1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by thoroughly patting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps remove excess moisture, which is key for achieving a beautiful golden crust. If your chicken breasts are very thick (over 1 inch at the thickest part), consider slicing them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or pound them gently with a meat mallet to an even ½ to ¾-inch thickness. Uniform thickness ensures even cooking. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, mixing them well to create your seasoning blend.

2. Season and Load the Air Fryer: Lightly brush both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil, ensuring a thin, even coat. Then, generously sprinkle your prepared seasoning blend over all sides of the chicken, gently pressing to adhere. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. Once preheated, arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can steam the chicken instead of crisping it. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes, making sure to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and doneness. Thicker chicken pieces may require a few extra minutes.

3. Check Doneness and Rest: The chicken should appear golden and cooked through. To ensure it’s safe to eat and perfectly juicy, always use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding any bones. It should register an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and place it on a clean cutting board. Allow it to rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period is vital, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a significantly more tender and moist chicken breast.

Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Achieving perfectly cooked, juicy air fryer chicken breast every time is easy with a few expert tips. These suggestions will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your cooking game, ensuring tender, flavorful results whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef.

• Invest in a Meat Thermometer – Don’t Skip It! This is hands down the single most important tool for cooking chicken perfectly. Eyeballing doneness often leads to dry, overcooked chicken. A quick-read thermometer ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without going beyond it, guaranteeing maximum juiciness. It’s the best way to avoid rubbery, dry chicken and consistently get tender results.
• Allow the Chicken to Rest After Cooking: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to cooked meat. After removing the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest on a cutting board for at least 3-5 minutes. This allows the internal juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from escaping when you slice it. The difference in juiciness is truly remarkable.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food. If the basket is too full, the air can’t circulate properly, leading to uneven cooking and steaming instead of crisping. Cook chicken in batches if necessary, ensuring each piece has enough space around it. This is key for that desirable golden-brown exterior.
• Ensure Uniform Thickness for Even Cooking: Chicken breasts often vary in thickness, with one end typically thicker than the other. To ensure even cooking and prevent one part from drying out while another is still undercooked, either pound the chicken breasts to an even ½ to ¾-inch thickness or slice larger breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This simple prep step makes a huge difference in the final texture.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer is important. A preheated air fryer ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately at the correct temperature, leading to a better sear and more consistent results. Most air fryers only need 3-5 minutes to preheat.
• Pat Dry for Crispier Results: Removing surface moisture from the chicken with paper towels before oiling and seasoning allows for better browning and crisping. Wet surfaces tend to steam rather than crisp.
• Adjust Cooking Time for Thickness: Always remember that cooking times are estimates. Thinner chicken breasts will cook much faster, while thicker ones will take longer. Monitor your chicken closely and always rely on your meat thermometer for accurate doneness.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe FAQs

• ▢ 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (freshly cracked preferred)

Optional: 1 tsp dried parsley flakes

• Preheat Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures your chicken starts cooking immediately upon entering the basket, promoting better browning.
• Prepare Chicken & Seasoning: While the air fryer is preheating, carefully pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Discard the paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix these spices together until well combined, forming your delicious seasoning blend.
• Oil & Season Chicken: Lightly brush each piece of chicken with olive oil on both sides. This helps the seasoning adhere and promotes a golden, crispy crust. Then, generously sprinkle your prepared seasoning blend over both sides of each chicken breast, gently pressing the spices into the meat. Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each piece for optimal air circulation.
• Air Fry: Air fry the chicken breasts at 380°F (193°C) for 8-10 minutes per side, for a total of 16-20 minutes. The exact cook time will vary significantly based on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the specific model of your air fryer. Thinner breasts will cook faster, while thicker ones will require more time.
• Check Doneness & Rest: The chicken should be golden brown on the outside. To safely confirm doneness, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should register an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the basket and let it rest on a cutting board for 3-5 minutes before slicing or serving. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and incredibly juicy result.

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips

Nutrition Information