Air Fryer Chicken Breast
This air fryer chicken breast recipe solves the problem of dryness with a flavorful spice paste that locks in moisture. No brining or complicated prep needed—just juicy, tender chicken in minutes. Perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
For the Spice Blend
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano or swap with thyme or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. Stir until it forms a thick paste.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub the spice paste all over each breast, covering both sides evenly.
- If needed, preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken with tongs. Cook for an additional 4–8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove chicken and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and the temperature to rise to 165°F (74°C).
Notes
Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures juicy results due to carryover cooking. Add quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini or broccoli when flipping the chicken for an easy one-basket meal. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 326 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
- Sodium: 845 mg
- Potassium: 870 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Vitamin A: 325 IU
- Vitamin C: 3 mg
- Calcium: 24 mg
- Iron: 1 mg