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Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast is juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned with a crispy golden exterior. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a healthy, high-protein meal that's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a quick family dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 265
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large Boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1½–2 pounds total
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil Helps the seasoning stick
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika Or regular paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt Adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp Black pepper Freshly ground
  • ½ tsp Dried parsley Optional, for flavor
  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish
  • 1 Lemon Cut into wedges, for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer Any 5–6 quart air fryer works well for this recipe.

Method
 

  1. Instructions

    Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes if your model requires preheating.
    Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
    In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley.
    Add the chicken breasts and coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture on all sides.
    Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation.
    Air fry for 8–9 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 7–9 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
    Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the meat juicy.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy with vegetables, salad, rice, or potatoes.

Notes

For the juiciest chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

  • For even cooking, pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
  • Always use a meat thermometer and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken breasts.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so hot air can circulate evenly.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until warmed through.