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Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

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There are many ways to make excellent chicken breasts, but if you want an easy, fast and healthy meal, try this air fryer chicken breast recipe.

Simple air fry chicken breasts make a delicious meal. This recipe yields a crispy & flavorful, juicy chicken breast with no added fat! Paleo and Whole30 friendly! It’s also great for chicken sandwiches, stir fry, wraps, and meal prep in general.

A close up of chicken breasts sliced and laying on a white surface.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

Chicken breasts are generally considered healthy. It is one of the leanest sources of protein that you can find. They are also low in calories, making them a great choice if you’re trying to add muscle and lose weight or maintain your current weight. Despite its health benefits, it can be boring to eat bland chicken breast. It is often dry, overcooked, and tasteless. But with the air fryer, you can have perfectly cooked chicken breast that is juicy and full of flavor.

Looking for a delicious way to cook chicken breast?

If so, you must try cooking chicken breast in an air fryer. Air fryers are all the rage right now because they make cooking so much healthier and easier. You can cook anything in them, but chicken breast is one of our favorite things to make.

Chicken breast has never been this juicy and flavorful, and it’s all thanks to the air fryer.

Why use an Airfryer to Cook Chicken Breast?

When you cook chicken breast in the air fryer, it comes out perfectly cooked every time. The air fryer cooks chicken breast evenly and quickly, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking it. Plus, it’s a healthier way to cook chicken breast since there’s no need for oil.

Unlike cooking breast in a pan, you don’t have to worry about flipping the chicken or moving it around. Air fryers handle everything for you. Simply place the chicken in the air fryer, set the timer, and wait for it to be cooked to perfection.

A closes up of chicken breast slices on a plate.

Cooking Chicken Breast in an Air Fryer

To cook chicken breast in an air-fryer, follow this simple guide:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees.
  2. Place the chicken breast in the air fryer and cook for 12 minutes or until cooked through.
  3. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

In cooking unbreaded chicken breast, it is important to remember to preheat your air fryer. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the basket. When cooking chicken breast, always check for doneness by using a meat thermometer. 165 degrees Fahrenheit is the internal temperature at which chicken is already cooked.

Should you marinate your chicken before putting it in your Air-Fryer?

Some people like to marinate their chicken before cooking it in the air fryer. This can add flavor and juiciness to the chicken. If you choose to do this, we recommend using a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt and pepper. Simply place the chicken in a bowl or Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over it. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

How make chicken breast juicier?

If you prefer a juicier chicken breast then we recommend brining. Brining is the process of soaking chicken in saltwater. This will help to add flavor and juiciness to the chicken. To brine your chicken, simply dissolve one-half cup of salt in two quarts of warm water. Add the chicken breast to the solution and let it soak for 30 minutes. Rinse the chicken before cooking.

Can you cook chicken breast in an air-fryer without oil?

Yes, it is true. However, for extra crispy chicken skin, you can lightly brush the chicken with oil before cooking. This step is optional but if you want to achieve that perfect golden brown color and crispiness, we recommend doing it.

What are the spices that you can use?

Paprika, onion, garlic, and pepper are stapled spices for chicken breast. However, you can also use other herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, thyme, cumin, and chili powder. If you want to add a little bit of heat to your chicken breast, we recommend using cayenne pepper or chili powder.

A side view of two chicken breasts on a white plate. One is sliced halfway.

Dipping Sauce

Now that you know how to cook chicken breast in an air fryer, it’s time to choose a dipping sauce.

Here are some sauces that you can try:

  • Honey mustard
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Buffalo sauce
  • Ranch dressing
  • Blue cheese dressing

A dipping sauce is totally optional, but we think they make chicken breast even more delicious. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, try using store-bought sauce. Or if you want to make your own, there are plenty of recipes online.

Side Dishes

Chicken breast goes well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Roasted vegetables
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Quinoa salad
  • Coleslaw

Choose your favorite sides and complete your meal. With an air fryer, the possibilities are endless. Now that you know how to cook chicken breast in an air fryer, the sky is the limit. Experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and side dishes.

Slices of cooked chicken breast lay on a white plate, ready to eat.

About the Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts – or 2 breasts, any weight, but small enough to fit in your air fryer.

½ teaspoon salt – We used pink Himalayan salt, but you can use any salt you normally cook with.

2 teaspoons olive oil – Or any oil you prefer.

1 teaspoon paprika – Regular paprika, not smoked.

½ teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic granules work too.

½ teaspoon onion powder – Onion granules work too.

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Dry spices mixed together in a clear glass mixing bowl.

Preheat the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 3 minutes.In a small bowl mix together salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder , and black pepper.

Two chicken breasts coated in spice mix and sitting in a mixing bowl.

Place chicken breasts and oil in a large bowl. Coat both sides of the chicken with the oil, or use an oil spray to do it. Then add the seasoning mixture and turn and mix on both sides.

Two spice-coated chicken breasts sitting in a parchment-lined air fryer basket.

Set cooking time for 16 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.  Add chicken breast and cook for 8 minutes.  Flip the chicken breasts over and cook for another 8 minutes until internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. with an instant read thermometer or meat thermometer.

Just cooked Air Fryer Chicken Breasts sitting in an air fryer basket.

Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Two chicken breasts laying on a square, white plate. Once is halfway sliced with a fork laying next to it.

How To Serve Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Serve these with a side of veggies and maybe some rice. You can also cut this up to toss with pasta, add to stir fry or use in wraps.

How To Store Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

You can store these cooked, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How To Freeze Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Wrap them well and place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 4 months.

In Conclusion

Chicken breasts are healthy, however, they are usually boring and bland. Thankfully, air fryers have been invented. Cooking chicken breast in an air-fryer is a great way to make it crispy and flavorful. Follow this guide in cooking chicken breast in an air-fryer, and you’ll be amazed at how delicious and healthy they can be. Enjoy!

Recipe Supplies

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Air fryer sold on Amazon.

More Chicken Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe Card

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A close up of chicken breasts sliced and laying on a white surface.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Delicious chicken breasts, coated in spices and cooked to perfection in your air fryer.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 breasts, any weight, but small enough to fit in your air fryer)
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. ground paprika
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. onion powder
  • ¼ tsp. ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 3 minutes.
    In a small bowl mix together salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder , and black pepper.
    Dry spices mixed together in a clear glass mixing bowl.
  • In a large bowl add olive oil and chicken breast and coat both sides. Then add the spice mixture and turn and mix on both sides.
    Two chicken breasts coated in spice mix and sitting in a mixing bowl.
  • Set cooking time for 16 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.  Add chicken breast and cook for 8 minutes.  Turn over and cook for another 8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. with a thermometer.
    Two spice-coated chicken breasts sitting in a parchment-lined air fryer basket.
  • Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
    Just cooked Air Fryer Chicken Breasts sitting in an air fryer basket.
Keyword Chicken
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