This Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy nights! You’ll love how tender and flavorful these chicken pieces turn out.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you’re short on time, you can use chicken tenders instead. They cook faster and stay juicy too!
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor and health benefits. If you prefer, avocado oil is a great substitute, offering a similar taste and high smoke point.
Seasonings: The garlic and onion powder provide a punch of flavor. If you’re out of these, fresh minced garlic and onion work too—just be cautious, as they can burn more easily in the air fryer. And don’t worry if you don’t have smoked paprika; regular paprika or chili powder can work instead.
Dried Herbs: Italian herbs or thyme are optional, but they add more flavor. Feel free to skip them or use other dried herbs you enjoy, like oregano or basil.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken Breasts in the Air Fryer?
Cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer can yield tender results, but getting the timing right is crucial. Here are my steps to help you achieve juicy chicken every time:
- First, always preheat your air fryer! This helps cook the chicken evenly and lock in moisture.
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating; this helps achieve a crisp outer layer.
- The key is to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
- Let the chicken rest after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.
Cooking times may vary based on the size of your chicken breasts. If they are thicker than usual, don’t hesitate to add a couple of extra minutes to ensure they’re cooked through. Enjoy your cooking!
Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or dried thyme for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and around 16-18 minutes to cook. You’ll have juicy, delicious chicken ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice golden brown finish!
2. Prep the Chicken:
Grab your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important because drying them helps achieve that crispy outer coating. Plus, it allows the seasonings to stick better!
3. Add Olive Oil:
Now, drizzle the olive oil all over the chicken breasts, rubbing it in to coat them evenly. This adds flavor and helps the spices stick.
4. Mix Your Seasonings:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and any dried herbs you fancy. Mix them together until well combined.
5. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts, pressing gently to make sure it sticks well on both sides. This is where the flavor really comes in!
6. Cook the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. This ensures even cooking. Cook for 10 minutes, then get ready to flip!
7. Flip and Finish Cooking:
After the first 10 minutes, flip the chicken breasts over and continue to cook for another 6-8 minutes. You want to cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
8. Rest the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial—it allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken extra juicy!
9. Slice and Serve:
Slice the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides! It pairs wonderfully with steamed veggies, a fresh salad, or rice. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful air fryer chicken breasts!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a pinch. Just increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes and check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, avocado oil or melted coconut oil work well as substitutes. They both have high smoke points and will help keep your chicken juicy and flavorful!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
After cooking, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and season it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook, which can help deepen the flavors.
