Best Air Fryer Chicken

This juicy air fryer chicken breast recipe is a game changer for quick, tender, and flavorful meals. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week, it delivers perfectly cooked chicken breasts with minimal fuss and no lingering cooking smells in your home.

I first made this recipe after getting an air fryer as a gift, and it quickly became one of my go to meals. My sister and I love how clean the kitchen smells afterward and how tender the chicken stays.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: choose fresh, plump breasts that are similar in size for even cooking
• Black pepper: adds a subtle heat and brightness, freshly ground is best for maximum flavor
• Chili powder: brings a mild smoky warmth, use good quality for best results
• Garlic powder: gives a savory depth, adding lots of flavor without the texture of fresh garlic
• Salt: essential to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken
• Olive oil: helps the spices stick and promotes a golden exterior, use extra virgin for a fruitier taste

Instructions

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breast:

How long to cook depends on the size, so weigh your breasts if possible. Generally, 6 oz cooks for about 15 minutes and 10 oz around 20 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part for perfect doneness. First, place the chicken breasts in a large bowl. Sprinkle black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder and salt evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts. Lightly drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and massage it into the meat with your hands so the spices and oil coat the chicken well. While you are preparing the chicken breasts, preheat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes on one side. Carefully flip them over and cook an additional 10 minutes on the other side. Adjust cooking time depending on the weight of your chicken breasts. If you have a thermometer, check the internal temperature of the thickest part. It should read between 159 and 161 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is less than that, return the chicken to the air fryer and allow it to sit in the residual heat for a few more minutes before checking again. Once your chicken is at the right temperature, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Cover loosely with foil or another plate. This resting step lets the chicken finish cooking to a safe 165 degrees and allows the juices to redistribute evenly, ensuring juiciness. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for meal prep throughout the week.

My favorite part of this recipe is how the chicken stays juicy even after reheating. I remember making this for my sister and friends during a study marathon and it was such a hit that everyone asked for the recipe.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3 to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in the air fryer or oven to keep them moist rather than drying out in the microwave. You can also freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have chili powder, smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper can give a similar warm flavor. Rosemary or thyme make nice herb alternatives if you want a herbier profile instead of chili powder. Use avocado oil or another neutral oil if olive oil is not available, though olive oil adds the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken is fantastic sliced over salads for a protein boost or served with roasted vegetables and quinoa for a balanced meal. Make quick sandwiches by slicing the chicken and adding your favorite toppings on a whole grain bun. Serve with steamed green beans and mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner.

This air fryer chicken is quick, healthy, and reliably juicy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What temperature is best for cooking chicken breast in an air fryer?

Cooking chicken breast at 360°F ensures even cooking and a golden crust without drying out the meat.

→ How long should chicken breast be cooked in an air fryer?

Cook times vary by weight: around 15-22 minutes total, flipping halfway, gives tender and juicy results.

→ Do I need to use oil when cooking chicken breast in an air fryer?

A light drizzle of olive oil helps spices stick and promotes a crispy outside, though minimal oil is needed overall.

→ How can I tell when the chicken breast is fully cooked?

Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe, juicy chicken every time.

→ Why should I let the chicken breast rest after cooking?

Resting for 10-15 minutes redistributes juices inside the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.