Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Air fryer chicken breasts are the perfect weeknight meal. They’re quick, easy to make, and packed with protein and nutrients. Plus, they’re always cooked to perfection, with crispy skin and juicy meat.
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious way to enjoy tender chicken, air-frying chicken breasts are the way to go. They’re cooked without any added olive oil, so they’re low in fat and calories. And they’re packed with flavor, thanks to a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and your delicious herbs and spices.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make air fryer chicken breasts that are perfectly cooked and seasoned. We’ll also share some tips and tricks for getting the best results.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy chicken, be sure to try this recipe for air fryer chicken breasts. You won’t be disappointed!
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Ingredients and substitutions
Helpful
Tips
- The chicken I use is from Whole Foods Market and the breasts are large. Their cook time was 35 minutes.
- If your chicken breasts are normal- or medium-size, cook them for 25 minutes, and then check with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you are using small breasts, then check after 20 minutes. It all depends on the size of the chicken.
- Although I’m using a tray type of air fryer, this also works with the basket air fryer. You could flip the breasts in the middle of cooking, but I don’t bother.
- You can even cook the chicken in batches for weeks of meal prep. Just pack the chicken in an airtight container and either place it in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or in the freezer for up to three months.
- You could use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you will have to check the internal temperature after 20 minutes, and you won’t get the glorious crispy skin experience.
- Here are a few ideas for leftover chicken: shred it and make tacos, or chop it up and make chicken salad for sandwiches or to dress up your green salads.
How to make air fryer chicken breasts
Pre-Step
Take out your air fryer, and get a small bowl.
Take the chicken out of the package and pat it dry with paper towels.
Step One
Gather the ingredients – bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, garlic powder, tarragon, onion powder, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. (A)
Step Two
Add the herbs and spices to a small bowl and combine them with a whisk or a fork. (B)
Step Three
Pick up one of the chicken breasts in your hand, turn it over and sprinkle some of the herb mixture rub on it. Use your hand to rub the herbs on the chicken. Place the chicken with the skin up and sprinkle the herb mixture on top again. Again, use your hand to rub the herbs on the chicken. Repeat with the other chicken piece. (C)
Step Four
Take the trays out of the air fryer and place chicken breasts on the tray if you use that type of air fryer. (D)
Or wait until the basket type has preheated.
Step five
Preheat the air fryer oven at 370 degrees Fahrenheit and set the timer for 25 minutes.
Step Six
When the oven comes to temperature, add the tray to the bottom rung of the air fryer. If you have the basket type, add it now.
Step seven
After 25 minutes, take out the chicken and check the temperature with a digital thermometer. The breasts are done when they reach 165 F.
With larger breasts, the herbs and spices may char somewhat, but don’t worry, the chicken and skin will still be delicious!
Look at how crispy!
I plated some rice, bean, vegetable mixture with one of the juicy chicken breasts
Time to cut into the chicken.
I took a little bite. Mmmm. These are such flavorful chicken breasts!
I hope you enjoyed this air fryer chicken breasts recipe. We love it here in our house.
Other chicken recipes
And as always, may all your dishes be delish.
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts (unpackaged and blotted dry)
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon tarragon (dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/16 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Take the chicken out of the package and pat dry with paper towels. You want the meat to be as dry as you can get it.2 medium chicken breasts
- In a small bowl, add all the herbs and spices and mix with a fork or whisk.1.5 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon tarragon, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon chipotle powder, 1/16 teaspoon black pepper
- Pick up one of the breasts and turn it over. Sprinkle the herb mixture on the underside and use your hand to rub it in. Turn the breast skin side up, sprinkle more herb mixture, and rub it in the skin and flesh. Repeat with the second breast.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and set the timer to 25 minutes. If you have the tray type of air fryer, take the trays out before you preheat. If you have the basket type, leave it in as you'll preheat it with the basket in.
- Place the chicken breasts on the tray in a single layer, without the meat touching. Once the oven beeps that it has come to temperature, you can place the tray in the lower slot. If you have the basket type, add the chicken in one layer with space between them.
- Check the internal temperature with an instant thermometer once the air fryer beeps that it's done cooking. The chicken is done when it reads between 160 – 165 F. You will let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Serve
- Smile
- Enjoy
Equipment
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
Helpful tips
- The chicken I use is from Whole Foods Market and the breasts are large. Their cook time was 35 minutes.
- If your chicken breasts are normal- or medium-size, cook them for 25 minutes, and then check with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you are using small breasts, then check after 20 minutes. It all depends on the size of the chicken.
- Although I’m using a tray type of air fryer, this also works with the basket air fryer. You could flip the breasts in the middle of cooking, but I don’t bother.
- You can even cook the chicken in batches for weeks of meal prep. Just pack the chicken in an airtight container and either place it in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or in the freezer for up to three months.
- You could use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you will have to check the internal temperature after 20 minutes, and you won’t get the glorious crispy skin experience.
- Here are a few ideas for leftover chicken: shred it and make tacos, or chop it up and make chicken salad for sandwiches or to dress up your green salads.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to crafting delightful dishes and cocktails, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
Air fryers are such a great invention. These chicken breasts are cooked to perfection. I know they will be a hit with the grandkids for dinner. Leftovers are great for sandwiches, salads and more.
Thanks so much, Gloria!
This chicken was so easy to make in the air fryer and tasted amazing! This will definitely be a regular from now on!
Thanks so much, Lauren!
This is such a great way to make chicken breasts! 🙂 I definitely do not use my air fryer enough. Going to try this recipe this coming week.
Thanks so much, Carrie! I love my air fryer and use it all the time.
Used this recipe for my meal prep and it was so easy! Love the spice rub, gave the chicken so much flavor.
Thanks so much, Brianna! I appreciate your comment.
I’ve had a fancy air fryer for like 3 three year and still don’t use it like I should. I may have to give this recipe a try. Looks so good!
I was like that with my Instant Pot, Dee. It took me at least 3 months to use it. But I used the air fryer right away. I’m you enjoy it if you try it.
I love the seasoning, but the texture of this chicken is everything. Crispy on the outside and so moist and juice inside. Great, easy recipe. Thank you.
Thanks, Enri! It’s my go-to seasoning blend!
I love my air fried but I haven’t adventured to cook chicken breast in it until now. They were moist and delicious. The combination of spices were perfect.
Thanks so much, Silvia! I appreciate your comment.
This juicy chicken recipe looks really tasty and like a great way to get protein in! I definitely want to try making it
I hope you enjoy it, Moop when you do.
We made these chicken breasts yesterday and they were terrific. My air fryer is new and I am still getting the hang of it. Never expected such good results with chicken. Thanks so much for the recipe and advice.
I’m so glad, Jenny. I use my air fryer all the time, and I bet you will too once you see how great it is.