Air fryer chicken breasts are so easy to make and incredibly delicious. These chicken breasts can be cooked in less than 20 minutes in the air fryer and only require six ingredients.
I love how quick and easy it is to cook chicken breast in the air fryer. A simple marinade and then into the air fryer for less than 20 minutes results in a delicious juicy chicken breast.
I always use boneless skinless chicken breasts because that's what my grocery store has! This is a recipe for air fryer chicken breast with no breading, so no additional panko or flour or anything is needed. This makes it such a simple recipe with big rewards.
Once the chicken is cooked, I love just eating it as is with a couple of side dishes. But I've also eaten it in salads, grain bowls, tacos, quesadillas, or even in pasta! It's also super easy to cook up several for meal prep and using later (or feeding the family).
The key is to use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked but not overcooked. That way you wind up with a juicy air fryer chicken breast that you'll love.
Ingredients to make the best air fryer chicken breast
- Chicken breasts - Boneless, skinless
- Olive oil - You can also use avocado oil if you prefer
- Smoked paprika - I love the flavor smoked paprika gives the chicken, but you can also use regular paprika
- Dried thyme - Again, you can swap this out with another dried herb if you prefer, but I love thyme and chicken together!
- Garlic powder - This gives the chicken a lovely flavor.
- Salt - Salt helps bring out all the other flavors!
How to make air fryer chicken breast
Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 400 degrees F. In a bowl large enough to fit your chicken breasts, add olive oil and all the spices.
Stir together to combine.
Add your chicken breasts and make sure both sides are coated in the oil and seasonings.
Add chicken breasts to your air fryer basket. Cook at 380 degrees F for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. The cook time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken.
Chicken is done once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F! These chicken breasts pictured below were done around the 16 minute mark of cook time.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy!
Cooking tips
- Cook time of chicken will largely depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing so that all the juices stay in the chicken and the chicken stays juicy and delicious.
- Get creative with the seasonings and spices!
Air fryer chicken breast recipes
- Air fryer thinly sliced chicken breast
- Air fryer honey mustard chicken
- Air fryer chili lime chicken
- Air fryer crispy onion chicken
- Air fryer panko chicken
- Air fryer caprese chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts boneless skinless
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 5 minutes.
- To a large bowl, add olive oil, smoked paprika, thyme leaves, garlic powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat the chicken in the mixture.
- Once air fryer preheats, place the chicken breasts in the air fryer. Air fry at 380 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 10 minutes. Flip, then cook an additional 4-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Remove chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Cook time of chicken will largely depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing so that all the juices stay in the chicken and the chicken stays juicy and delicious.
- Get creative with the seasonings and spices!
- This recipe will serve 2, but it's easy to double if you're serving more.
Nutrition
If nutrition info is shown, values are based on an online calculator and are estimates. Please verify using your own data.
Michelle
The seasonings were spot on. So good. My chicken took 15 minutes.
Aimee
Love this! Happy you enjoyed.
Thais
Wow, I want to make this recipe with the same seasoning you used. It looks delicious.
Aimee
Thank you! I do like this flavor combination. :)