Air Fryer Chicken Breast | Juicy, Healthy & Ready in 20 Minutes

Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner? This Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe is your answer! It’s tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, ready in just 20 minutes. With minimal oil and maximum flavour, this dish is perfect for meal prep, salads, sandwiches, or a simple protein packed meal.

Table of Contents

Prep & Cook Time

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz / 170–225 g each)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning or ¼ tsp chili flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Pound (optional)

If breasts are uneven in thickness, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even ¾–1 inch thickness for even cooking.

Step 2: Preheat

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Step 3: Season

Pat chicken dry with paper towel. Rub each breast with olive oil, then evenly coat both sides with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper (and Italian seasoning or chili flakes if using).

Step 4: Arrange

Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overlap leave a little space so air circulates.

Step 5: Cook (first side)

Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 9–10 minutes.

Step 6: Flip & finish

Flip the breasts and cook another 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part. (Use an instant read thermometer for best results.)

Step 7: Rest

Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step locks in juices.

Step 8: Slice & serve

Slice across the grain and serve as desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken 30 minutes to 2 hours in olive oil + lemon juice + garlic before seasoning.
Try a spice swap: use Cajun seasoning, lemon-pepper, or a honey mustard glaze (brush on after cooking and air-fry 1–2 minutes to set).
If breasts are larger (10+ oz), increase cooking time by 3–5 minutes and check temperature.
Avoid overcooking remove at 160°F (71°C) and rest to reach 165°F (74°C) for juicier results.
For meal prep, slice cooked chicken and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over a fresh green salad, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Use sliced chicken in wraps, grain bowls, pasta, or on avocado toast.
Add a simple sauce: tzatziki, chimichurri, honey mustard, or garlic yogurt pair beautifully.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 1 chicken breast)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210
Protein	35 g
Fat	7 g
Carbohydrates	1 g
Fiber	0 g
Sodium	370 mg

Final Thoughts

Fast, healthy, and endlessly adaptable this air fryer chicken breast is a weeknight hero. With a few pantry spices and a trusty air fryer, you’ll have juicy protein ready to boost any meal in under 30 minutes.