Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

If you want to make super flavorful, tender, and juicy chicken breast in your air fryer, this recipe is all you need. This awesome kitchen gadget not only cooks your chicken quickly but also makes sure it’s perfect every time.

These air-fried chicken breasts are great for topping salads, filling sandwiches, or just eating on their own with a simple side dish. They are also perfect for meal prep! With minimal prep and a short cooking time, you can have a delicious and versatile protein ready to go. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breast – I used medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breast (approximately 200 grams – 7 oz) and dry brined with salt for juicy and well seasoned breast meat. If you want to frozen chicken breasts, you’ll need to add extra cooking time—typically 5-10 minutes more.

• Seasoning – I keep it simple and use salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder. You can spice it up a little with cayenne or chili powder, or use taco seasoning, cajun seasoning, or jerk seasoning instead.

• Olive oil – To stop the chicken breast sticking to air fryer basket and adding a bit flavour.

How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts?

Making these extremely juicy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe is very easy. However, you need to follow a few simple steps to achieve the best results :

Sprinkle the breasts with salt and let them brine at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step is optional but I highly recommend it for a well flavoured and juicy chicken breasts.

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) to ensure that your chicken starts cooking immediately and helps it develop a nice, crispy exterior. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, olive oil, and pepper.

Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture. Let them sit for a few minutes while the air fryer is heating to absorb the flavors.

Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 8-10 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even juicier.

Expert Tips From the Chef

• Bring your chicken breasts to room temperature before air frying them.

• Make sure the chicken breasts are in a single layer and not touching. This allows air to circulate properly.

• Depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Thicker breasts will need more time, while thinner ones will need less.

• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time so that both sides cook evenly.

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This ensures the chicken is cooked through without being overdone.

• Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even juicier.

How to Use Air Fryer Chicken Breasts?

Air fryer chicken breasts are incredibly versatile. Here are a few delicious serving ideas to inspire you:

• Salads: Slice the chicken and add it to your favorite salad for a protein boost.

• Pastas: Just like Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets, slice the chicken and toss it with pasta and a light sauce.

• Sandwiches or wraps: Use the chicken in a sandwich or wrap with your favorite toppings.

• Tacos: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos with fresh salsa and avocado.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months for longer storage. Do not refreeze if you used frozen chicken breasts!

To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps the chicken juicy and prevents it from drying out.