Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This juicy air fryer chicken breast recipe is your new go to for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep protein that stays moist and flavorful. It turns out golden outside and tender inside without any fuss or heavy oil, making it a healthier alternative that fits many diets including keto.

I first tried this recipe when I received my air fryer as a gift and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. My chicken breasts come out perfectly every time, juicy and never dry, which used to be a struggle for me.

Ingredients

• Two large chicken breasts: fresh and plump for best juiciness
• Black pepper: adds mild warmth and seasoning, freshly ground is ideal
• Chilli powder: brings a subtle kick and vibrant color, choose a mild or hot variety based on your tolerance
• Garlic powder: gives a rounded savory note, makes the flavor more complex
• Salt: essential for enhancing all the other flavors and tenderizing the meat
• Olive oil: helps the spices stick and promotes golden crust, use extra virgin for quality and flavor

Instructions

Spoon First Step:

Place chicken breasts in a large bowl. Sprinkle black pepper, chilli powder, garlic powder, and salt evenly over both sides. Drizzle olive oil on top. Massage everything gently into the chicken so it is well coated.

Cooking Prep:

While seasoning the chicken, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for around 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures a nice sear from the moment the chicken hits the basket.

Air Fry Chicken:

Put the chicken breasts into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for ten minutes on one side. Flip the breasts carefully and cook for another ten minutes for a total of twenty minutes, adjusting slightly depending on the size of your chicken breasts.

Check Temperature:

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast after cooking. The internal temperature should read between 159 and 161 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is lower, return the chicken to the air fryer and let it rest in the residual heat for a few minutes, then check again.

Rest the Chicken:

Remove the chicken breasts, place them on a cutting board, and cover loosely with foil or another plate. Let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute so the meat remains moist when sliced.

Serve or Store:

After resting, serve your juicy chicken breasts immediately or store them in an airtight container for meal prep throughout the week.

Olive oil is my favorite ingredient here because it not only helps the spices stick but also crisps the outside beautifully without needing much oil. One Christmas when I first got my air fryer, this recipe was the first I tried, and it immediately won me over. It solved the problem of cooking chicken that was always dry before and kept the smell from lingering in our small apartment kitchen.

Storage Tips

Store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This keeps them moist and ready to reheat for quick meals. To reheat, warm gently in the air fryer or microwave until heated through but not overcooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer, swap olive oil for avocado oil or a light cooking oil with a high smoke point. You can omit chilli powder if you want a milder flavor and increase garlic powder instead. For salt, fine sea salt or kosher salt work equally well, just be mindful of quantities.

Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve the chicken over a crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette or alongside roasted veggies for a balanced dinner. It also works great chopped into grain bowls or stuffed in wraps with your favorite sauce for a quick lunch option.

This air fryer chicken is an easy, healthy weeknight favorite that stays juicy and flavorful. It is great for meal prep or quick dinners.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How long should I cook chicken breast in the air fryer?

Cook chicken breasts at 360°F for about 15-22 minutes depending on weight, flipping halfway for even cooking.

→ Should I use oil when air frying chicken breast?

Lightly brushing olive oil helps spices stick and promotes a golden exterior but avoid excess oil.

→ How do I check if the chicken breast is done?

Use a thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F for safe, juicy results.

→ Is it necessary to let chicken rest after cooking?

Rest chicken for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute evenly, preventing dryness.

→ Can I cook multiple chicken breasts at once?

Ensure your air fryer basket is large enough to avoid overcrowding for even cooking.