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Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe for Juicy Meals Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 59 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with a perfectly seasoned crust. Using simple spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme, the chicken cooks quickly and evenly in the air fryer, making it an easy and healthy meal option suitable for busy weeknights. It pairs wonderfully with lemon wedges for a fresh finish.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

  • Lemon wedges


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the chicken for even cooking.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and promote browning. Rub both sides of the chicken with olive oil to keep it moist.
  3. Season the Chicken: Evenly sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring a well-coated and flavorful crust.
  4. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between each piece for air circulation.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken for 18–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking. Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Slice and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh flavor boost.

Notes

  • For more even cooking, pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
  • These juicy chicken breasts are versatile and perfect for meal prepping, adding to salads, pasta dishes, or sandwiches.
  • Using an instant-read thermometer ensures the chicken is safely cooked while remaining tender and juicy.