How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

How to make tender, juicy chicken breasts in the air fryer!

Easy air fryer chicken breasts are great as a simple main dish or meal prep to use in other recipes, like BBQ chicken pizza, chicken taquitos, chicken alfredo, chicken broccoli rice casserole, and so many more!

I have tried cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer a few different ways – brining the chicken and without brining. Side by side, I hardly noticed a difference! The brined chicken breast was a bit saltier, but both were very juicy and delicious. Might as well skip the brining, in my opinion.

How to cook chicken breasts in the air fryer

Pound down the thicker end of each chicken breast. This helps to even out the thickness so they will cook more evenly and quickly. The Norpro Meat Pounder makes quick work of it.

Spritz the chicken with oil. I like to use an avocado oil spray, but any olive oil or avocado oil will work. Just a thin layer to coat is needed.

Next, it is time to season the chicken breasts. Use any dry rub or your favorite chicken seasoning. This air fryer chicken recipe includes a nice, simple seasoning mix with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, smoked paprika, and a little bit of cayenne pepper.

How long to cook chicken breast in the air fryer?

Air fryer chicken breast is so easy and fast! Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken and your air fryer, but for a 6-ounce chicken breast, pounded to even thickness, it takes about 10 minutes. Turn the chicken breast over halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. I have the Philips XXL Airfryer and love it!

Using an instant read thermometer is the best way to tell when the chicken is done. You want the center of the thickest part of the chicken breast to reach 165°F.

Let the air fryer chicken breasts rest for about 5 minutes after cooking and before slicing to maximize juiciness. I hope you enjoy this simple way to cook chicken breast in the air fryer. So quick and easy!

Want to make asparagus as a side dish in your air fryer too? Try this air fryer asparagus recipe!

See more of our favorite air fryer recipes!

If you plan to shred the chicken, check out how to shred chicken the easy way.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

You'll love my tips for quick and easy air fryer chicken breasts! Perfect as a main dish or use the chicken to complement your favorite salad or pasta bowl!

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Print Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Serves: 4

Adjust Servings: 4

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6 ounces each
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• pinch cayenne pepper
• olive or avocado oil spray Spritz chicken with oil

Instructions

• Pound the thicker end of each chicken breast to even it out so they will cook more evenly. Pat chicken dry with paper towel.
• In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
• Spritz chicken with oil and rub to coat. Season both sides of chicken with the seasoning.
• Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, no overlapping. Cook at 380˚F/193˚C for about 10 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through and instant read thermometer inserted into center of thickest part reads 155˚F/68˚C.
• Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to finish cooking, then slice and serve.

Recipe Notes

Cooking time may vary depending on air fryer and chicken breast size. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken doesn't overcook and dry out.

Nutrition

Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 713mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

Recipe Adapted From: Skinny Taste