Description
This Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time using an air fryer. The simple spice rub enhances the natural taste of the chicken, making it a quick and healthy meal option perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Bring chicken to room temperature: Take the chicken breasts out of the fridge 15-20 minutes prior to starting the recipe to allow them to warm up slightly, ensuring even cooking.
- Prepare spice rub: Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the seasoning mix.
- Coat chicken with oil and spices: Place the chicken breasts on a plate and apply olive oil all over each piece. Then, thoroughly coat them with the prepared spice rub using your hands to ensure an even layer of seasoning.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature and texture.
- Air fry the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 10 minutes depending on their size. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest before serving: Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise to a safe 165°F (74°C) before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken breast size: small (6 oz) – cook 4-5 more minutes after flipping; medium (8 oz) – 6-7 more minutes; large (10 oz) – 8-10 more minutes.
- Using a meat thermometer is key to avoid over or undercooking the chicken.
- Resting the chicken after cooking ensures juiciness and optimal flavor.
- Feel free to customize the spice rub to your preference by adding cayenne for heat or dried herbs for different flavor profiles.
