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. Suggested Variations:
This recipe is great as-is, but you can easily customize the flavors to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to change things up:
Lemon Herb Chicken: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and some chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the olive oil before seasoning the chicken.
Spicy Chicken: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice blend.
Smoky Paprika Chicken: Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika to add a deep, smoky flavor to the chicken breasts.
4. Suggested Pairings
This air fryer chicken 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.
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. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this air fryer chicken recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
