Simple Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe: Perfectly Juicy Every Time
Air fryer chicken breast is a weeknight hero! It's incredibly fast, requires minimal oil, and delivers chicken that's perfectly cooked – tender and juicy on the inside, with a slight crisp on the outside. Forget dry, bland chicken; this method is a game-changer for healthy, delicious meals. It's one of the simplest and most rewarding things you can make in your air fryer.
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Quick Facts
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10-15 minutes (depending on thickness)
- Servings: Varies (based on number of breasts, typically 1-2 per serving)
- Dietary: High-Protein, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (select pieces of similar size for even cooking)
- 1-2 tsp olive oil or cooking spray (just enough for coating)
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme or oregano (or your favorite herb blend)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Meat Thermometer (Highly Recommended for food safety and doneness)
- Small bowl or plate
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a good exterior texture and helps seasonings adhere. If chicken breasts are very thick (over 1 inch), you can lightly pound the thicker end to about 3/4 inch to even them out for more uniform cooking.
- Season: In a small bowl or directly on a plate, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme (or oregano), salt, and pepper until well combined. Rub this mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are lightly coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken start cooking immediately for best results.
- Arrange in Basket: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Proper air circulation is key to air frying, so *do not* overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring there is space around each piece.
- Air Fry: Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time (around 5-7 minutes in). The exact time will depend heavily on the thickness of the chicken breast and your specific air fryer model. Always use time as a guide, not a strict rule.
- Check for Doneness: The most reliable way to ensure juicy chicken is to check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the largest breast. It should reach a safe 165°F (74°C). If not done, continue cooking for 1-2 minute intervals, checking the temperature after each interval.
- Rest: Once cooked to temperature, immediately remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest on a clean plate or cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays tender and moist!
Tips & Variations for Perfect Chicken Breast
- Don't Skip Resting: We can't stress this enough! Resting the chicken is crucial for juicy results. Patience here pays off.
- Check Temperature: Cooking time is an estimate; thickness varies widely! A thermometer is your absolute best friend to avoid dry chicken.
- Customize Seasoning: This basic recipe is a canvas! Use your favorite rubs or spices. Try taco seasoning, Italian herb blends, lemon pepper, or just simple salt and pepper.
- Cook from Frozen: Need a super quick meal? You can air fry frozen chicken breasts! Cook at 360°F (180°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Times will vary by thickness.
- Slice Against the Grain: For maximum tenderness when slicing cooked chicken breast, cut across the muscle fibers.
- Looking for more general advice? Check out our Air Fryer Tips for Success.