Name: Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts (equal in size); 2 Tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian Seasoning); 2 tsp onion powder; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Air fryer chicken breasts are quick, juicy, and perfectly seasoned with a lightly crispy outside!

Four cooked chicken breasts in an air fryer

Why I Love This Recipe

Here’s an easy way to add protein to any meal—this air fryer chicken breast recipe is the perfect base for salads, rice, pasta, veggies, and more!

Why the air fryer? Because it circulates hot air, giving you perfectly cooked chicken—a little crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.

Plus, it’s great for meal prep! Slice it up and use it for quick, easy lunches all week long. So simple, so delicious!

Recipe Reviews

"Flavors are great and it was really juicy!" - Sarah
"Perfect recipe!! Chicken comes out perfect every time!" - Aimee
"Made this twice now. My go-to for chicken breasts!" - Nikki
"I’m new to air fryer cooking. I found this chicken breast recipe was so easy and absolutely delicious." - Sharon

See More Recipe Reviews Here

Recipe Tip

Try marinating your chicken first for extra flavor! Use one of my delicious 6 chicken marinade recipes to tenderize the meat and add a mouthwatering boost.

A plate of chicken breasts and small bowls of olive oil, onion powder, salt, italian seasoning, garlic powder and black pepper.

Recipe Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this air fryer chicken breast recipe:

4 chicken breasts - equal in size
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp dried thyme or Italian Seasoning
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika (not shown in picture above)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

Quick Tip

Pick similar-sized chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each) so they cook evenly. If needed, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness.

Tools I Used

Air Fryer With Two Separate Baskets – You can cook two separate recipes at once and it comes with a built-in meat thermometer which is so useful!
Meat Thermometer - The best way to check if the chicken is properly cooked.
Mixing Bowls - I use them in every recipe I make.
Silicone Spatula Set - Great for mixing spices and applying them to the chicken.
Magnetic Measuring Spoons - I love these magnetic ones which stay nice and organized together when storing them

Two images of a bowl with olive oil and spices, first unmixed then mixed together.

How To Air Fry Chicken Breasts

Full ingredients and instructions are also in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.

STEP 1: Mix Spices

In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Mix everything together.

Four images grouped. First is hand patting chicken breasts dry with paper towel. Second is silicone brush over seasoned raw chicken, third and fourth are raw chicken breasts seasoned with spice rub on a plate with a silicone brush

STEP 2: Season Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towel. This helps the spice rub to stick more easily. Now brush the seasoning mixture onto both sides of the chicken.

Quick Tip

Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes—this helps sear the outside and gives you that perfect crispy coating. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to help prevent sticking.

Four images grouped together of air fryer basket with chicken breasts in various stages of cooking.

STEP 3: Cook Chicken

Preheat the air fryer at 375℉ for 5 minutes. Next, add in the chicken in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip and cook 10 minutes more, or until it reaches 165℉ internally when poked with a meat thermometer.

Quick Tip

Don’t overcrowd! Cook the chicken in a single layer for even cooking. If needed, do two batches.

STEP 4: Rest + Serve

Place chicken on a cutting board or plate and let it rest before slicing. This keeps the juices locked in, making your chicken extra tender and juicy! Next, slice and serve!

How To Store Leftovers

Refrigerate – Store chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze – I love batch prepping extra chicken to freeze for quick future meals! First, let it cool, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a large freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, cooked chicken lasts up to 6 months in the freezer.
Thaw – Defrost in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of cold water.
Reheat – Warm it up in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes for that crispy texture, or pop it in the microwave for a quick heat-up.

How do you keep chicken breast from drying out?

Marinate first – If you have time, marinating adds flavor and keeps the meat extra tender.
Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—poke it into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure it reads 165°F.
Let it rest – After cooking, let the chicken sit on a plate for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute. This makes it even more tender and juicy!

Close up of a sliced air fryer chicken breast covered in spices.

What To Serve With

Here are some delicious and easy side dishes that will complement your chicken perfectly:

ROASTED VEGETABLES - Roasting vegetables in the oven or air fryer is a great way to add some color and nutrition to your plate. Try roasting some cabbage steaks, lemon parmesan broccoli, buffalo cauliflower bites, easy healthy green beans, crispy carrots or brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create a tasty and healthy side dish.
SALADS - A fresh and simple salad is a perfect side dish for your air fryer chicken breast. Try our beautiful quinoa salad (great for meal prep). Toss some baby spinach leaves with fresh berries for a yummy strawberry spinach salad, or keep it simple with an easy greek side salad.
MASHED POTATOES - Mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy alternative to regular mashed potatoes. Simply boil some sweet potatoes, mash them with a fork, and add a pinch of salt and black pepper for a flavorful side dish.
RICE - There are so many ways to create rice with incredible flavor. Check out our 8 easy rice recipes blog post for some ideas.
LEFTOVERS - Add cooked chicken breasts to some of our favorite recipes including taco chicken salad, topped on this popular sweet potato taco bowl, or make a casserole like our chicken broccoli rice bake.

Chicken breasts in an air fryer with tongs over one piece

Have A Question?

Got a question about this recipe? Leave a comment below—I’m happy to help!
Tried this recipe? Share it with friends and leave a star rating below—I’d love to hear what you think!

Never Miss A New Recipe:

Plus, get my weekly meal ideas & exclusive recipes straight to your inbox! Sign up here.
Get My Free Recipe Guides! Sign up for my free member’s library to access 20+ printable guides, with more added regularly.
Grab my popular Easy Healthy Meals Success Kit at 70% off!