Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe

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?

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.

Herbs and spices for air fryer chicken breasts

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.

Chicken Breasts in Air Fryer

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

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.

Sliced chicken breast on white plate.

FAQ

Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?

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.

Why is my air fryer chicken tough?

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.

Do you have to flip chicken in the air fryer?

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.

Do you have to brine it?

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.

Close up of air fryer chicken breast on white plate with lemon slices.

Favorite sides with chicken breasts

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  InstagramTikTokPinterest and Facebook.

More air fryer recipes:

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).

Plated chicken breasts with herbs and seasoning.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe

This foolproof recipe makes flavorful and tender air fryer chicken breasts every time, seasoned with herbs and spices.
5 from 1199 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

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

***If using Diamond Kosher Salt, increase the amount of salt used to 1 teaspoon to account for the fact that it has 50% less sodium than other salt brands
If you’d prefer to make chicken thighs, be sure to try out this air fryer chicken thighs recipe!
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Nutrition

Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 845mg | Potassium: 870mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 325IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

More easy chicken recipes:

Web Story: https://www.platingsandpairings.com/web-stories/air-fryer-chicken-breasts/

Sauces for chicken breasts:

85 thoughts on “Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe”

  1. 5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  3. 5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • 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!

      Reply
  4. 5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  5. 5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  6. 5 stars
    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

    Reply
  7. 5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  8. 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.

    Reply
    • 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!

      Reply
    • 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!

      Reply
    • 5 stars
      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

      Reply
  9. 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.

    Reply
  10. 5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  11. 5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  12. 5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  13. 5 stars
    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 😍

    Reply
  14. 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!!

    Reply
    • 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!

      Reply
    • 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!

      Reply
  15. 5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  16. 5 stars
    Soooo good! Thank you! Passing on the recipe to my daughters!

    Sampled other recipes but this was the winner! Won’t change anything.

    Reply
  17. 5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  18. 5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  19. 5 stars
    “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!”

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.