This air fryer chicken breast recipe is healthy, reliably juicy, and incredibly simple to prepare.
Chicken breasts can be challenging to cook well: they dry out easily, become stringy, or taste bland. For busy cooks, rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken is a convenient shortcut, and many of us rely on beef and pork recipes more often. After buying a new air fryer I decided to test simple chicken breast recipes and was surprised at how a light coating of oil and a sprinkle of seasoning produced perfectly juicy results. Now I use the air fryer for quick, healthy chicken as a ready source of lean protein.
I appreciate how fast this cooks, how little oil is required, and how easy it is to adjust seasonings to suit different meals. Whether you want plain juicy chicken for salads and bowls, or a bolder seasoned breast for sandwiches and tacos, the air fryer gives consistent results without turning on the oven.
Is Air Fryer Chicken Breast Healthy?
Yes. Chicken breast is low in fat and sodium and provides a high-quality source of protein. Cooking it in an air fryer locks in moisture while using minimal oil, so you get tender chicken without added fat from deep frying or heavy basting.
How to Air Fry Chicken Breast
- Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning so the oil and spices adhere.
- Lightly brush both sides with vegetable oil to promote even browning. You only need a small amount.
- Use your preferred chicken seasoning and a pinch of salt. Simple salt and pepper also work well.
- Arrange breasts in a single layer in the basket without touching to ensure even air circulation.
- Cook at 350°F (175°C) and check doneness with a digital thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve immediately, or cool completely, slice, and store in an airtight container for up to three days for salads, sandwiches, or meal prep.
Note: Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays directly on nonstick air fryer baskets, as they can damage the coating. Use a brush or paper towel to lightly apply oil instead.
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Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
This simple air fryer chicken breast recipe is healthy, juicy, and ready in about 20 minutes. It’s an excellent base for meal prep, salads, sandwiches, and weeknight dinners.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Servings: 2
Author: Jill McOwen
Calories: 44 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each), boneless and skinless
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp grill seasoning (or your favorite chicken seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Lightly coat both sides of the chicken breasts with vegetable oil.
- Sprinkle both sides of each breast with the seasoning and salt.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
- Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and continue cooking for 5–6 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove and serve immediately, or allow to cool, slice, and store in an airtight container for up to three days.
Nutrition
Calories: 44 kcal | Carbohydrates: 1 g | Protein: 0.3 g | Fat: 5 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Trans Fat: 0.03 g | Cholesterol: 1 mg | Sodium: 583 mg | Potassium: 11 mg | Fiber: 0.1 g | Sugar: 0.03 g | Vitamin A: 27 IU | Vitamin C: 0.1 mg | Calcium: 10 mg | Iron: 0.4 mg
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