This foolproof recipe makes flavorful and tender air fryer chicken breasts every time, seasoned with herbs and spices.
Similar to my air fryer chicken thighs, this air fryer chicken recipe is made with just the right amount of seasoning and extremely versatile. This recipe is also perfect for someone following a keto or Whole30 lifestyle.
Air frying is the best way to cook tender chicken in less time, since there’s no preheating the oven. And with my simple seasoning blend, these flavorful chicken breasts not only make an easy weeknight dinner, but they’re perfect for meal prep too. This recipe results in super flavorful, tender chicken breasts with no brining!
The best thing about serving chicken is that it is so versatile. Adding a delicious and creamy sauce like this mushroom sauce, white bbq sauce or Peruvian creamy green sauce can create an entirely new recipe.
And adding side dishes like Instant Pot Risotto or Sous Vide Asparagus makes it the perfect meal.
Don’t own an air fryer? Try my Sous Vide Chicken Breasts recipe! Looking for a crispier option? Try my Air Fried Crispy Chicken Tenders! There are so many options to choose from.
What is needed for air fryer chicken breasts recipe?
- Olive Oil
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- Kosher Salt
- Oregano – Or, try one of these substitutes for oregano.
- Paprika – Or, try one of these paprika substitutes.
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
Note: To switch things up, try swapping in my Chicken Wing Rub, Italian Seasoning or Cajun Seasoning in place of the herbs called for in this recipe.
At what temperature do you air fry chicken breasts?
- Cook at 370-degrees for the best flavor.
How to make air fryer chicken breasts
- In a small bowl combine the salt and spices with oil to create a paste. Coat boneless chicken breasts with the paste. Place chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook.
How long to cook chicken breasts in the air fryer
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 370-degrees for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-8 minutes cooking time, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160-degrees on an instant read thermometer. The total cook time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts (see below).
Size matters
- Small Breasts (5-7 oz.) – 14 minutes
- Medium Breasts (8-9 oz.) – 16 minutes
- Large Breasts (10+ oz.) – 18 minutes
Resting time
After your chicken has finished cooking, be sure to let it rest for 5-minutes, tented with foil, to allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to finish cooking.
Food safety guidelines recommend cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165-degrees. However, if you remove it from the air fryer once it has reached 160-degrees, the residual heat will continue to cook the chicken as it cooks.
Chicken is undercooked
If you find that your chicken is undercooked, return it to the air fryer and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until it is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear.
When to add vegetables
- You can add vegetables like zucchini, brussel sprouts, red peppers, broccoli and asparagus. Add them to the air fryer basket at the halfway point.
Variations
- Try swapping in my Italian Seasoning or Cajun Seasoning in place of the herbs called for in this recipe.
- Marinade. Try marinating your chicken overnight in some Italian dressing.
- If you’d prefer to make chicken thighs, be sure to try out this air fryer chicken thighs recipe!
- Add a delicious sauce like this white bbq sauce, Jerk Sauce, Peruvian green sauce, or lemon butter sauce. Or, try one of these 25+ delicious sauces for chicken.
Storing leftovers
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container (these are my favorite!) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will also keep in the freezer for up to three months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Reheating air fryer chicken breasts
Chicken reheats best on the stove. Add it to a small skillet with a splash of water or broth and heat until the chicken is warmed through.
These delicious chicken breasts are tasty in these Gyro Bowls, Street Corn Chicken Tacos and Southwest Chicken Salad.
FAQ
Of course! The air fryer is great for cooking chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly according to the time charts below.
The most likely reason for tough chicken in the air fryer is overcooking. Be sure to cook it to only 160-degrees and then allow it to rest for 5-minutes tented with foil.
For best results, you should flip your chicken in the air fryer halfway through. This ensures even cooking. However, if you forget, it will still be fine. You may just end up with some overcooked areas.
If you have the time, a brine can result in extra juicy chicken. However, it is definitely not necessary! This recipe, which is coated in a dry rub, comes out extremely juicy and flavorful!
Wine pairings for chicken breasts
These choices pair nicely with a light meat chicken.
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
- MORE —> the BEST Chicken Wine Pairings
Favorite sides with chicken breasts
- Green Bean Fries
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Sauteed Spinach
- Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Potato Salad
- Roasted Sunchokes
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
- Shaved Fennel and Celery Salad
- Kale Caesar Salad
- Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
- Click here for MORE side dishes to serve with chicken
- And, be sure to check out these dipping sauces for chicken
Did you make these Air Fryer Chicken Breasts?
If you loved this air fryer chicken breast recipe I would appreciate it so much if you would give it a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.
More air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Filet Mignon
- Air Fryer Croutons
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fried Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings
Note: This recipe was adjusted in January 2023 to change the amount of salt in the recipe. Some readers commented that the chicken was too salty for them. This is due to the fact that I typically cook with Diamond Kosher Salt which is about 50% less salty than table or other salt (more on that here).
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (***)
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the salt and spices with oil to create a paste. Coat chicken breasts with the paste.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 370-degrees for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-degrees.
- Tent the chicken with tin foil and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
More easy chicken recipes:
- Mongolian Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
- Chicken Larb Gai Recipe (Thai Lettuce Wraps)
- Chicken Gyro Bowls with Quinoa
- Easy Roasted Chicken
- Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce
Web Story: https://www.platingsandpairings.com/web-stories/air-fryer-chicken-breasts/
I just got an air fryer and was looking for an easy go-to chicken recipe. This was the first one I tried and my husband and kids all really liked it. Super moist, flavorful, and quick! I will definitely try it with some of the other seasoning suggestions to change it up, but this will for sure go into our dinner rotation. Thank you!
I’m so glad it was a hit Julie!
Increíble!
Great tasting recipe ! FYI chicken breast is finished with an inside temp of 155 should be 165 for dark meat 👍
Preheat?
I do not.
Why is the sodium content so high?
I, too, would like to know this.
Kosher salt has 425mg of sodium per 1/4 tsp. This adds up to over 1000mg of sodium for 1 tsp
The sodium content of Kosher Salt is 425mg in 1/4 tsp which computes to over 1000mg per tsp. I would think you could decrease the amt of salt in the recipe.
I agree , it was way too salty with what the amount the recipe called for . Unfortunately I didn’t notice til it was too late .
What setting do you cook this on? Bake? Or Air Fry?
Hi Kim – I air fry it. Hope that helps!
This recipe was a huge hit at my house and sooooo easy!!!! I made 3 large chicken breasts and expected to have leftovers for my salad tomorrow but no such luck as everyone at ever last bite. Plus it is healthy and naturally gluten free which is nice for some of my GF family members.
Thanks Jamie!
All I can say is…. YUM! 😋
Thank you!
Best chicken breast ever. My boyfriend would never eat boneless, skinless chicken breasts until I fixed this recipe (always thought they were too dry and tasteless). Now he always is happy when I plan on fixing your recipe.
I’m so happy to hear that Pat! Thanks!
I made this recipe for dinner tonight it was a big hit!!! No leftovers!!!
Awesome! So happy to hear that Sandi!
Erin
Why no preheat?
Hi Gail – My original air fryer did not have a preheat function, so I just stuck the chicken in. If you do have a preheat, that’s great to use. My air fryer preheats so quickly, that it just takes a minute or so, so cook time should remain the same. Hope that helps!
Good but way to salty!! Will use 1/2 the salt next time!!
I loved this recipe so much. I didn’t have oregano on hand so I used 1/4 tsp of dried basil and 1/4 tsp of dried time and it was delicious. The air fryer made the chicken so tender and juicy. Perfect timing. I will make again. Thank you!
*thyme!
I’m so glad you liked it Dielle!
Wow! Delicious and quick. My husband and I are feeling great right after having your chicken dish. It’s so juicy and full of flavor Thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad you liked it Andy!
Excellent. My wife loved it. I made the paste and let the chicken marinate for an hour in the refrigerator. The chicken turned out excellent and juicy.
Thank you
Thanks Bruce!
Made this recipe last night – first time air frying chicken! It will be on repeat now! Hubby & kiddo approved. Thank you for sharing an easy and quick recipe!
You’re welcome Amber! Thanks for trying it!
I have a dual air fryer. My teenage boys eat a lot so I’d like to double this. If I use both baskets, do you have any idea how much longer I need to cook the chicken. I’m a newbie so trying to find recipes to try. Thanks.
Hi Emily – I’ve never used a dual air fryer, but I don’t think you would need to adjust the cook time at all. It should still cook in the same amount of time. Hope that helps!
Love love this recipe. Have made it a bunch of times already. Good flavor and SO moist. Thank you!
Thanks Lynn! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying it!
How much less time for chicken breast cutlets? Or does the air fryer dry it out too much when it’s sliced thin? Thanks!
Hi Leslie – I would try cooking for 5 minutes, then flipping, and cooking for about 5 minutes longer. Hope that helps!
Do you need to thin out the chicken breasts?
Hi Jodi – I don’t thin out the chicken breasts, but if they’re extremely thick, feel free to use a meat mallet to make them a bit more even. Enjoy!
I followed the recipe to the t and it was so good the chicken was tender…. I just don’t understand how it is so high in cholesterol and fat
Just found your air fryer chicken recipe and had to try it. Everyone liked it and was so easy. Since I had to do 4 breasts, I doubled the spices and oil. Used every bit and could have used a little more.
This recipe is on point!! Came out perfectly cooked and moist. Looked just like the photo, which isn’t always the case when you’re following a recipe. Will definitely use this recipe again. Thank you!
Thank you for trying it out Sally!
I’m so glad I found this recipe. It has become a go-to when I’m looking for something quick and easy, but want to stay healthy. I use this as a salad topper or pair it with steamed broccoli. Fantastic, simple, delicious!
Thanks Cassie!
Just got a new large capacity air fryer on Black Friday and tried this and it was incredible! Doubled the recipe and it came out so juicy and flavorful – my whole family loved it!
I’m so glad you liked it Beth!
My air fryer only seems to go up to 200 not 360?
Hmmm… I would think it should go up higher Nick. Is that degrees F?
Your recipe was amazing!!! It was definitely a hit with all 5 of my children & husband!!
I made it with Fettuccine Alfredo and topped it with your yummy air fryer chicken 😍
Thank you Shante!
Are the cooking times the same for one chicken breast?
Hi Michelle = Yes, cook time will remain the same.
Hi Erin,
Just got an Air Fryer and my husband and I wanted an easy quick recipe for chicken saw yours and tried,it was so good!! The next time tho we will cut the salt in half,too salty. That being said we had no left overs,lol!!
Thank you so much for your feedback Gail! I use Diamond Kosher salt which I believe is less salty than other brands. I’ve had this comment from a few others, so I’m going to adjust the recipe a bit. Thanks again so much for stopping by!
Can you use frozen thin chicken breasts
Hi Kristy – I wouldn’t suggest using frozen chicken for this recipe as it won’t cook evenly. Sorry!
I want to try this , but can’t have too much potassium. What is giving this reciepe so much potassium?
According to web md, chicken breast has 332 milligrams potassium per 3-ounce serving. I don’t know what your limit is, but you could make the recipe and just eat an amount that would keep you from having too much. Even though it’s a couple months late, I hope this can help you, or even someone else!
I tried this recipe last night. So good! And I love that the inside of the chicken was very moist.
Thank you Michelle!
Just leave the salt out.
Excellent recipe and very simple. Mix it up, brush it on, air fry, rest. Thank you so much. The chicken was so tasty paired with Brussel sprouts and shredded spaghetti squash. I’m certainly making this again soon.
Thank you so much Simon!
Soooo good! Thank you! Passing on the recipe to my daughters!
Sampled other recipes but this was the winner! Won’t change anything.
Thank you so much Julia!
I tried this recipe for 2 days and my family love it
So tender and your breakdown about sizes and how long to cook is really thoughtful as well. Thank you
Thanks Cheyenne!
Awesome juicy chicken and so easy. Thanks!
Thank you Sara!
The recipe is quite simple to follow, and the results are going to be about the best, and very adaptive.
I doubled the seasoning, and then added more seasoning after putting in the air fryer and that helped to give it that nice, crispy outside and tender inside.
I am making my chicken this way from now on!
Great recipe. The chicken was very juicy and moist. I also put some cherry tomatoes on top of the chicken while I cooked it in the air fryer.
Excellent, easy, tasty recipe. Surprisingly flavorful for a few simple ingredients. I will definitely make it again. Thank you!
Thanks Angela!
Can you do breast and thighs at the same time? I noticed the temp and times are different for each.
Hi Lisa – Unfortunately breasts and thighs will cook at a different rate. I would cook them separately.
I tried this recipe last night, oh my how easy to make and it was very juicy and the flavor was great. I will be making this again.
Thanks Linda!
“Kelezatan tanpa rasa bersalah! Ayam panggang dari Air Fryer ini memberikan hasil yang setara dengan penggorengan dalam minyak, tetapi jauh lebih sehat. Kulitnya garing sempurna!”
The ease and speed of using the Air Fryer make chicken dishes more frequent on our table. This recipe provides amazing flavor without much effort.
Hey, thanks for the article.
Tstoto Says The air fryer chicken breasts recipe is good!