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Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Air fryer chicken breasts with a golden-brown, caramelized crust and a juicy interior, ready in under 20 minutes. This easy air fryer chicken recipe uses even thickness and a simple spice rub for quick, weeknight-ready results.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
resting 5 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and seasoning
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even 3/4-inch thickness
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 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
  • Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Method
 

Preheat and prep
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F so it reaches temperature while you prep the chicken. This helps the outside start browning quickly.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even 3/4-inch thickness if needed for uniform cooking. Aim for consistent thickness so they finish at the same time.
  3. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil. The oil helps the seasoning stick and supports a crisp, golden crust.
  4. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper, then rub evenly over both sides of the chicken. Make sure the spices fully coat the surface for fragrant caramelized flavor.
Air fry
  1. Air fry the chicken at 390°F for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. Look for an outside that turns golden-brown.
  2. Continue air frying until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The center should be juicy with no pink, while the exterior stays crisp.
Rest and serve
  1. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute. You’ll get a more moist interior with cleaner slices.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Add the lemon at the table for bright, fresh flavor.

Notes

For maximum juiciness, keep the chicken thickness uniform (3/4-inch) so it cooks evenly in the 16-18 minute window. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to re-crisp the exterior. Freezing is not recommended for best texture. If you want a lower-sodium option, use half the salt and keep the rest of the seasonings the same.