Air Fryer Chicken Breasts (From Fresh or Frozen!)

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are the easiest dinner ever and are ready in under 20 minutes including prep!

The air fryer makes chicken breasts incredibly tender and juicy with just a couple of minutes of prep and a few seasonings. 

This will definitely be a go-to recipe on busy nights! A nice golden crust and perfectly juicy, they’re great on their own or sliced over a salad!

Why You’ll Love Cooking Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

• I air fry pretty much everything because it’s quick and easy (I have a 5.8QT Cosori Air Fryer).
• This needs just a couple of minutes of prep.
• It takes only a handful of ingredients. Use the seasonings below, your favorite chicken seasoning, or really any seasoning mix.
• The results are incredibly juicy every single time. Hands down one of our favorite 20-minute meals.
• It’s great to make ahead for meal prep.

Use this air fryer chicken breast recipe in all kinds of meal prep favorites like chicken burrito bowls or chicken salad. Slice it for sandwiches, serve it over caesar salad. Endless possibilities.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts can range in size from 5oz to 10oz. This recipe is for boneless skinless chicken breasts sized 6-7oz. (We use this recipe for air fryer chicken thighs). Four 6oz chicken breasts will weigh about 1 1/2 lbs.

Seasonings are simple. Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are all that’s needed. I prefer kosher salt for this recipe.

Seasoning Variations

Swap the seasonings and try Homemade Taco Seasoning, your favorite spice mixtures, or seasoning blends in your cupboard like lemon pepper or Greek seasoning.

These come out so juicy they’re even great with just salt, pepper, and Italian Seasoning.

Marinade or Brine?

A brine is great for lean meats like pork chops. While many recipes use brines, we use our air fryer for last minute quick and easy meals. So we say no brine is required!

As long as you don’t overcook it, you can make extra juicy chicken breasts in the air fryer without brining.

Marinating is also not necessary but if you’d like to use a chicken marinade you certainly can for some extra flavor. Once you remove the chicken from the marinade (if it’s a wet marinade), ensure to remove any excess to allow the chicken to crisp on the outside a bit in the air fryer.

How to Air Fry Chicken Breasts

Just like baked or grilled chicken breasts, you’ll want to add this to your collection of healthy chicken breast recipes!

1. Rub chicken breasts with a little olive oil and seasoning (per the recipe below).
2. Place in the air fryer basket ensuring there is space around each chicken breast.
3. Cook 16-19 minutes flipping after 10 minutes.

Rest a few minutes before cutting.

How Long to Cook Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

Note: this is for 6-7 oz chicken breasts. Chicken breasts can range in size from 5oz to 10oz. Adjust cook time as needed.

1. Cook chicken breasts for about 10 minutes.
2. Turn them over and cook another 6-9 minutes.
3. Use an instant read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

NOTE:  Be sure to check the temperature of the chicken a few minutes early to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Appliances can vary.

Tips for Success

• A few swipes of BBQ sauce will add a great flavor and sticky exterior.
• Check for doneness a few minutes before cooking should be done by inserting a meat thermometer in the thickest part. Chicken should reach 165°F.
• Let the chicken breasts rest 5 minutes before serving.
• When seasoning chicken breasts, pat the seasoning into it all over, firmly coating the chicken with the seasonings.
• Do not overcook.

More Great Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Did you make these Air Fryer Chicken Breasts? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!