Want juicy, crispy chicken without the guilt of deep frying? This air fryer chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 23 minutes. With only 301 calories and a whopping 49g of protein per serving, it’s perfect for health-conscious food lovers.
The air fryer creates that irresistible golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. Plus, with just 9g of fat per serving, you can enjoy this crowd-pleasing favorite any day of the week.
Fresh Air Fryer Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 3 pieces (6-8 ounces each), ensure they’re uniform in size for even cooking
- Olive Oil: 2 teaspoons, helps create a beautiful golden exterior
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons, adds aromatic herb flavor
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, provides savory depth
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon, creates lovely color and mild sweetness
- Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, enhances overall flavors
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, adds perfect seasoning balance
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Coat chicken breasts with olive oil thoroughly for maximum flavor absorption
- Seasoning: Mix all seasonings in a bowl and generously rub on both sides of chicken
- First Cook: Place in air fryer basket at 390°F for 9 minutes, ensuring space between pieces
- Flip and Finish: Turn chicken over and cook additional 9 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Resting Period: Let chicken rest under foil for 5 minutes to retain juices
- Serving: Enjoy hot or store for meal prep throughout the week
Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken
Let your chicken breasts come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking – this helps them cook more evenly. Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket; leaving space between the pieces lets the hot air flow freely around each breast. If you notice the chicken browning too quickly, you can lower the temperature to 375°F and add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Easy Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these simple spice swaps:
- Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning for Mexican-style chicken
- Mix in some cayenne pepper with the existing spices for a spicy kick
- Use Greek seasoning instead of Italian for Mediterranean flavor
- Add a sprinkle of ranch seasoning mix for a crowd-pleasing twist
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This chicken is perfect for meal prep! Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Slice it before storing to make quick work of salads and sandwiches. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months – just wrap individual pieces in foil and place them in freezer bags. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to keep the meat juicy.
Serving Ideas
Slice this juicy chicken and add it to:
- Fresh garden salads
- Warm pasta dishes
- Grain bowls with quinoa or rice
- Sandwiches and wraps For a complete meal, pair with roasted vegetables or a side salad. The mild seasoning makes it super versatile!
Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
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.
- 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.
