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The Ultimate Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast (Perfectly Seasoned for Weeknights)

A juicy air fryer chicken breast, seasoned with spices and rosemary, cut in half to show the perfectly cooked white meat.

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Make tender, juicy air fryer chicken breasts every time. This easy recipe uses simple seasoning for a fast, healthy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This helps achieve a better texture.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Brush the olive oil lightly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently so it adheres.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius).
  6. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The exact time depends on the thickness of your breasts.
  8. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) in the thickest part.
  9. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the chicken juicy.

Notes

  • For extra crispy results, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before the final 5 minutes of cooking.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep; store cooked and cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them slightly to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.

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