Air Fryer Chicken Breast – Juicy, Tender & Easy
Make juicy, tender air fryer chicken breast with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and simple herbs. This easy weeknight dinner cooks in about 20 minutes and pairs perfectly with vegetables, rice, salads, and potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6–8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon wedge optional, for serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the pieces are uneven in thickness, gently pound the thicker portions until they are more uniform. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings evenly over both sides.
- Preheat and Arrange: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes if recommended by your appliance. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10–18 minutes, turning halfway through. Cooking time varies according to the thickness of the chicken and the air fryer model.
- Check the Temperature: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of each breast. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing the chicken from the cooking process.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Slice against the grain, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Cook the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Cooking times are estimates; always verify that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to help retain moisture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
- For a flavor variation, try lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or smoked paprika.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 44 g
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Note: These are estimates and may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the ingredients used.