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This air fryer chicken breast recipe is the ultimate for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken without the hassle of messy oils or lingering smells. It’s a quick and healthy goto option whether you want a simple weeknight dinner or a reliable protein for meal prep.
I only started using my air fryer recently and this recipe convinced me it’s a game changer. I love that I can cook chicken breasts that don’t dry out and don’t fill my apartment with that strong cooked chicken smell.
Ingredients
- Two large chicken breasts: Choose fresh, plump breasts for the best texture
- Black pepper: Adds a mild sharpness and balances the spices
- Chilli powder: Gives a little warmth and smoky depth Select a quality blend for best flavor
- Garlic powder: Boosts savory notes and layers in complexity Freshly ground is ideal if available
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors but use sparingly if watching sodium
- Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and promotes browning Use extra virgin for a richer taste
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics:
- This step is not needed here but seasoning the chicken carefully builds flavor from the start
- Season the chicken breasts:
- Evenly sprinkle black pepper, chilly powder, garlic powder, and salt on both sides of your chicken breasts so every bite has flavor
- Massage with olive oil:
- Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil on the chicken and rub it in with your hands until all the spices stick and the surface feels lightly coated
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run empty for about 3 to 5 minutes. This step helps create a nice sear on the chicken
- Arrange and cook:
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes on one side
- Flip and continue cooking:
- Turn the chicken breasts over and cook for an additional 10 minutes. The total cook time is 20 minutes but you may need to adjust depending on the size of your chicken breast
- Check temperature:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp at the thickest part. It should reach about 159 to 161 degrees Fahrenheit
- Rest the chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer once it reaches the safe temperature. Place it on a cutting board and cover loosely with a plate or foil. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to finish cooking through and let juices redistribute
- Serve or store:
- Now you can serve the chicken immediately or store it in airtight containers for meal prep throughout the week
One of my favorite moments was cooking this recipe in my tiny apartment with almost no ventilation. It was such a relief not to have strong cooking odors lingering. Plus, I love how reliably juicy this chicken comes out making it a repeat in my weekly rotation.
Storage tips
Store cooked chicken breasts in airtight containers in the refrigerator and use within four days for best freshness. For meal prep, slice the chicken once cooled to save time during busy weekdays.
Ingredient substitutions
If you don’t have chili powder, smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a different but delicious heat profile. For oil, avocado oil works great and also withstands high heat nicely in the air fryer.
Serving suggestions
Serve this chicken sliced over a fresh green salad or alongside steamed vegetables and quinoa for a balanced meal. It also makes a fantastic filling for wraps and sandwiches with your favorite condiments.
This easy air fryer chicken delivers juicy, flavorful results with minimal fuss. Perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What temperature should I cook chicken breast in the air fryer?
Cook chicken breasts at 360°F, which helps achieve a juicy interior and crispy outside without drying out.
- → How long does air frying chicken breast take?
Cooking time varies by weight; generally, 15-22 minutes total, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking.
- → Do I need to use oil when air frying chicken breast?
A small amount of olive oil helps spices stick and promotes browning but air frying uses far less oil than traditional frying.
- → How can I tell when chicken breast is done?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken is ready when internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring safe and juicy results.
- → Why should I let chicken rest after cooking?
Resting allows juices to redistribute inside the meat, preventing dryness and maintaining tenderness.
- → Can I cook multiple chicken breasts at once in the air fryer?
Yes, as long as the air fryer is large enough to allow proper air circulation around each piece for even cooking.