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Air Fryer Chicken Breast

The BEST juicy air fryer chicken breast. Golden outside, moist and tender inside and seasoned to perfection. Enjoy on its own or use for meal prep.

Prep Time
35 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
48 mins
Servings: 2 chicken breasts
Calories: 237 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. With a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm, lightly pound into an even thickness.
  2. To Dry Brine*: Place the chicken on a plate and sprinkle all over with the kosher salt. Place in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day—if you will not be dry brining, skip this step.
  3. When ready to air fry: remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper (if you did not dry brine the chicken, add the salt now)
  5. Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top. Toss to coat the chicken, ensuring you rub the spices evenly over both sides.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (my model takes 3 minutes to heat). Place the chicken presentation side (smooth side) down in the air fryer and let cook 6 minutes.
  7. Remove the air fryer basket, then with tongs, carefully flip the chicken over. Continue cooking until the chicken registers between 155 and 160 degrees F, 2 to 8 minutes more. Chicken is considered safe to eat at 165 degrees F, but I like to remove mine a few degrees early, then let the carryover cooking finish the job. The total cook time will vary based on your model and the size of your chicken. Smaller breasts (about 6 ounces each) will need only around 8 minutes total; larger ones may need 14 or more. Check the chicken often towards the end to monitor its progress. DO NOT overcook or it will be dry.
  8. Remove the chicken to a plate. Cover and let rest 5 to 10 minutes. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • *While dry brining isn't 100% mandatory (the spices, cooking temperature, and cook times listed in this recipe are still correct for the best air fryer chicken breasts), brining works magic on meat. It improves its texture (it makes it juicy, plump, and meaty, not rubbery) and its flavor, because the meat will taste more seasoned all the way through, not just on the outside. If you have time for brining, I highly recommend it.
  • This is the air fryer I used for testing. Total cook time may vary based on your model.
  • No air fryer? Make my juicy Baked Chicken Breast instead.
  • TO STORE: Refrigerate chicken breasts in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. 
  • TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees F. 
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1small, 6-ounce chicken breast (of 2) Calories 237kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 36g (72%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 109mg (36%) Potassium 670mg (19%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 545IU (11%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 15mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2chicken breasts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 237

% Daily Value*

Serving 1small, 6-ounce chicken breast (of 2)
Calories 237kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 36g 72%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 109mg 36%
Potassium 670mg 14%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 545IU 11%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 15mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.