Name: Air Fryer Chicken Breast: 30-Minute Easy & Delicious Dinner
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; Olive oil, spices (see above)

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Introduction

If you’re craving a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight meal, look no further than air fryer chicken breast. This recipe gives you perfectly juicy, tender chicken with a golden crispy outside—all in just 30 minutes!

Cooking chicken breast in the air fryer is a total game-changer. Unlike traditional oven-baking or pan-frying, the air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, locking in moisture while creating that irresistible crispy finish. The result? A protein-packed dinner that tastes indulgent but is actually good for you.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a fast dinner, a meal-prepper planning ahead, or just someone who loves delicious comfort food without the guilt, this air fryer chicken breast recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Serve it with roasted veggies, toss it over salad, or slice it up for sandwiches—the possibilities are endless.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

✅ Ready in 30 minutes or less.
✅ Juicy inside, crispy outside.
✅ Healthy, high-protein, low-carb.
✅ Perfect for meal prep.
✅ Kid-friendly and customizable.

air fryer chicken breast served on plate

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Substitutions:

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Swap paprika for chili powder if you like it spicy.
For a lighter option, use cooking spray instead of olive oil.

💡 Pro Tip: Need help prepping garlic for other recipes? Check out our guide on how to mince garlic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush with olive oil on both sides.

3. Season Generously

Mix spices in a small bowl and rub evenly over the chicken.

4. Air Fry to Perfection

Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 8–10 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Rest & Serve

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

sliced air fryer chicken breast on cutting board

Pro Tips & Variations

Pro Tips:

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
Brush with a little melted butter at the end for extra richness.

Variations:

🔥 Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
🌱 Low-Carb/Gluten-Free: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
🍝 With Pasta: Slice and toss with your favorite pasta and sauce.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair this air fryer chicken breast with:

Garlic roasted broccoli (see our broccoli recipe)
Creamy mashed potatoes
A fresh garden salad

Storage & Meal Prep

Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (sliced or whole) up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 210
Protein: 36g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 350mg
Sugar: 0g

(Values are estimates.)

FAQ (Rank Math FAQ Schema)

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 5–7 minutes. Always check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q2: How do I keep air fryer chicken breast juicy?
Brush with oil, don’t overcook, and let it rest before slicing.

Q3: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness.

Q4: How long does air fryer chicken breast take to cook?
About 18–20 minutes at 375°F depending on thickness.

Q5: What toppings go well with air fryer chicken breast?
Try melted mozzarella, pesto drizzle, or fresh herbs like parsley.