Craving a juicy, flavorful meal that’s both quick and healthy? Then you’re in for a treat! I’m about to share my favorite recipe for air fryer chicken breasts —crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed full of irresistible flavors. Using an air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking chicken. Not only does it cut down on time, but you get a crispy skin without having to deep-fry—making it a healthier option.
This air fryer chicken breast recipe is perfect for a quick weekday meal or meal prepping for the week. The seasoning blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and olive oil adds depth while ensuring a golden, perfectly cooked chicken breast. Best of all? The whole recipe takes under 30 minutes from start to finish. Let’s dive in!
To make this delicious air fryer chicken breast, you’ll need the following ingredients. It’s a simple list, but each item is key to unlocking layers of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt (or adjust to your taste)
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper (to your taste)
All of these ingredients work together to create a seasoning that gives the chicken both a smoky and herbal kick. The olive oil helps to adhere the spices to the chicken and also aids in achieving that perfect crispy outer layer during cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve got the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the fun part—cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and in no time, you’ll have perfectly cooked air fryer chicken breasts.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately, which helps it develop a flavorful crust on the outside.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
While the air fryer is preheating, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is important because drying the chicken will help the seasoning adhere better and prevent steaming in the air fryer.
Step 3: Prepare the Seasoning Mix
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend adds a rich, savory flavor to the chicken, with a bit of smokiness from the paprika and the earthy taste of oregano.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure every part is well-coated. The olive oil in the mix helps lock in moisture during cooking while also ensuring the spices stick nicely to the chicken.
Now your chicken is perfectly seasoned and ready to be cooked!
Cooking the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook that beautifully seasoned chicken! The air fryer will ensure a crispy outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate properly, ensuring even cooking.
Cook the chicken at 370°F (188°C) for 9 minutes on one side. After the timer goes off, open the air fryer and carefully flip the chicken breasts over. Continue to cook for an additional 9 minutes .
Step 6: Check for Doneness
The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F (75°C) for it to be safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breasts. If they haven’t reached that temperature yet, cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
Step 7: Let it Rest
Once the chicken breasts are fully cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes . This rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your chicken is extra juicy when you slice into it.
Serving Suggestions
Your crispy, juicy air fryer chicken breasts are now ready to be served! You can slice them up for salads, serve them whole with sides like roasted veggies or mashed potatoes, or even use them in sandwiches or wraps. The possibilities are endless!
Final Thoughts
This air fryer chicken breast recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to quick, healthy, and flavorful meals. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or prepping for your weekly lunches, this recipe will become a go-to favorite. Plus, clean-up is a breeze with the air fryer—a win-win situation!
Enjoy your delicious, perfectly seasoned chicken, and don’t forget to experiment with different spice blends or marinades next time for an even bigger flavor twist. Once you’ve tried this recipe, it will surely become a household favorite.