
5.0 from 3 votes
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Juicy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Breast seasoned with pantry staples for a quick, healthy, and effortless dinner. Add vegetables for a complete, balanced meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Total Time
17 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 166 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken. Clean your chicken breasts and trim off any excess fat. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel—this helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming during cooking.
- Make the Seasoning Blend. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend creates a flavorful crust that enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
- Oil and Season the Chicken. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in evenly on all sides. The oil helps create a golden, slightly crispy exterior. Generously sprinkle the seasoning blend over both sides of the chicken, gently patting it to ensure it sticks.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry. Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast—it should read 165°F.
- Rest and Serve. Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This step locks in the juices for tender, flavorful chicken. Serve immediately or pair with your favorite sides.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use a Kitchen Scale. Not sure about the size of your chicken breasts? A kitchen scale ensures accuracy so you can adjust the cooking time accordingly. This helps avoid undercooking or drying out the meat.
- Cook in Batches if Needed. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Leave space between each chicken breast so the hot air can circulate evenly. If you’re cooking for a crowd, it’s better to do multiple batches for the best results.
- Check the Temperature Early. One of the best features of an air fryer is the ability to pause and check the food as it cooks. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and do it sooner rather than later to avoid overcooking.
- Let It Rest. After removing the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. Cutting into it too early will cause the juices to escape, leading to drier chicken.
- If your chicken breasts vary in thickness, pound them to an even size before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a Kitchen Scale. Not sure about the size of your chicken breasts? A kitchen scale ensures accuracy so you can adjust the cooking time accordingly. This helps avoid undercooking or drying out the meat.
- Cook in Batches if Needed. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Leave space between each chicken breast so the hot air can circulate evenly. If you’re cooking for a crowd, it’s better to do multiple batches for the best results.
- Check the Temperature Early. One of the best features of an air fryer is the ability to pause and check the food as it cooks. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and do it sooner rather than later to avoid overcooking.
- Let It Rest. After removing the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. Cutting into it too early will cause the juices to escape, leading to drier chicken.
Nutrition Information
Calories
166kcal
(8%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
24g
(48%)
Fat
7g
(11%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Trans Fat
0.01g
Cholesterol
72mg
(24%)
Sodium
714mg
(30%)
Potassium
448mg
(13%)
Fiber
0.5g
(2%)
Sugar
0.1g
(0%)
Vitamin A
286IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
14mg
(1%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 166
% Daily Value*
Calories | 166kcal | 8% |
Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
Protein | 24g | 48% |
Fat | 7g | 11% |
Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
Sodium | 714mg | 30% |
Potassium | 448mg | 10% |
Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
Vitamin A | 286IU | 6% |
Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.