Description
Learn how to make perfect air fryer chicken breast that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, offering a healthy, low-calorie option without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re serving it with roasted vegetables, on a salad, or in a sandwich, this air fryer chicken breast will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for garnish
- Optional marinade: 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by ensuring the chicken breasts are of even thickness. If necessary, use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1 inch thick). This helps ensure even cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the Chicken:
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts or spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also use your favorite seasoning or marinade for additional flavor.
- Optional: For a flavorful twist, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer and not overcrowded.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or in wraps and sandwiches.
Notes
- Thickness of Chicken: For the best results, make sure your chicken breasts are of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. You can pound thicker areas with a meat mallet if necessary.
- Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings or marinades, such as garlic herb, BBQ, or lemon pepper, to tailor the flavor to your preferences.
- Marinade: If using a marinade, be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (If marinating, add 30 minutes for marinade time)
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg