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Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Air fryer chicken breasts that stay juicy with a golden, seasoned exterior. Cook them at high heat for even, fast doneness, then rest before slicing for tender results.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
resting 5 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and seasoning
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts About 6-8 oz each
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Serving
  • 1 lemon wedges
  • 1 fresh herbs

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Method
 

Prep the chicken
  1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 3/4 inch, so they cook evenly.
  2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then coat both sides thoroughly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Air fry
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375F so it’s hot and ready for fast cooking.
  2. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and air fry for 9 minutes.
  3. Flip the chicken and air fry for another 9 minutes until the outside looks golden-brown and seasoned.
  4. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 165F and the juices should run clear.
Rest and serve
  1. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute and the center stays tender.
  2. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for bright flavor alongside the golden exterior.

Notes

For the juiciest texture, don’t skip the 5-minute rest—slice immediately only if you prefer drier edges. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350F for 3-5 minutes. Freezing is not recommended for best texture, but you can freeze cooled leftovers for up to 2 months. For a lower-sodium option, reduce the salt to 1/4 tsp and add extra black pepper and herbs.