Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast – Crispy & Juicy Every Time
This crispy air fryer chicken breast recipe is quick, juicy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or healthy lunches all without deep frying. With a golden crust on the outside and tender, moist chicken inside, it’s a foolproof recipe you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or chili powder for heat
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Prepare the chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Season:
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Air fry:
- Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 6–8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest & serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spritz the chicken with oil before air frying.
- You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes beforehand for even more flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.