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Juicy and Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast in 20 Minutes

Cross-section of juicy air fryer chicken breast showing perfectly cooked white meat and a crispy, seasoned exterior.

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Make perfectly juicy and crispy air fryer chicken breasts every time. This easy recipe delivers golden, tender chicken ready for quick weeknight dinners or healthy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve a crispy exterior.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano.
  3. Rub the olive oil evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken, pressing gently to make it adhere.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius) for 5 minutes.
  6. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
  7. Air fry for 16 to 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the breasts.
  8. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) at the thickest part.
  9. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy results, you can lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray just before the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch) before seasoning to promote even cooking.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep; store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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