Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

If you’re anything like me—busy, juggling work and kids, and trying to put a healthy dinner on the table fast—then you’re going to love this recipe for air fryer chicken breasts. I’m Riley Morgan, a mom from Raleigh, NC, and my air fryer has been my weeknight superhero. This recipe is one of my most-used because it’s fast, juicy, and way easier than firing up the oven. With just a few pantry staples and your air fryer, you’ll have golden, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for salads, wraps, or served hot with sides. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re short on time but still want something juicy, flavorful, and healthy, these air fryer chicken breasts are your new go-to. They check all the right boxes—and then some.

Here’s why they’re a winner:

• Fast cooking – No need to preheat your oven or babysit a skillet. These cook in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Juicy inside, crispy outside – The air fryer locks in moisture while giving the outside a golden finish you’ll love.
• Healthy and simple – With just a few pantry spices and a touch of oil, you’re eating clean without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile for any meal – Great for salads, sandwiches, meal prep, or a quick protein boost at dinner.

Plus, they’re easy enough to make on a busy weeknight but tasty enough for Sunday dinner.

Morgan Tip: To avoid dry air fryer chicken breasts, always let the meat rest for five minutes after cooking. That short pause makes a huge difference in keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

air fryer chicken breasts Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of chili flakes

Morgan Tip: Pound the thickest part of the breast so it cooks evenly—this is key to great air fryer chicken breasts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Prep the chicken by brushing both sides with olive oil.

1. Season with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket with space between them.

1. Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes. Flip, then cook for another 6–8 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.

1. Rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing.

Morgan Tip: Remove chicken at 160°F and let carryover heat bring it to 165°F. This prevents drying out your air fryer chicken breasts.

My Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Tips

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning—it helps spices stick better and crisp the outside.
• Use a light oil spray at the halfway point for extra browning.
• Want stronger flavor? Marinate in Greek yogurt, lemon, and herbs for 30 minutes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.

Morgan Tip: Keep a spray bottle of olive oil handy—just a light mist boosts browning without extra calories.

Serving Ideas

These air fryer chicken breasts are super versatile. Here are some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Sliced over a Caesar or cobb salad
• Diced and tossed into a rice or grain bowl
• Served with steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes
• Tucked into wraps or pita pockets with tzatziki and shredded lettuce

Morgan Tip: Dress it up with a drizzle of hot honey or balsamic glaze—it takes your air-fried chicken from basic to gourmet in seconds.

Recipe Help & FAQs

Morgan Tip: Don’t skip seasoning—even a basic spice blend elevates air fryer chicken breasts from plain to crave-worthy.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

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These air-fryer chicken breasts are juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for healthy meals or quick weeknight dinners.

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp dried thyme

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

Optional: pinch of chili flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Brush chicken with olive oil.

3. Season with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Place breasts in air fryer basket in a single layer.

5. Cook for 10 minutes. Flip, then cook for 6–8 more minutes.

6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use a thermometer for doneness—160°F with carryover heat to 165°F.

Pound thicker end for even cooking.

Marinate for more flavor.

Pat dry for crisper skin.

• Author: Riley Morgan
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 breast
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 510mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: air fryer chicken, chicken breasts, healthy dinner

Want more? Check out our air fryer recipes for one person collection—another fast, flavorful option