Are you tired of dry chicken breasts? If so, then you need to try this Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe! Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, these chicken breasts are a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re new to using an air fryer or a seasoned pro, this easy recipe for tender, juicy chicken is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Believe me, I have tested and retested this air fryer chicken recipe numerous times using varying cooking temperatures and time. This combination of temperature/time produces a juicy chicken breast, every single time!
Why You Should Make Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
This Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts recipe is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and is also great for meal prepping.
- Healthy: Using an air fryer cuts down on the need for excessive oil, making this a healthier option than traditional frying.
- Delicious: The blend of spices ensures that the chicken is flavorful and juicy every time.
What You Need to Make this Air Fryer Chicken Recipe
Believe it or not, I own four air fryers in various sizes, most of which have been gifted to me by companies to review. This Cosori 5.8 Quart Air Fryer is my top pick for the following reasons:
- Large, non-stick basket (5.8 quart) that’s large enough to feed up to 5 people.
- 12 functions, including a function for preheating, frozen food and french fries.
- Shake function (reminds you to shake the basket).
- Cooks evenly.
- Cleans up easily, and is dishwasher-safe.
Meat Thermometer
Given the variability in air fryer models and individual chicken sizes, relying solely on cooking times can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in doneness.
By incorporating a meat thermometer into the cooking process, you can:
- Accurately monitor the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it reaches the recommended 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. This helps prevent the risk of undercooking, which could result in foodborne illness, or overcooking, which can lead to dry and tough meat.
- Enhance the safety of the dish, but also helps achieve optimal flavor and texture. By cooking the chicken to the precise temperature, you can preserve its natural juices and tenderness, resulting in a juicy and flavorful end product.
How to Make Boneless Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), if it has a preheat function.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Mix the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
- Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Season the chicken on all sides with the spice mixture.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Remove and allow to rest before slicing.
How to Serve and Store Juicy Air Fryer Chicken
This versatile juicy chicken recipe can be used in many dishes:
- Meal Prep: Make a batch of these chicken breasts to use in lunches throughout the week. They store well, and reheat easily.
- Salads: Slice the chicken and add it to your favorite salad for a protein boost.
- Pasta: Chop the chicken and toss it with pasta and your favorite sauce for a quick dinner.
- Sandwiches: Layer the chicken in a sandwich or wrap with some fresh veggies for a tasty meal on the go.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes, until warmed through.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Love
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Loaded Potatoes
- Easy Air Fryer Salmon
- Low-Carb Air Fryer Mushroom Pizza
- Air Fryer Maple Glazed Salmon Baked Potato
Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Whether you’re new to using an air fryer or a seasoned pro, this Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Tender, juicy chicken breasts, every single time!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- If your air fryer has a preheat function, preheat for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- While the air fryer is preheating, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix well.
- Brush the chicken breasts all over with olive oil.
- Season the chicken on all sides with the seasoning mixture.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 18 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Check that the internal temperature is at least 162° (72°C) before removing from the air fryer.
- Remove and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Be sure to pat the chicken dry.
- If the chicken breasts are thin, decrease the amount of time.
- If air frying more than two chicken breasts, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches, if necessary.
- Feel free to season the chicken with your favorite seasoning blend.
- Alternatively, marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast to ensure it’s cooked through. It should read around 162°F (72°C). The chicken will continue to cook and reach the safe consuming temperature of 165° (74°C) while it rests.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
GET TO KNOW ME!
WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
In addition, I’m so very excited to announce I have published my first e-book and paperback, “Mastering Thanksgiving – A Guide to Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Dinner.” Your support would mean the world to me.
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