Air Fryer Chicken Breast – an Easy and Delicious Dinner

Chicken breast that is seasoned to perfection outside and tender and juicy on the inside defies the stereotypes that comes with boneless, skinless chicken breast. Many people associate baked chicken, and especially chicken breast recipes with being on the drier side. However with this melt-in-your mouth tender air fryer chicken breast, this recipe will become your go to for a quick chicken dinner and healthy meal. 

Chicken is a versatile protein that is ideal for keeping on hand for fast and healthy meals throughout the week, especially a busy weeknight when low on time and energy. 

What Sides Can You Eat With Air Fryer Chicken Breast

You can pair this air fryer chicken breast with just about anything:  

• Pasta
• Rice
• Steamed veggies
• Mashed potatoes or baked
• Salad
• And so much more…

Air Fryers

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I have had an air fryer for a few years now and find myself using it almost daily. I guess you can say I was hooked from the start! This is the air fryer I have been using and love!

What is an Air Fryer?

An air fryer is a high-powered countertop convection oven that blows hot air to cook the food. It is very versatile and a total time saver. I find that I am using my oven less for obvious reasons:

• No longer have to wait for the oven to preheat
• Food is cooked faster and I am no longer heating up the household with my oven heat (this we all appreciate during the summer months) 
• Most importantly I am saving on energy compared to using my oven. 
• I can cook my favorite fried foods healthier  

If you don’t have an air fryer no worries, you can still follow this recipe and bake the chicken. Either way, you will just need to modify your cook time accordingly to the internal temperature of the chicken. 

How to get juicy chicken breast

It’s all about making sure not to overcook your chicken as there is nothing worse than a dry overcooked rubbery piece of meat. Here is a guide on how long to cook your chicken breast in the air fryer depending on the size of the breasts:

1. Small chicken breast that is approximately 5 – 7 ounce (oz) will need 7-10 minutes
2.  Medium chicken breast that is approximately 8 – 10 oz will need 10-12 minutes
3.  Large chicken breast that is approximately 11 or more oz will need 12-15 minutes

Regardless of the weight of the chicken breast your best indicator of doneness will always be a food thermometer. Chicken is considered cooked at 165 degrees F.  However, I typically remove my chicken at around 160 degrees F because the chicken continues to cook during the resting period and as it rests, the chicken will reach to the safe temperature of 165 degrees F.

Looking for some more easy chicken dinners? Check out these chicken recipes!

Easy Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Sheet Pan Plum Roasted Chicken Recipe

Oven-baked Moroccan Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

1. Season the Boneless Skinless Chicken

You can use your favorite spice blends to season your chicken breasts. For this recipe I used some dry basil, Italian, garlic and salt seasonings. You can marinate your chicken ahead of time and keep in the fridge for up to 8 – 12 hours If desired as it does intensify the flavors however marinating it is not necessary.

2. Place in Air Fryer and Cook

Depending on the size of your chicken breast, your cook time will vary as mentioned in the chart above.

3. Prepare the Sides

In the 10 minutes or so that the chicken is in the air fryer you can prepare a quick side, like a fresh salad or steamed veggies.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serving: 2 boneless chicken breasts

Ingredients:

• 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions:

1. Place chicken breasts in a bowl, drizzle the oil and season using all the ingredients above or your own personal spice blend. Using your hands, rub the chicken breasts to spread the seasoning evenly.
2. Place in the air fryer baskets and set the heat to 390 degrees F for 8-10 min turning half way.
3. food thermometer should read 160 degrees F 
4. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast - an Easy and Delicious Dinner

Print

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in a bowl, drizzle the oil and season using all the ingredients above.
2. Using your hands, rub the chicken breasts to spread the seasoning evenly.
3. Place in the air fryer baskets and set the heat to 390 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, turning half way.
4. Bake until the food thermometer reads 160 degrees F. 
5. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.