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    Pinch Me Good! » Healthy Dinner Ideas » Easy Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

    Easy Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

    May 18, 2021 by Amy 18 Comments

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    Please note that some of the links are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links.

    This Air Fryer Chicken Breast is tender, super juicy and packed with flavor. It is perfectly seasoned with tasty spices like garlic, Italian seasoning and chili powder and can be ready in less than 20 minutes!

    Crispy air fryer chicken breast on a plate with crips broccoli on a white surface

    I am obsessed with this Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast recipe! It is perfectly seasoned and comes out so juicy and tender on the inside and golden on the outside. It is pretty similar to these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs that are also a fan favorite.

    Chicken breast is one of the simplest and healthiest lean meats to add to any meal but sometimes it can come out dry and not so delicious. The best part about this Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast recipe is that it comes out so juicy and tender every time, without fail.

    This easy chicken breast recipe contains no breading and is a wonderful low-carb main dish you can make and pair with delicious veggies like roasted asparagus or Brussel sprouts. See more serving suggestions below.

    Cooking chicken in the air fryer

    One thing to keep in mind when cooking chicken breast in the air fryer is the size of your chicken breast and the type of air fryer you are using. Since air fryer‘s vary and so does the size of chicken breast you can buy in most grocery stores, I recommend checking the chicken as it cook’s to ensure you do not over cook or under cook it.

    How long to cook chicken breast in the air fryer?

    This depends on the size of the chicken you are using as I mentioned above. Most chicken breasts that you can buy in the grocery store are very similar in size around 3-5ounces each, which will take around 16-18 minutes to fully cook in the air fryer.

    The best way to test the doneness of chicken is to use a meat thermometer. Once the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, then it is done.

    Check out my cooking guidelines below in the notes section of the recipe card.

    Golden cooked  boneless chicken breast on a white plate with a few pieces of broccoli in front of it on top of a white surface.

    Why should you cook chicken in the air fryer?

    Using the air fryer to cook boneless chicken breast makes it quick and easy with less clean up and it just comes out perfect every single time. This recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make.

    The air fryer is designed as a small convection oven that has a fan to circulate heat all around the chicken as it cooks, making it one of the best appliances for cooking chicken.

    You can even make a Crispy Breaded Chicken Breast, that is also amazingly tender and crispy without the use of any oil at all that also takes less than 20 minutes!

    What to serve with this air fryer chicken

    This chicken pairs great with so many other recipes like this Oven Roasted Broccoli (pictured above) or these Easy Ranch Roasted Carrots or even a hearty Easy Kale Salad. All great healthy meals that you can enjoy any day of the week and are all perfect for meal prepping.

    Do I need to marinate or brine my chicken breast?

    It is not necessary to marinate or brine your chicken breast in this recipe. If you want an even juicier chicken breast then go ahead and brine it in a water + salt solution or some pickle juice for at least 30 minutes. Then you want to rinse and dry the chicken breast before seasoning and cooking it.

    As for marinating the chicken, that is also up to you. There are a lot of great chicken marinades you can make yourself or buy. Check out this Perfect Chicken Marinade from the Recipe Critic.

    This recipe really does result in perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken, every time!

    Close up of juicy chicken breast with seasoning on it and roasted broccoli around it on a round white plate on top of a white textured surface

    Check out this air fryer breaded chicken breast as another quick and healthy main dish you can make in your air fryer.

    Ingredients needed to make this Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

    raw chicken breasts on a round plate with a brown bowl filled with green parsley in front of it and another bowl of spices next to it with a white bowl of olive oil in front of it.

    How to cook chicken breast in the air fryer

    1. Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with a clean paper towel. Place the chicken into a medium size bowl, drizzle it with olive oil and gently toss it in the olive oil to get it all nice and coated.
    2. Season. Mix up the spices with some salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Pour the spice mixture over the chicken breast and rub it all over on both sides of each piece of chicken.
    3. Cook. Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F, this takes about 5 minutes for most air fryers. Spray the air Fryer basket with olive oil spray, place the chicken into the air fryer, spaced enough apart so that the pieces of chicken are not touching. Close the air fryer basket and cook at 360 degrees F for 9 minutes. Flip each piece of chicken over and cook for 9 more minutes until the internal temerpature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
    4. Let rest and slice. Set the chicken onto a clean plate or cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices of the chicken to evenly distribute back into the chicken, which makes it nice and juicy. Then use a sharp knife to slice the chicken into pieces.
    5. Serve. Enjoy this chicken warm with your favorite healthy side dishes or on top of a hearty salad.
    • Two pieces of raw boneless chicken breast in a round glass bowl with olive oil on them
      Drizzle with olive oil
    • Hand pouring spices onto two raw pieces of chicken in a glass bowl
      Add the seasoning
    • Two pieces of chicken breast covered in a spice rub inside a round glass bowl
      Coat the chicken in the seasoning
    • 2 chicken breast, covered in seasoning inside of an air fryer basket
      Place into air fryer basket
    • Cooked crispy boneless chicken breast in an air fryer basket
      Cook for 8-9 minutes per side
    • Seasoned cooked chicken beast on a round white plate with another pieces of sliced chicken next to it and cooked broccoli around it on the plate
      Slice and serve

    Do I need to use oil to air fry chicken breast?

    You do not need to use oil but it is highly recommended since it helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and also helps create a nice crispy outer layer. Two elements of this recipe that really take it over the top. Plus I only use 1 tablespoon of olive oil in total in this recipe, which is only 50 extra calories per serving. So go for it. It is totally worth it!

    Can you use frozen chicken breast?

    Yes, you absolutely can put raw, frozen chicken breast in the air fryer. You won’t get the exact same results but it will still come out golden and juicy. This is a great shortcut if you are short on time and forgot to thaw your chicken.

    To cook frozen, raw chicken breast in the air fryer

    Dry the chicken with a clean paper towel and then rub or spray it with olive oil all over. Then season it. Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F and spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the frozen chicken breast into the air fryer in a single layer (not overlapping or stacked) and cook it for 18-20 minutes, flipping it over halfway through the cooking time.

    Large piece of crispy seasoned chicken breast on a round white plate next to another piece cooked chicken that is sliced, with some cooked broccoli next to it.

    Storing and reheating

    This easy chicken recipe is perfect for meal prepping or making it ahead.

    Store it in the refrigerator: Once you have fully cooked the chicken, then let it cool completely and store it an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Freeze it: Let the cooked chicken fully cool then transfer it to a freezer-friendly container and keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

    Reheat: You can reheat this chicken breast right from the refrigerator in the air fryer at 360 degrees F for 3-4 minutes. To reheat from a frozen state, let the chicken breast thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then air fry it at 360 degrees F for 3-4 minutes.

    Recipe tips for making air fryer chicken breast

    • Try to select chicken that is the same size (i.e weight) to allow for both pieces of chicken to cook at the same time.
    • Use a little olive oil for super juicy chicken that is well seasoned with a nice crispy outer layer without any breading.
    • Rub the spice blend all over both sides of the chicken so that it is perfectly seasoned all around.
    • Check the chicken for doneness a few minutes before it should be done cooking. This will ensure you do not overcook it since air fryer‘s vary.
    • Let the chicken rest before slicing. This will allow it to be even juicier.

    Recipe variations

    • Switch up the spices. You can use any spice blend you like in this recipe, even taco seasoning for a juicy and delicious Chicken Taco Salad.
    • Top with a yummy sauce. You can add even more excitement to this air fryer chicken by topping it with a delicious healthy sauce like this Easy 5 Minute Romesco Sauce or this 5 Minute Green Goddess Dressing.
    • Brine the chicken. For even juicier chicken, you can always brine it in some seasoned warm water or pickle juice for 30 minutes or overnight. This always makes it even juicier.

    Recommended tools for making this recipe

    • Air Fryer
    • Flat cutting board
    • Meat thermometer

    Ideas for using leftover chicken

    Salad: Try this Cranberry Chicken Salad, BBQ Chicken Salad, Chicken Taco Salad or Curry Chicken Salad.

    Pizza: Add it to this amazing Chicken Pesto Pizza.

    Stir Fry: Use it in a stir fry or in this Rainbow Chicken Pad Thai

    More air fryer chicken recipes to try!

    • Crispy Healthy Chicken Parmesan
    • 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
    • Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
    • Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
    • Simple Air Fryer Whole Chicken
    • Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

    Did you try this air fryer chicken breast recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how your’s turned out!

    Print
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    Easy Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast


    ★★★★★

    5 from 5 reviews

    • Author: Amy
    • Total Time: 23 minutes
    • Yield: 2
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    This super juicy and tender Air Fryer Chicken Breast is full of flavour and can be ready in under 20 minutes. Seasoned with tasty spices like garlic, Italian seasoning and chili powder and perfectly cooked in the air fryer. An amazingly easy and simple way to cook chicken breast. Perfect for meal prep.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – about 5–6 ounces each
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley – for topping

    Instructions

    1. Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with a clean paper towel. Place the chicken into a medium size bowl, drizzle it with olive oil and gently toss it in the olive oil to get it all nice and coated.
    2. Season. Mix up the spices with some salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Pour the spice mixture over the chicken breast and rub it all over on both sides of each piece of chicken.
    3. Cook. Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F, this takes about 5 minutes for most air fryers. Spray the air Fryer basket with olive oil spray, place the chicken into the air fryer, spaced enough apart so that the pieces of chicken are not touching. Close the air fryer basket and cook at 360 degrees F for 9 minutes. Flip each piece of chicken over and cook for 9 more minutes until the internal temerpature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
    4. Let rest and slice. Set the chicken onto a clean plate or cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices of the chicken to evenly distribute back into the chicken, which makes it nice and juicy. Then use a sharp knife to slice the chicken into pieces.
    5. Serve. Enjoy this chicken warm with your favorite healthy side dishes or on top of a hearty salad.

    Equipment

    Image of mixing bowl

    mixing bowl

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    Image of Air Fryer

    Air Fryer

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    Notes

    • Use chicken that is the same size (i.e weight) to allow for all pieces of chicken to cook at the same time. If you are cooking a lot of chicken, then cook it in batches since you do not want to overcrowd the air fryer basket. 
    • Switch up the spices. You can use any site blend you like in this recipe, even taco seasoning for a juicy and delicious Chicken Taco Salad.
    • Top with a yummy sauce. You can add even more excitement to this air fryer chicken by topping it with a delicious healthy sauce like this Easy 5 Minute Romesco Sauce or this 5 Minute Green Goddess Dressing.
    • Brine the chicken. For even juicier chicken, you can always brine it in some seasoned warm water for a few hours or overnight. This always makes it even juicier. 
    • Rub the spice blend all over both sides of the chicken so that it is perfectly seasoned all around.
    • Let the chicken rest before slicing. This will allow it to be even juicier.
    • Cooking time recommendations: 4 ounce chicken breast at 360 degrees F for 16-17 minutes, 5-6 ounce chicken breast – at 360 degrees F for 18 minutes, 7-8 ounce chicken breast at 360 degrees F for 19 minutes, 9-10 ounce chicken breast at 360 degrees F for 20 minutes. 
    • Check the chicken for doneness a few minutes before it should be done cooking. This will ensure you do not overcook it since air fryer‘s vary.
    • Store this chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days after letting it cool completely. 
    • Prep Time: 5
    • Cook Time: 18
    • Category: Healthy Dinner Ideas
    • Method: Air Fryer
    • Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @pinchmegoodfood on Instagram and hashtag it #pinchmegoodfood

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    Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, Air Fryer Recipes, Dairy Free, Favorite Summer Recipes, Freezer-Friendly Meals, Gluten-Free, Healthy Dinner Ideas, Kid-Friendly, Meal Planning and Prep

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jennifer Griffin

      May 28, 2021 at 1:26 am

      Wow! My chicken just came out of the air fryer (5 minutes ago) and I am amazed. I have the Cuisinart TOA60 and I went with the 50-degrees less rule and it worked out great. I love how few spices were needed to still pack a powerful flavor punch. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Amy

        May 28, 2021 at 5:39 am

        Hi Jennifer, I am so glad you liked it!

        Reply
    2. Tiana Hall

      June 11, 2021 at 3:09 pm

      This was a delicious recipe and tasted like it was baked in the oven. I was surprised and my husband loved it. Would have been good with a side of stuffing. We had a baked potato and small salad. Must try and don’t substitute ingredients or method of cooking.

      Reply
      • Amy

        June 16, 2021 at 12:41 pm

        Thank you so much! I am so glad you liked it!

        Reply
    3. Trisha O'Leary

      June 28, 2021 at 8:12 am

      This is by far the best air fryer recipe I have EVER had.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. CC

      July 7, 2021 at 9:43 am

      I have a question regarding this recipe!! The instructions say to “Preheat the air fryer to *400”, then says to cook at *360? Is this correct?

      Thank you

      Reply
      • Amy

        July 8, 2021 at 7:43 am

        Hi, yes, I always preheat to the standard 400 degrees to get the air fryer nice and hot and then cook at whatever temperature is needed to cook the chicken. This allows the chicken to get that nice crispy outer layer and become super tender and juicy on the inside.

        Reply
    5. Katie

      July 11, 2021 at 11:41 pm

      Delicious!!! I am not usually a fan of the flavor of chicken & I always drown it in dipping sauce, but didn’t dip this at all! I have a feeling I will be making this recipe A LOT and will check out your others! 🙂

      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Amy

        July 12, 2021 at 8:30 am

        Thank you Katie! I am so glad you liked it! I make it at least once a week.

        Reply
    6. Emily Bernhardt

      August 14, 2021 at 11:46 pm

      Atlas a chicken that is juicy. Thank you so much for sharing this.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Amy

        August 16, 2021 at 12:39 pm

        Thank you Emily! I am so happy you liked it!

        Reply
    7. PegM

      February 3, 2022 at 3:26 pm

      Very unusual for me to leave a comment because I seem to be a rare person that doesn’t like chicken. I have been searching for quite a while to find one that I like. This one finally has me excited about chicken. I really liked it and will definitely make it again. Thanks so much.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Amy

        February 9, 2022 at 9:54 am

        Hi Peg! I am so happy you liked it!

        Reply
    8. Vickie Garff

      February 20, 2022 at 8:28 pm

      Thank you, this recipe turned out so juicy and tasty. My husband also enjoyed it! I plan to add it to the favorites!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Amy

        February 21, 2022 at 7:07 am

        Hi Vickie! That’s great to hear. I am so happy you both enjoyed it!

        Reply
    9. HOGAN

      March 10, 2022 at 1:44 am

      Hi there! This blog post could not be written any
      better! Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
      He always kept talking about this. I will send this information to him.
      Fairly certain he’s going to have a good read. Thanks for
      sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    10. Kathy Everitt

      March 20, 2022 at 7:56 am

      Hi. Can this be cooked in an Instant Pot with an air fryer lid or does it have to be a stand alone air fryer?

      Thanks,

      Kathy

      Reply
      • Amy

        March 20, 2022 at 8:12 am

        Hi Kathy, This can be cooked in any air fryer.

        Reply

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