooked it any other way.
Perfect for meal prep, you can whip up a batch of juicy, tender chicken breasts in no time and have it ready for the whole week. Plus, the cooking time is way shorter than baking in an oven, so you'll have more time to relax or do whatever you love.
The best part? It's super versatile! Whether you're in the mood for a fresh salad, some roasted veggies, or a hearty pasta dish, this chicken pairs perfectly with everything making it a staple recipe you'll want to keep around forever.
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap. This helps prevent the thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts cook through.
- Olive Oil: Adds a bit of healthy fat and helps the seasoning stick to the chicken. Alternatively, avocado oil can be used instead.
- Spices: A flavorful blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper gives the chicken a delicious, savory taste. Customize with other seasonings like oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor!
Pro Tip
To ensure the chicken is cooked through, insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast to check the internal temperature is at least 165°F (75°C).
How to make Air Fryer Chicken
Step 1: Mix the seasonings.
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Brush oil on the chicken breasts.
Lightly brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
Step 3: Coat the breasts in seasoning.
Evenly coat the chicken breasts with the seasoning mix, making sure each piece is well-covered.
Step 4: Cook the chicken.
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken for 7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve
For a classic homestyle meal, serve it with crockpot mac and cheese, green beans with bacon, and creamy coleslaw.
For a lighter option, pair it with a refreshing summer salad like blueberry and goat cheese spinach salad for a deliciously balanced meal.
How to Store
Place the chicken breasts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
More Chicken Recipes
More lunch and dinner recipes
Place the chicken breasts in an air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes, flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
To keep chicken breast from drying out in an air fryer, pound the chicken to make it even in thickness. Then, lightly coat it with olive oil. Cook at 375°F, and be careful not to overcook it. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then let it rest before slicing.
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Air Fryer Chicken
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb chicken breasts (see notes)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper (to taste)
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil. Evenly coat the chicken breasts with the seasoning mix, making sure each piece is well-covered.
- Add the chicken breasts to the air fryer basket smooth side down and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes, flip and cook for additional 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the basket onto a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
NOTES
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap. This helps prevent the thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts cook through.