Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner? Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast delivers tender, golden-crusted chicken in under 20 minutes. Perfect for meal prep, salads, or pairing with your favorite sides, this air fryer chicken is a versatile, healthy option that’s never dry. Enjoy restaurant-quality chicken breast with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: Cooks in under 20 minutes for quick air fryer chicken.
- Juicy and Flavorful: A spiced crust keeps this chicken breast moist and tasty.
- Versatile: Perfect for salads, wraps, or mains in this Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast.
- Healthy: Low-carb and fits keto, paleo, or Whole30 diets.
- Meal Prep Star: Stores well for easy meals all week.
Ingredients for Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Here’s what you’ll need for this air fryer chicken (serves 4):
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs/680g)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp (3g) fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Small bowl
- Paper towels
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken: Use even-sized breasts or pound to ¾-inch thickness for this chicken breast.
- Paprika: Swap smoked for sweet paprika for milder air fryer chicken.
- Seasoning: Use dried oregano or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast.
- Oil: Avocado oil works as an olive oil substitute for this chicken breast.
- Herbs: Skip fresh herbs or use dried parsley for garnish on this air fryer chicken.
Directions for Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Let’s make this tender Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast!
Prep the Chicken
I pat 4 chicken breasts dry with paper towels and trim any fat. If needed, I pound to even thickness for uniform cooking in this air fryer chicken.
Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, I mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. I rub this mix over the chicken for flavorful Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast.
Preheat Air Fryer
I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes to ensure a golden crust for this chicken breast.
Cook
I place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring no overlap, and cook for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect air fryer chicken.
Rest and Serve
I let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices, then garnish with 1 tbsp parsley or thyme if desired, and serve this Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast warm.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9–11 minutes
- Total Time: 14–16 minutes
- Servings: 4 (1 breast per serving)
- Calories: ~250–300 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 2g carbs, 35g protein, 10g fat, 0.5g fiber
Nutrition Notes
Calories and macros are estimates based on 1 chicken breast per serving. Using less oil may reduce fat to ~8g per serving.
Variations
Try these twists on this air fryer chicken recipe:
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne for zesty Tender Air Fryer Chicken.
- Herb Swap: Use rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for aromatic chicken breast.
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest to the rub for bright air fryer chicken.
- Marinated: Marinate in the oil-spice mix for 12 hours for deeper flavor in Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast.
- Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle with Parmesan after cooking for cheesy chicken breast.
Serving Ideas:
- Slice over a green salad for a light meal.
- Pair with roasted veggies for a hearty dinner.
- Serve with rice or quinoa for a balanced plate.
Storage
I store this chicken breast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, cooled completely to maintain texture. For freezing, I place in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the fridge. I reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes or microwave with a splash of water for moist air fryer chicken.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Slice Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast for an elegant platter display.
- Garnish: Add fresh parsley or a lemon wedge for vibrancy.
- Pairing: Pair with salads, veggies, or grains to complement the chicken breast.
- Portion Size: 1 breast per person as a main.
- Occasions: Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or healthy lunches.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast:
How do I keep chicken breast from drying out in the air fryer?
The key is not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer and remove it once it hits 165°F. Letting it rest also locks in the juices.
Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in the seasoning and oil mix for up to 12 hours for even more flavor.
Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures both sides cook evenly and get that golden finish.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
You can, but thaw them first for best results. Cooking from frozen will lead to uneven cooking and dry spots.
What should I serve with this chicken?
It pairs well with anything from rice and roasted veggies to a simple green salad or baked sweet potatoes.
Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and fits into keto, paleo, and Whole30 meal plans.
More Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- Chicken Cabbage Savory Pirog
- Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo
- Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Mexican Pulled Chicken
Conclusion
Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night. This air fryer chicken recipe is a must-try. Make this chicken breast, share with loved ones, and enjoy the tender, delicious results!
Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs/680g)
- 2 tbsp 30ml olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp 3g fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- I pat 4 chicken breasts dry with paper towels and trim any fat. If needed, I pound to even thickness for uniform cooking in this air fryer chicken.
Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, I mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. I rub this mix over the chicken for flavorful Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast.
Preheat Air Fryer
- I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes to ensure a golden crust for this chicken breast.
Cook
- I place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring no overlap, and cook for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect air fryer chicken.
Rest and Serve
- I let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices, then garnish with 1 tbsp parsley or thyme if desired, and serve this Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast warm.
Notes
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