Simple Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Updated Jan 31, 2026
An easy air fryer chicken breast recipe using olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and herbs for flavorful, evenly cooked chicken.
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It’s so easy to make chicken Breast in the air fryer!
Air frying chicken breast is how I get that pan-seared, chicken flavor without dealing with oil splatter or a sink full of dishes. The air fryer cooks it evenly and keeps it juicy, and gives it a nice sear on the outside, which is really all I care about when it comes to chicken breast. I like to use a simple seasoning mix of paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and a little salt and pepper. It’s a simple way to make chicken that actually turns out well, and it’s one of those recipes I come back to because it just works.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: I use boneless and skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
- Oil: I recommend olive oil for the base of the marinade.
- Spices: You’ll need paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper for the marinade. Or, use any seasonings you want! This recipe is very versatile. Try taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even 7-spice!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Video
Ingredients
- 4 6 ounce chicken breast about 1 ½ lbs.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Pound the thicker ends of the chicken breasts to even out the sides for even cooking.
- Drizzle the olive oil on top of the chicken and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with the oil and seasoning and coat well. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with the smooth side down. Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip and air fry for 4–7 more minutes, until cooked through, golden, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow the chicken breasts to rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with a side of your choice.
Equipment
Notes
- My Top Tip: Most chicken breasts are thinner on one end than the other, which can make one side cook faster than the other. I recommend pounding the chicken to even out the thickness.
- Storage: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen air fryer chicken breasts in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Variations
- Add a light coating: For more of a “fried” texture, make a light coating with Parmesan cheese, egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Cut it into cubes: Before you marinate the chicken breasts, cut them into cubes for more bite-sized chicken pieces you can use in grain bowls or school lunches.
- Add vegetables: While the air fryer is on, cook some chopped vegetables before or after you cook the chicken.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the chicken breast dry. For the marinade to stick, you need to get rid of as much moisture as possible. Oil and water don’t mix! Use a clean paper towel and pat each piece dry well.
- Don’t skip marinating. For the best flavor, let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. All day or overnight is ideal.
- Cook in batches if needed. If you can’t fit all of the chicken in a single layer, air fry it in batches. If any of it overlaps, it won’t crisp up as nicely.
- Let the chicken rest. Before you cut into it, let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes on a cutting board. This helps it stay nice and moist.
Serving Ideas
- Put it on pasta: Marry Me Pasta, Lemon Ricotta Pasta, Pasta with Peas
- Add it to a salad: Chopped Green Goddess Salad, Kale Caesar Salad, Lemon Orzo Salad
- Serve it with a side: Air Fryer Green Beans, Broccoli Mac and Cheese, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
FAQs
I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure it reads at least 165ºF.
Yes! If you prefer chicken thighs over breasts, you can swap them out. You’ll want to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size of your chicken thighs.
The presentation side of a chicken breast is the smooth, rounded side that you put facing up when serving. The underside of the chicken breast is usually flatter, sometimes with visible seams or a small flap.
You may not have oiled the chicken enough. I recommend using a parchment paper liner in the air fryer for easy cleanup. I also recommend flipping the chicken only once to help prevent it from tearing.
Comments
Can you cook from semi frozen?
Yes, that should work! You will need to increase the cooking time, though. Make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF, too. Hope that helps!
This recipe was AMAZING! I’m super particular about chicken and therefore don’t usually cook it at home because it never comes out to my liking, but OMG this is the best chicken I’ve ever had. Juicy, tender, so flavorful and yummy! I added a slice of cheese towards the end of the timer and let it melt. Perfection! Thank you!!
Wow, thank you so much!! So happy you liked the recipe, Becca! Yay!!
I have made this multiple times. It is the most perfect recipe. Thank You 😊.
This time I marinated more than the usual , Can I freeze it and Air fry it later?
You’re so welcome! Absolutely, you can freeze any chicken breasts that you have left over.
Hello Yumna,
I was wanting to know if I need to use the air fryer shown or can I use the one I already have which is smaller?
You can use any air fryer!
Just tried this out today! Came out very good.
That makes me so happy to hear! Yay!
Made this tonight….sooo good! My toddler ate it up.
Thanks!
Sara
That’s amazing! You’re so welcome!
Are these boneless? Sounds delicious. New to Air Frying so need very clear instructions. Thank you.
Yes! These are boneless, as I used chicken breast.