Easy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

Sliced juicy air fryer chicken breast on a bed of mashed potatoes topped with freshly chopped parsley in an off-white bowl.

Easy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

This easy air fryer chicken breast recipe is juicy, tender, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s seasoned with a simple homemade seasoning blend, then air fried for a flavorful outside and juicy center. Follow my step-by-step recipe below to learn how to cook the best chicken breast in the air fryer.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer chicken breast

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings

Author Ivory

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

2 chicken breast (boneless, skinless 1.5 lbs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

Mix the seasonings: to a small bowl, add the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning and brown sugar. Stir until well blended. Set aside.
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then pound the chicken using a mallet or rolling pin to even out the thickness (this also tenderizes the chicken).
Brush the chicken breast with olive oil, then sprinkle with the seasoning mixture. Rub the seasoning in. Let the chicken rest with the seasoning mixture for 5 minutes.
Preheat air fryer: After the chicken has rested with the seasoning for 5 minutes, preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a preheat option, then heat for 5 minutes.
Once the air fryer is ready, add the chicken breast smooth side down, and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breast. Be sure to use a food thermometer and immediately remove the chicken when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and onto a plate. Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting (very important step for juiciness).

Notes

Storage And Reheating Instructions:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes or in the microwave on high for 20 seconds at a time until warm throughout.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Time and Temperature

Here is a guide to help you achieve juicy chicken:
- *375 Fahrenheit 16 to 18 minutes for medium sized chicken breast (2 chicken breast equaling 1.5 pounds and about 1 inch thick after pounding with mallet)
- *375 degrees Fahrenheit 18 to 20 minutes for large sized chicken breast (larger than the above)
If your chicken breast is thin, then follow this air fryer thin chicken breast recipe.

Pro Tips For Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast:

The exact air fryer chicken breast time will depend on the thickness of the chicken. Use a food thermometer to measure the temperature and promptly remove the chicken from the air fryer at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to let the chicken reabsorb juices which results in a juicy and tender chicken breast.
The air fryer used in this recipe was the Instant Vortex Plus 6 qt.
For even more flavor, you can marinate your chicken in the seasoning for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours covered in the refrigerator before cooking. These air fryer marinated chicken tenderloins and air fryer Asian chicken are great examples how a simple marinade can add extra flavor.

Nutrition