If you love chicken breasts as much as I do, then this might become your new favorite way to cook them. Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are so easy to make and if you follow my tips, they'll come out tender, juicy and super flavorful! The right cook times and a few simple steps are key to making perfect air fryer chicken breasts every single time.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Chicken Breasts: Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are roughly 1 lb. in total weight. If you have larger chicken breasts, you may need to cut them in half or increase the cook time slightly.
- Olive oil or Avocado Oil: A little bit of oil to help the seasoning stick to the chicken and helps keep the chicken breasts moist.
- Seasoning mix: The seasoning is where you can really be flexible. You can use a combination of your favorite seasoning blend like Cajun seasoning or Steak seasoning. For this recipe I’m using a combination of Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
How to Cook Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer
Just like several other foods, the air fryer makes it really easy to cook chicken breasts. Full instructions and measurements are included in the recipe card below, but here’s a quick overview:
Step One: Start by pounding your chicken breasts with a rolling pin or meat mallet to even out the thickness. Pat both sides of the chicken breasts with a paper towel to remove any excess water.
Step Two: Measure out the spices, add them to a small bowl, and mix them together to combine. Next rub a thin layer of oil over both sides of the chicken breasts. Divide the seasoning mix and place an equal amount on both of the chicken breasts. Use your hands to rub the seasoning in on both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure each breast is thoroughly coated with the seasoning.
Step Three: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Add both chicken breasts to the air fryer basket and cook according to the times below. Once the chicken is done, remove it and place on a clean cutting board or plate to rest. Allow the chicken breasts to rest for at least 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute to keep the chicken breast juicy. Enjoy with your favorite sides like Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes or Air Fryer Asparagus.
Recipe Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Use smaller chicken breasts - I prefer to use smaller chicken breasts for this recipe versus large chicken breasts that will take longer to cook. Look for 2 chicken breasts that are roughly no more than 1 lb. total. If you are buying chicken breasts in a family pack, you can weigh the chicken on a food scale or use the 2 smallest breasts from that pack.
- Pound the thicker end of the chicken breasts - Chicken breasts are usually thicker on one end of the breast. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the thick end of the breast so the entire chicken breast is an even thickness.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly and evenly with oil and spices - Make sure to rub the spices into the chicken breast thoroughly with your hands. You want to make sure every inch of the breast is covered in the spice mix.
- Don't overcook your chicken! When checking the chicken with a meat thermometer, make sure the meat thermometer is inserted correctly. If you push too far down you will likely touch the plate or the air fryer basket, which will cause your thermometer to read an incorrect temperature. Remove the chicken as soon as it reaches between 163°F - 165°F, as it will continue to cook as it rests.
Which Air Fryer Should I Use?
You can cook chicken breasts in several different types of air fryers. I have an Aukey Home Air Fryer and I also use a Cosori Air Fryer. Both are great! You can also use the Nuwave, Ninja, Instant Pot Vortex or almost any air fryer brand.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve Air Fryer Chicken Breasts lots of different ways. Enjoy them with a side of Roasted Broccoli, Glazed Carrots, Asparagus, or a simple side salad. You can also slice your chicken breasts and serve on top of your favorite pasta dish like creamy Fettuccine Alfredo pasta...yummm!
More Quick & Easy Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Video
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb. total)
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. In a small bowl mix all of the spices (Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, garlic powder, smoked paprika and black pepper) until combined.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Cover them with plastic wrap or place them in a large food storage bag and pound the chicken with a meat mallet or rolling pin to even out the thickness.
- Rub the oil over both sides of the chicken breasts. Divide the seasoning mix and place an equal amount on both of the chicken breasts. Rub the seasoning in on both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they are thoroughly coated with the seasoning.
- Place the chicken breasts in the preheated air fryer basket and air fry for 7 minutes on the first side, flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the second side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches between 163°F - 165°F on an instant read thermometer. The carryover cooking will allow the chicken to reach 165°F as it rests.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and place on a plate tented with foil. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can easily divide this recipe into 4 servings and place into meal prep containers.
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