This air fryer chicken breast recipe makes juicy and tender chicken with a crispy outside. It’s super quick, so busy cooks will love it!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up a tasty dinner in no time. I often serve it with roasted veggies or over a salad. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for something different, you could use chicken thighs, which are juicier. Just adjust the cooking time a bit since thighs can be thicker.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps crisp the chicken. If you want a different taste, feel free to substitute with avocado oil or melted butter. Both work well with air frying.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper (for a kick!) can do the trick. The garlic and onion powder are crucial for flavor, but fresh garlic or onion can be used in a pinch.
Potatoes: I love pairing chicken with potato wedges. If you’re short on potatoes, other veggies like carrots or zucchini slices can also be air-fried alongside the chicken for a healthy side.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Juicy Air-Fried Chicken?
To keep your chicken juicy, start with drying it properly. Moisture on the surface can prevent browning. Always preheat your air fryer; this helps get that golden crust. Season the chicken well and let it rest after cooking—this helps retain the juices.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for crispiness.
- Dry the chicken breasts with paper towels before seasoning.
- Let cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing; this allows the juices to redistribute.
The Best Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Optional Sides:
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook the chicken. If you’re making potato wedges as well, add another 15-20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need roughly 30 minutes to get everything ready and cooked!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes, and it helps the chicken cook evenly and become nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the air fryer is heating up, grab your chicken breasts and pat them dry with some paper towels. This is important because it helps the seasoning stick better. Place the dried chicken in a mixing bowl.
3. Make the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the spice mixture over the chicken breasts. Use your hands (or a spoon) to coat each breast evenly, so they are well covered in delicious seasoning.
5. Air Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. If you’re also making potato wedges, toss them in a bit of olive oil and seasoning, then add them to the basket with the chicken. Make sure they are spread out nicely for even cooking.
6. Cooking Time:
Air fry the chicken breasts for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure they get golden brown all over. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. If you’re cooking the potato wedges, keep an eye on them too; they’ll take about 15-20 minutes, depending on how thick they are cut.
7. Let the Chicken Rest:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer. Let them sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep them juicy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the chicken and serve it with fresh cucumber slices and your air-fried potato wedges. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a beautiful touch. Enjoy your delicious and easy air-fried chicken breasts!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to completely thaw them first. You can thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure it crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can substitute it with avocado oil, canola oil, or melted butter. Each of these alternatives will provide a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still work great for grilling and browning the chicken.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, try to do it in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature to retain the chicken’s juiciness. You can also microwave it, but be cautious not to overcook it as it may become dry.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Air Fryer with the Chicken?
Absolutely! You can add a variety of vegetables to the air fryer along with the chicken. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Good options include bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus, and they may cook in about the same time as your chicken. Just toss them in a little oil and seasoning before adding them to the basket!
