Name: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Introduction

This air fryer chicken breast recipe is a quick and healthy way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers tender meat with a deliciously seasoned crust.

A white plate holds a cooked chicken breast with a golden-brown crust, speckled with small green herb bits. One half of the chicken breast is sliced into six thick pieces, showing the moist, white inside, and arranged fanned out on the lower side of the plate. The whole half is on the upper left side. Three lemon wedges sit around the chicken, adding bright yellow contrast. Two silver forks rest on the plate underneath the sliced chicken pieces. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, oregano, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil to create a flavorful paste. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with this paste.
Step 2: Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4 to 8 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 3: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and tent with tin foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice paste for 30 minutes before cooking.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
You can swap oregano for thyme or rosemary for a different herb flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out.

How to Serve

Two cooked chicken breasts rest side by side inside a black air fryer basket, each breast showing a golden brown color with darker browned spots and a shiny, slightly oily surface. Small sprinkled green herb pieces are scattered over the chicken, adding a touch of color contrast. The air fryer basket has a textured bottom and is open at the front, exposing the juicy chicken pieces inside. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer?

Yes, but cooking time will be longer. Air fry frozen chicken breasts at 360°F (182°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), the chicken is cooked and can be rested for a few minutes to reach the safe serving temperature of 165°F.