This juicy air fryer chicken breast recipe proves that healthy cooking can be incredibly delicious – no breading needed! With just 5 minutes of prep and 18 minutes of cooking, you’ll have perfectly tender chicken that packs an impressive 49g of protein per serving.
It’s a fantastic low-carb option with only 4g of carbs and 301 calories per 6-ounce portion. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving dinner tonight, this foolproof method delivers restaurant-quality results right from your air fryer.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Chicken Breasts: 3 pieces, each 6-8 ounces for optimal cooking
- Olive Oil: 2 teaspoons to help seasonings adhere
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons for Mediterranean flavor
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon for savory depth
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon for color and mild sweetness
- Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to enhance flavors
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon for subtle heat
Cooking Instructions
- Preparation: Generously coat chicken breasts with olive oil on all sides
- Seasoning: Mix all spices in a small bowl and thoroughly coat both sides of chicken
- Initial Cooking: Position chicken in air fryer basket in single layer, air fry at 390°F for 9 minutes
- Final Cooking: Turn chicken over and continue cooking for additional 9 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Resting: Let chicken rest under loose foil cover for 5 minutes before serving
Nutrition Information (per 6oz serving)
- Calories: 301
- Protein: 49g
- Total Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
Perfect Temperature Tips
Getting that perfect 165°F internal temperature is super easy! A meat thermometer is your best friend here – just pop it into the thickest part of the chicken breast. If your chicken breasts are different sizes, check each one separately. Smaller pieces might cook faster, while larger ones could need an extra minute or two.
Make-Ahead & Storage
These chicken breasts are perfect for meal prep! Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’re amazing cold in salads or sandwiches, or you can warm them up quickly in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For longer storage, wrap them well and freeze for up to 3 months.
Quick Serving Ideas
Slice these juicy chicken breasts and serve them over a fresh salad, tuck them into sandwiches, or pair them with your favorite roasted veggies. They’re also wonderful chopped up in pasta, wrapped in tortillas, or added to grain bowls. For a simple dinner, serve with a side of steamed broccoli and brown rice. The Italian seasoning gives you lots of flavor options!
Simple Seasoning Swaps
Don’t have Italian seasoning? Mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme instead. Feel free to play with the seasonings – try taco seasoning for Mexican dishes, or simple salt and pepper for versatile meal prep. Just keep the oil coating – it helps your seasonings stick and keeps the chicken moist.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast No Breading
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 whole Chicken Breasts 6-8 ounces each
- 2 tsp Olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Combine the seasonings in a small bowl, then rub on both sides of the chicken.
- Place the breasts in a single layer in the basket and cook at 390F/189C for 9 minutes.
- Flip the breasts over and cook for another 9 minutes, until internal temperature is 165 degrees F. If cooking larger or smaller breasts, be sure to adjust cook time accordingly to avoid under- or over-cooking.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil, allowing it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve immediately or use as meal prep.
