Want a foolproof way to make juicy chicken breast that’s both healthy and delicious? Air fryer chicken breast delivers restaurant-quality results in just 23 minutes. This protein-packed recipe (49g per serving!) creates perfectly cooked chicken with a wonderfully crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist.
At only 301 calories per generous 6-ounce portion, it’s an ideal choice for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Chicken Breasts: 3 pieces (6-8 ounces each), ensure they’re similar in size for even cooking
- Olive Oil: 2 teaspoons, helps create a beautiful exterior
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons, adds aromatic herb flavor
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, provides savory depth
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon, creates beautiful color and mild sweetness
- Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, enhances overall flavor
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, adds subtle heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Coat each chicken breast evenly with olive oil to ensure moisture retention
- Seasoning: Mix all seasonings in a small bowl and generously rub on both sides of the chicken
- Initial Cooking: Place seasoned breasts in air fryer basket at 390F/189C for 9 minutes
- Finishing: Turn chicken over and cook additional 9 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F
- Resting: Let chicken rest under foil for 5 minutes to retain juices
- Serving: Slice and serve hot, or store for meal prep needs
Cooking Techniques
Rubbing olive oil on your chicken breasts before adding seasonings helps create a delicious outer layer and keeps the meat juicy. A meat thermometer is your best friend here – checking that 165°F (74°C) internal temperature means perfectly cooked chicken every time. Let the chicken rest under foil after cooking – this simple 5-minute step lets all those tasty juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Size Adjustments
If your chicken breasts are smaller than 6-8 ounces, start checking the temperature around the 15-minute mark. For larger pieces, you might need up to 22 minutes total. The key is watching that internal temperature rather than just the time. Each breast should feel firm but still have a little give when you press it gently.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken is super versatile! Slice it up for sandwiches, lay it on top of a fresh salad, or serve it whole with your favorite sides. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or potatoes. For a quick meal prep option. slice the cooled chicken and store it in containers with different sides for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Storage Tips
Once your chicken has cooled completely, pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap it loosely in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts until just heated through. The foil method helps keep the chicken moist while reheating.
Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
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.
