Air frying is the best way to cook tender chicken in less time, since there’s no preheating the oven. And with my simple seasoning blend, these flavorful chicken breasts not only make an easy weeknight dinner, but they’re perfect for meal prep too. This recipe results in super flavorful, tender chicken breasts.
1. Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick and ensures the chicken develops a nice, crispy exterior.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or on a clean surface, ready for seasoning.
Step 2. Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the spices: ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub the oil evenly on all sides. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning in the air fryer.
Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them thoroughly for maximum flavor.
Step 3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the chicken develop a golden, crispy surface.
Step 4. Air Fry the Chicken Breasts
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket—if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to allow hot air to circulate around each piece.
Cook the chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the air fryer model.
Step 5. Let the Chicken Rest
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays moist and tender.
Step 6. Serve
Slice the air-fried chicken breasts and serve immediately. You can enjoy them on their own or use them as a protein-rich addition to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or grain bowls.
2. Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Pat the Chicken Dry: Always pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning. This helps achieve a crispier texture and prevents the chicken from steaming in the air fryer.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To ensure even cooking and browning, place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you’re cooking more than two breasts, it’s best to cook them in batches.
Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. For food safety and optimal juiciness, the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices before slicing.
3. What to Eat With Air Fryer Chicken Breast
This air fryer chicken breast recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for a complete meal:
Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
Salad: Slice the air fryer chicken breasts and serve them over a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal.
Rice or Quinoa: Pair the chicken with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous for a well-rounded dinner.
Air-Fried Potatoes: For a crispy, satisfying side, cook some baby potatoes or sweet potato fries in the air fryer alongside the chicken.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftover
Storing:
Allow the chicken breasts to cool down to room temperature before storing them. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
Next, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture and prevents air from drying it out. Alternatively, you can place the wrapped chicken in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Store the chicken in the refrigerator. It should be good for 3–4 days.
Reheating:
Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and heat for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will keep the chicken crispy on the outside and warm inside.
Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Reheat for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Microwave (Quick but Less Ideal):
Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Next, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to help retain moisture.
Heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, checking the temperature and flipping if necessary.
Stovetop:
Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
To prevent the chicken from drying out, you should add a small splash of broth or water while reheating to maintain moisture, especially when using the microwave or stovetop.
This best damn air fryer chicken breast recipe is the perfect solution for a fast, healthy, and flavorful meal. With just a handful of pantry staples—olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few spices—you can create juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breasts in under 20 minutes.
