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Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Air fryer chicken breasts with a golden-brown, caramelized crust and a juicy interior in just under 20 minutes. Quick chicken breasts cook evenly at 390°F with a halfway flip for crispy chicken air fryer results.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken breasts
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Pounded to even 3/4-inch thickness
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper
Serving
  • 1 fresh parsley For serving
  • 1 lemon wedges For serving

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Method
 

Prep and preheat
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F to get a fast, even cook from the start.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even 3/4-inch thickness for uniform cooking.
Season and air fry
  1. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil so the seasoning adheres and browns.
  2. Mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper, then rub evenly over both sides.
  3. Air fry the chicken for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is golden.
Rest and serve
  1. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges right before serving for bright, fresh flavor.

Notes

For the crispiest, most even exterior, preheat the air fryer fully and avoid overcrowding the basket. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Freezing is not recommended for best texture, but you can freeze cooked chicken up to 2 months. For a lower-sodium option, use a reduced-salt seasoning blend and keep the same cook time and temperature.