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My air fryer chicken breast takes just 8 minutes to make and turns out perfectly juicy and tender every time- it’s truly the best. The seasoning blend is flavorful and it is the easiest and fastest way to cook chicken breasts.
Why I love this air fryer chicken breast recipe
Cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer is a game-changer in many ways, and I’ll never cook them any other way again. This air fryer chicken breast makes the quickest and easiest weeknight dinner, with a total cooking time of under ten minutes.
The hot air in the air fryer circulates around each chicken breast, ensuring it is crisp and tender on the outside while juicy in the middle. My favorite thing about these air-fried chicken breasts is their easy customization. You can keep it simple with some salt and pepper, or jazz it up with more intricate and flavorful spices or some fun sauces.
If you love cooking chicken in the air fryer, try my air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer chicken drumsticks, air fryer whole chicken, and air fryer frozen chicken wings next.
Key Ingredients
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I recommend choosing equal-sized chicken breasts so they cook evenly. Frozen chicken breasts will work, but you must thaw them thoroughly and pat dry any excess water/moisture before seasoning.
- Olive oil. A touch of oil keeps the chicken juicy and moist in the middle, while crisp and tender on the outside.
- Spices. Smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder add a delicious smoky and umami flavor. Also, don’t forget the salt and pepper.
How to make air fryer chicken breast
Step 1- Pat dry the chicken, add it to a bowl, and rub olive oil on each fillet. Mix the spices in a bowl and rub them on each side of the chicken.
Step 2- Mix the spices in a bowl. Rub them on each side of the chicken.
Step 3- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
Step 4- Air fry the chicken for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“My favorite! It’s so easy and simple, but so yummy. Also makes the house smell really good 🙂” – Jaycee
Arman’s recipe tips
- Ensure enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. The air fryer cooks the chicken by circulating the hot air, so if they touch, some sides will be underdone.
- You’ll know the chicken is fully cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Use a meat thermometer to double-check.
- Flip the chicken halfway through so both sides cook equally and yield a juicy chicken breast.
- Always use room-temperature chicken so the cooking time is accurate and consistent.
- Don’t line with parchment paper. I know that often, when air-frying meat, the air fryer basket turns out a little dirty, and it’s tempting to line it with parchment paper or tin foil. For this chicken, try to avoid this. The chicken cooks more evenly and tastes better.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to five days.
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled chicken breasts in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating: Microwave the chicken for 20-30 seconds or in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! I tested this recipe with frozen chicken, and the only difference was that I cooked the chicken for an extra 2-3 minutes per side. You can cook the chicken from frozen and add it directly to the air fryer. You can also follow my recipe for air fryer frozen chicken breast.
No meat thermometer? No worries. The best way to check the doneness of the chicken is to insert a knife into the thickest part. If the juices run clear (e.g. no cloudy color or redness), the chicken is cooked.
If you tried this Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe, please leave a star rating and comment. It helps others thinking of making this.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast {In 8-Minutes}
Video
Ingredients
- 4 small chicken breasts 4-6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
- Pat dry the chicken breasts then add them into a bowl and rub the oil generously over them all.
- Add the smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then rub on both sides of the chicken breast fillets. If desired, let the chicken sit for 10 minutes.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and serve immediately.
Notes
- Small breasts (5-7 ounces): 6 to 8 minutes
- Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 7-10 minutes
- Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 10-14 minutes
The best air fried chicken recipe. So juicy and tasty, thank you
Whoa! A MUST TRY. I tried this recipe using my Ninja Foodi and it was unbelievably good. My chicken breast was soft, juicy and tender. Not at all like the dry, undercooked or overcooked pan-fried chicken breasts I was making previously. Also loved your method of marinading the chicken in a bowl — it took me too long to discover this method. I was previously seasoning my chicken on a chopping board and it was messy and hard to distribute the spice rub evenly.
Can’t wait to cook this again!
awesome, halved the recipe, had bigger fillets, done after 10 minutes. not dry, really tasty!
Great to hear that, Elsie!
Really good! Had larger chicken breasts (~8oz) and took closer to 10 minutes.
Delicious! I actually made this recipe at the same time as the air fryer salmon recipe to accommodate different preferences in my family and it worked perfectly. The chicken was moist and flavorful. Great recipe to have on hand!
Very juicy and delicious!!
Looks very easy to make and delicious!
So easy and delicious. My new go-to way to prepare chicken.
This looks easy and yum and my kids will love it 🙂
Thank you!
This is the ONLY way to fix chicken. My husband and I both loved it. Such an easy way for a fabulous meal. I love using my airfryer. Keep those recipes coming.
That is really simple, Is it juicy?
SO juicy!!
So flavorful and juicy. Thank you for a recipe that is easy to make and so tasty. I love recipes that use spices I always have at home~
I will differently try this a recipe I can have. Hopingvthis will work for thighs too. Thank you
This recipe is perfect for a flavoursome and low calorie, low carb noodle dish. I finished off the air fried chicken in my griddle pan for 30 seconds a side to get a nice browning, sprinkled on sesame seeds and served over konjac noodles and tender broccoli cooked in chicken stock.
My favorite way to cook chicken breast. Love the spices,so delicious 😋