Juicy Herb-Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy chicken breasts meet their crispy air fryer chicken breast recipe match in this mouthwatering culinary creation.

Golden-brown edges crackle with promise and tenderness.

Lean protein takes center stage with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Seasoned perfectly, these chicken breasts deliver a delightful crunch that beats traditional cooking methods.

Salt, pepper, and your favorite spices dance across each tender slice.

The air fryer works its magic, sealing in moisture while creating an irresistible exterior.

You’ll want to add this simple yet spectacular dish to your weekly meal rotation.

Dinner just got a delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 16-18 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Air Fryer Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breast: Lean, tender protein that ensures a juicy main course, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat for best results.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy exterior while locking in moisture and helping spices adhere.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning duo that enhances natural chicken flavor and provides fundamental taste foundation.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth without overwhelming the chicken's delicate taste.
• Paprika: Contributes warm, slightly sweet undertone and beautiful reddish-brown color to the chicken's surface.

• Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Thyme): Bright, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle herbal notes to completed dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides zesty, tangy accent that cuts through richness and brightens overall flavor profile.

Helpful Tools For Air Fryer Chicken Breast

• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking chicken with crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for trimming chicken and cutting against grain if needed.
• Cutting Board: Dedicated surface for preparing chicken safely.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Useful for mixing seasonings and olive oil.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure spices accurately.
• Tongs: Great for safely handling and flipping chicken in air fryer.

Easy Steps For Air Fryer Chicken Breast

• Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps create a crispy, golden exterior when cooking.

• Season Generously

Coat the chicken with your favorite herbs and spices, ensuring every inch gets some flavor love. Don’t be shy – a good seasoning makes all the difference.

• Position in Air Fryer

Place the seasoned chicken breast in the air fryer basket, making sure it’s not overlapping. Space allows hot air to circulate and cook evenly.

• Cook to Perfection

Air fry at 200C (400F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature hits 74C (165F) and the outside looks beautifully golden and crisp.

• Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and succulent. Slice and enjoy your juicy, crispy chicken!

Cooking Tips For Air Fryer Chicken Breast

• Quick Seasoning Swap: Experiment with different herb and spice blends like Italian seasoning, Cajun mix, or ranch powder to keep the chicken exciting and flavorful.
• Moisture-Locking Technique: Brine chicken breasts in saltwater for 15-30 minutes before cooking to ensure extra juicy and tender meat that won't dry out in the air fryer.
• Low-Carb Friendly Option: Replace regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly coating that still delivers crispy texture and delicious crunch.
• Meal Prep Hack: Cook multiple chicken breasts at once and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days, perfect for quick salads, sandwiches, or protein-packed lunches throughout the week.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornflake crumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste or texture.

Best Ways To Serve Air Fryer Chicken Breast

• Flavor Burst Plate: Slice the air-fryer chicken breast and serve over a bed of fresh mixed greens with a drizzle of honey mustard dressing for a light, protein-packed meal.
• Comfort Food Combo: Pair the juicy chicken with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and steamed seasonal vegetables for a classic, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Salad Superstar: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss into a Mediterranean-inspired salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a fresh, vibrant lunch option.
• Wrap It Up: Shred the chicken and stuff into warm tortillas with crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a cool ranch or spicy chipotle sauce for a quick and delicious lunch wrap.

Keep Air Fryer Chicken Breast Stored Well

• Quick Chilling Technique: Store leftover chicken breasts in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Smart Refrigeration Plan: Keeps cooked chicken sealed and refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety when properly stored at 40°F or below.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, which allows storage up to 4 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken in air fryer at 160C (320F) for 3-4 minutes, ensuring even heating and restoring crispy exterior while maintaining juicy interior.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent air fryer chicken breast emerges as a quick, foolproof dinner solution for busy households. Juicy meat with crispy exterior results from simple seasonings and precise cooking techniques, promising a delightful meal you can easily master at home.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) paprika
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) onion powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) dried oregano or thyme
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to maximize seasoning absorption and achieve a crisp exterior, creating an ideal canvas for flavor.
2. Seasoning Blend: Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl, then thoroughly massage the spice mixture into each chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Preheating and Coating: Warm the air fryer to the specified temperature while lightly coating chicken with olive oil to promote golden-brown caramelization and prevent basket adhesion.
4. Air Frying Process: Arrange seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer within the air fryer basket, maintaining spacing to allow optimal heat circulation and uniform cooking.
5. Cooking and Temperature Monitoring: Cook chicken, rotating midway through the cycle to ensure consistent browning and even internal heating, carefully tracking temperature until reaching the safe consumption point of 74°C (165°F).
6. Resting and Serving: Remove chicken from air fryer and allow a brief resting period of 3-5 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and maintaining peak moisture, then slice against the grain and plate immediately to preserve temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to guarantee crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of crisping in the air fryer.
• Seasoning Strategy: Create a balanced spice blend and apply generously, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor penetration and consistent taste throughout the chicken.
• Oil Application Technique: Use minimal olive oil to enhance browning, prevent sticking, and help seasonings adhere without making the chicken greasy or soggy.
• Temperature Precision: Monitor internal chicken temperature carefully with a meat thermometer, aiming exactly at 74°C (165°F) to guarantee food safety without overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg