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This air fryer chicken breast recipe is the easiest way to enjoy tender and juicy chicken! The seasoning rub is totally irresistible, and they’re super simple to make.
Try my Easy Baked Chicken Breast recipe if you’re looking for an oven version.
Why you’ll love it
My favorite thing about these air fried chicken breasts is the homemade seasoning rub that’s bursting with flavor! Air fryers are just the best appliance. They’re like little convection ovens. You get evenly cooked, juicy chicken with a phenomenal seasoning every time.
This golden-brown air fryer chicken pairs with pretty much any side, and it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights and meal prep that tastes delicious. No more boring chicken! Serve it as a main, slice it on top of a salad to make it a meal… endless options.
What you’ll need
- Chicken breasts – we’re using boneless/skinless
- Olive oil – it adds moisture and helps bind the seasoning
- Seasoning – my delicious homemade blend has smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder (most varieties are mild), and Italian seasoning (a blend of dried herbs that comes in a single jar) along with salt & pepper
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- Here’s the air fryer model I recommend.
- Serve them using a pair of kitchen tongs, and make sure that they’re properly cooked using an instant read thermometer.
- Effortlessly slice the chicken using a high-quality chef’s knife on a sturdy cutting board.
How to make air fryer chicken breast
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Combine the seasoning ingredients in a prep bowl. Working on a plate and using your hands, coat the chicken with olive oil, followed by the seasoning rub.
Preheat the air fryer. Place the chicken in the basket, and cook according to the handy guidelines below, flipping partway. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Helpful tips
- If your chicken breasts are a much different thickness than each other, you may want to use a meat mallet to pound them thinner, but be mindful that cooking time will decrease the thinner they are.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it so that it finishes cooking and the juices redistribute to keep it tender and juicy vs. dry.
- If you want to make more than 2 chicken breasts, cook them in batches. Don’t crowd your air fryer. Tent with foil on a plate between batches.
Substitutions and variations
- You can change up the rub if desired! Use your favorite pre-made seasoning or experiment with different herbs/spices.
- Add in a teaspoon of brown sugar to the rub to give it a little sweetness.
- Prefer chicken thighs? Try my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.
What to serve with air fryer chicken breasts
- It’s great in a salad. Try making a Caesar salad with my famous 10-minute Caesar Salad Dressing and Garlic Parmesan Croutons.
- Rice and mashed potatoes are classic sides with chicken. You’ll enjoy my Stick of Butter Rice or these Boursin Mashed Potatoes for a twist.
- For veggies, make my Easy Roasted Cauliflower, steamed broccolini, Easy Glazed Carrots, Easy Roasted Green Beans, or Broccoli with Cheese Sauce.
Leftovers and storage
- Store for 3-4 days in the fridge in a covered container. It’s great for meal prep! You can definitely eat this cold on a salad, take for work lunches, or use in any recipe that calls for cooked chicken.
- Reheat at 350F in the air fryer for a couple of minutes, checking often. It’ll be less time if the chicken is sliced.
- To freeze, let it come to room temperature first, and cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
If you made this tasty air fryer chicken, please leave a star rating and review below! I would love to hear from you. Or tag me on Instagram if you made any S&L recipe.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Take the chicken breasts out of the fridge 15-20 minutes prior to starting the recipe so they warm up a bit.
- Combine the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl.
- Add the chicken breasts to a plate and coat all over with olive oil, followed by the rub (use your hands).
- Preheat your air fryer to 375F.
- Add the chicken to the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes. Flip, and then cook for another 5-10 minutes (see guidelines below depending on size of chicken). Use an instant read meat thermometer and take them out of the air fryer when they've reached 160F. Let rest for 5 minutes until juices redistribute and they come to 165F (safe chicken temperature) before slicing them.small chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) – 4-5 more minutesmedium chicken breasts (about 8 oz each) – 6-7 more minuteslarge chicken breasts (about 10 oz each) – 8-10 more minutes
Notes
- I highly recommend using an instant read meat thermometer and checking early for doneness in this recipe. Chicken breasts can go from tender and perfectly cooked to rubbery and overcooked quite fast!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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