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Thick slices of cooked air fryer chicken breast arranged on a beige ceramic plate beside part of a whole golden brown chicken breast. The slices reveal pale, tender-looking white meat beneath a lightly browned paprika seasoning crust. Small pieces of fresh parsley are scattered over the chicken, with a yellow lemon wedge and a silver fork alongside.
4.77 from 68 votes

Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe

These juicy air fryer chicken breasts are seasoned with a simple blend of pantry spices and cooked until golden and tender, no breading needed! An optional 20-minute saltwater brine helps keep the chicken flavorful and juicy. Perfect for an easy dinner, meal prep, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Brining (optional)20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 280kcal
Chef: Jessica Randhawa

Ingredients

Optional Saltwater Brine

  • 6 cups cool water
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt

Chicken Breasts

Instructions

  • Pour 6 cups of cool water into a large bowl and stir in 3 tablespoons of kosher salt until dissolved. Submerge the chicken breasts in the saltwater, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. If you prefer not to brine the chicken, skip this step and proceed with the recipe.
  • Lift the chicken breasts out of the brine and discard the saltwater. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry all sides of the chicken. If you skipped the brine, pat the chicken breasts dry before continuing.
  • Add the paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper to a small bowl. Mix until the spices are evenly combined.
  • Brush or spray the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil on both sides. Distribute the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, gently rubbing it into the surface to coat each piece.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 380°F if required by your model. Place two chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer, allowing space between them. Air fry for approximately 10-14 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through cooking. Begin checking for doneness around 10 minutes with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each breast. Continue cooking as needed until both reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a clean plate and repeat with the remaining two breasts. Allow each batch to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, or slice and use in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and other recipes.

Notes

  • Chicken breast size: This recipe was tested with four chicken breasts weighing approximately 2¼ pounds total, or about 9 ounces each. For even cooking, choose breasts of similar size and thickness. Smaller breasts may cook more quickly, while thicker breasts may need additional time.
  • Air fryer testing: This recipe has been made using Cosori and Philips air fryers. During testing with a Philips HD9220/29 Airfryer, two chicken breasts reached 163°F after 12 minutes at 380°F. Always continue cooking until the thickest part reaches 165°F.
  • Brining and salt: Brining is optional but helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Always refrigerate the chicken while brining. The tested seasoning uses 1 teaspoon of salt, but you can reduce this to ½ teaspoon if you prefer a less salty result. 
  • Making ahead: If preparing the chicken a day in advance, remove it from the brine after 20 minutes, pat dry, and keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Do not leave the chicken soaking in the concentrated brine overnight.
  • Storage and reheating: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality. Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for approximately 5-8 minutes, or until the center reaches 165°F. Reheating time will vary with thickness.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 844mg | Potassium: 861mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 367IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
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