The Ultimate Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe: Tender Inside, Crispy Outside
Air fryer chicken breast is a quick and easy way to get a delicious meal on the table. With minimal prep and ingredients, they turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This recipe delivers perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no extra cost to you.
This air fryer chicken breast recipe is one of my favorites for its simplicity and flavor. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, the result is always perfectly cooked chicken—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I rely on this recipe when I need a quick and satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.
I like to serve these chicken breasts with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or some rice. They’re also great sliced up for wraps or sandwiches, making this recipe a versatile go-to for any meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless): For the best results, choose medium-sized chicken breasts that are uniform in thickness. If they’re too thick in certain areas, consider pounding them slightly to ensure even cooking. This helps avoid overcooking the thinner sections while waiting for the thicker parts to finish.
Seasonings: In this recipe, I am using a combination of smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to create a flavorful and savory rub for the chicken. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and oil in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the chicken breast and coat them well in the marinade. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: After marinating, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer (rounded side down).
Step 4: Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer at 380℉ for 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165℉.
Step 5: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.
Expert Tips
- Always preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken. This helps achieve an even cook and a crispier texture.
- Before seasoning, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes a crispier exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; it can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the chicken from getting crispy.
- If the chicken breasts are particularly large or small, adjust the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- To store leftover air fryer chicken breast, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this air fryer chicken breast with a variety of sides for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve it with roasted vegetables for a hearty option, or create a refreshing salad with mixed greens and your favorite toppings. Place the chicken on a toasted bun with your favorite condiments for a quick and easy sandwich. If you prefer a simpler side, rice or quinoa is a perfect accompaniment to the flavorful chicken.
More Chicken Recipes
- Discover the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor with this Chicken Khichdi recipe – a wholesome one-pot dish that promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
- Cozy up with comfort with red lentil and chicken curry made in the Instant Pot! This easy recipe simmers flavorful spices with melt-in-your-mouth chicken and hearty red lentils for a satisfying, quick meal.
- Need a quick and tasty meal idea? Try this Grilled Chicken Black Bean Burrito Bowl recipe! It’s filling, easy to make, and sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
If you try this Air-Fried Chicken Breast Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and oil in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken breast and coat them well in the marinade. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380℉ for about 3 minutes.
- After marinating, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer (rounded side down).
- Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer at 380℉ for 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165℉.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired, and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Always preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken. This helps achieve an even cook and a crispier texture.
- Before seasoning, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes a crispier exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; it can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the chicken from getting crispy.
- If the chicken breasts are particularly large or small, adjust the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
