Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Breast delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a crispy coating. The seasoning blend of garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and onion powder creates a delicious, savory flavor that enhances the chicken without overpowering it. The best part is that it’s easy, healthy, and quick to make, which makes it perfect for meal prep or a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe—you can use the cooked chicken in salads, wraps, or serve it with your favorite side dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 9 minutes, flip, then cook for another 7-9 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
Variations
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the seasoning for a refreshing twist.
- Spicy Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix to give your chicken a spicy kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken: After cooking, drizzle the chicken with melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan for a rich, savory flavor.
- BBQ Chicken: Brush the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Honey Mustard Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken in honey mustard sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes and check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness.
3. Can I cook more than 4 chicken breasts at once?
Yes, you can cook more chicken breasts, but make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.
4. Can I marinate the chicken before cooking?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken for a few hours before cooking can add even more flavor. Just be sure to pat the chicken dry before air frying to help it crisp up.
5. Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be longer. Adjust the time to about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, and check the internal temperature to make sure it reaches 165°F.
6. Can I use a different oil?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other oils such as avocado oil or vegetable oil.
7. Can I skip the seasoning mix?
If you prefer, you can use pre-made seasoning mixes or even just salt and pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
9. What side dishes go well with air fryer chicken breasts?
Air fryer chicken breasts pair wonderfully with vegetables like roasted broccoli, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa.
10. Can I use this recipe for chicken tenders or thighs?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for chicken tenders or thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken thighs, especially bone-in, will take longer to cook.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe is the perfect solution for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. With minimal ingredients and an easy cooking process, you can have juicy, flavorful chicken ready in just 28 minutes. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy your perfectly cooked chicken breasts!
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Looking for a quick and healthy meal? This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly crispy exterior in just 28 minutes. With minimal oil and simple seasoning, it’s an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Enjoy the flavorful, crispy chicken without the need for frying!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
-
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
-
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil.
-
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
-
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
-
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 9 minutes, flip, then cook for another 7-9 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts for a few hours before cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
