Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

The air fryer is the easiest way to get perfectly cooked chicken breasts. These juicy air fryer chicken breasts are well seasoned and so fast! You’ll love this healthy entree for dinner or meal prep!

I feel like at least 50% of the meals in my home involve chicken breasts. It’s my go-to protein because everyone loves it (kids too!) and it’s so very versatile. This easy air fryer chicken breast recipe is the one I use the most often. Seriously, I prepare chicken this way several times a week every week. It really is the best chicken!

Why use the air fryer? The air fryer took the cooking world by storm a few years ago. It’s basically a countertop convection oven. An internal fan circulates hot air to give you crispy food in less time and with less oil. This makes air frying ideal for people like me who like to eat healthy but won’t compromise on quality or flavor. (I am not the girl for you if you’re okay eating bland chicken and drinking kale smoothies.)

I like to make these as part of a quick dinner of course but I really love to make these for meal prep. I find it’s easier for me to make smart choices when I have options like this healthy chicken in the fridge. Then there’s truly no excuse!

You can adjust the seasonings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. But of course I’m going to share my favorite seasoning combination in the recipe below too. Try this foolproof recipe for the best results every single time.

I have more quick entree options for you too! If you’re wanting to cook a marinated chicken breast in the air fryer I recommend my Yogurt Marinated Air Fryer Chicken. My Air Fryer Salmon is another fast protein you’ll enjoy. Other air fryer recipes you should try are my Air Fryer Steak Bites, Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables, or Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables. Want to use the regular oven? I suggest my Oven Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs, Baked Almond Chicken Nuggets, or Easy Baked Chicken and Vegetables.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: We’re using boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
• Olive oil or a nonstick spray: Cooking in the air fryer requires very little oil. You can rub the outside of the chicken with a small amount of olive oil or use a cooking oil spray. I prefer an avocado oil spray.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika are all you need to add more flavor to this easy recipe. I have other seasoning suggestions below that you’ll enjoy.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Stir your seasonings together in a small bowl. Rub olive oil on the outside of the chicken breasts or spray with a little cooking spray. Then press the seasoning on the raw chicken.

Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket so they’re not overlapping. Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip chicken. Air fry for another 5 to 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 155 to 160 degrees. I like to use an instant read thermometer to double check. Then let the chicken rest. Temperature AFTER resting should be 165 degrees. Final cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken and the model air fryer you’re using.

Finished chicken should be golden brown.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken

1. Be generous with the seasoning. Chicken is naturally very mild in flavor so we’re relying on our herbs and spices to make it flavorful.
2. Spread the chicken breasts in a single layer with a little space in between each breast. You don’t want the chicken piled on top of each other (or touching) because the chicken won’t cook as evenly.
3. Don’t overcook the chicken. Because chicken is so lean it’s really easy to overcook it! Cook times can vary based on the size of your chicken breasts. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees at the thickest part. Since we’re letting the chicken rest you can remove it from the air fryer around 155 to 160 degrees (it will continue to cook while resting).
4. For tender chicken, let the chicken rest after cooking. This is important because it gives the chicken time to reabsorb those juices! If you cut your chicken too early all that juice will spill on to the cutting board.

More Ways to Season Air Fryer Chicken

You can season chicken using any combination of spices you like! Here are a few ideas in addition to the spices I recommend in the recipe card.

1. Use a store-bought taco seasoning or make my Easy Taco Seasoning at home.
2. Make it spicy! To increase the heat season with more paprika plus chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Add some citrus! You can create your own lemon pepper seasoning blend with lemon zest, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

How to Store Leftovers

Want to enjoy this recipe the next day or later in the week? This chicken is great for meal prep! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to serve this

There are endless ways to enjoy this air fryer chicken recipe.

Serve with veggies, rice, potatoes, and/or a side salad. My Easy Roasted Broccoli will pair beautifully with this chicken.

My husband and kids love this chicken in a sandwich or wrap. This is often how they use the leftovers for a quick lunch the next day!

Slice this chicken and add to a salad. Use your favorite salad toppings or make my Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad if you’re looking for a salad that really wows in summer!

Friday night is pizza night in our house. We often add leftover chicken like this to pizza. Drizzle barbecue sauce on top for a really special meal!

Increase the protein in your breakfast by shredding this chicken and adding it to a big egg scramble or omelet.

Sauté quick cooking veggies like broccoli, green beans, and carrots in a little oil. Once they’re almost cooked add your leftover chicken to the skillet along with coconut aminos or soy sauce. Stir until the chicken is warmed. Now you have a fast stir fry!

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