Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast (Quick & Easy!)
These Easy Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned with a simple blend of garlic, onion, paprika, and oregano. Quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep, this versatile dish pairs well with salads, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (around 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika for a hint of smokiness
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano optional, for extra flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs optional, for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Follow these simple steps to get the juiciest chicken breast in your air fryer:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Breasts
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to stick better and creating a crispy exterior. If your chicken breasts are thicker than 1 inch, you might want to consider either pounding them to an even thickness or slicing them horizontally to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Drizzle the olive oil (or melted butter) over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re coated evenly. This helps the seasoning stick and adds moisture. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano (if using), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over both sides of the chicken breasts. You can also massage the seasoning into the chicken to ensure it’s well coated.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and have that beautiful crispy exterior.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure there’s a bit of space between the chicken breasts for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Air fry the chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even cook. After 10 minutes, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
- Once your chicken breasts are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and juicy. Cutting into the chicken too early will cause the juices to run out, leaving you with dry chicken.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice the chicken breast against the grain for the best texture. You can serve it with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, salad, or mashed potatoes. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra touch of flavor and freshness.
Notes
Don't Overcook: Overcooking chicken breast is one of the easiest ways to make it dry. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Marinate: For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
Pounding the Chicken: If you’re using large, thick chicken breasts, it’s helpful to pound them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook more evenly and prevents the thinner parts from drying out.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices. Cutting it too early will result in dry meat.