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Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts recipe card

Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

This air fryer chicken breast recipe delivers juicy, tender meat with a lightly crispy exterior, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 chicken breasts
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6 ounces each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them on a cutting board. If any pieces are much thicker on one end, gently pound the thicker areas so the breasts are an even thickness.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir until a smooth paste forms.
  4. Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or zip top bag, add the seasoning paste, and rub until every surface of the chicken is evenly coated.
  5. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece.
  6. Air fry for 6 to 7 minutes, then flip each breast and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Transfer the chicken to a plate or cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes.
  8. Slice the chicken against the grain and serve warm on a platter, spooning any collected juices over the top.

Notes

- For extra even cooking, aim for chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness.
- Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed so the hot air can circulate and keep the chicken from steaming.
- For meal prep, cool the cooked chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, then slice or cube, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To reheat in the air fryer, cook sliced chicken at 320°F for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping once, until heated through.