Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• smoked paprika (optional)
• cayenne pepper (optional)
• chili powder (optional)
• lemon zest (optional; a little)

Steps

1. 1

   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If the breasts are uneven in thickness, gently pound the thicker parts so they cook more evenly.

2. 2

   Rub the chicken with olive oil on both sides.

3. 3

   Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Coat both sides of the chicken with the seasoning mixture.

4. 4

   Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

5. 5

   Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space around each piece.

6. 6

   Air-fry for about 14–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cooking time depends on thickness, so start checking toward the earlier end of the range.

7. 7

   Check the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C). If it has not reached that temperature, cook for another 2 minutes and check again.

8. 8

   Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

9. 9

   Serve with roasted vegetables, potatoes, or rice. Slice leftovers for sandwiches or wraps.

Notes

The source lists optional smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or a little lemon zest without quantities. It also suggests using leftovers in salads or rice bowls. Its stated cooking time is 14–18 minutes; the additional 2-minute increments are only for chicken that has not yet reached 165°F.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• poultry
• air fryer
• high-protein
• gluten-free
• weeknight dinner
• meal prep