Hey there! Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite weeknight dinners: Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts . In my household, it never fails to impress, delivering tender, flavorful chicken every time. I stumbled upon this treasured recipe one hectic evening when I needed something quick but satisfying. It’s so simple, yet packed with flavor, making it a staple in our dinner rotation.
If you’re looking for a quick and effortless meal, check out crescent roll breakfast recipes .
Why you’ll love this recipe
You’re going to love how incredibly easy this recipe is while still being absolutely delicious. The Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are perfectly seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that really bring out the best in the chicken. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer ensures they’re perfectly juicy with a crisp exterior, cutting down the cooking time dramatically.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts – equal in size
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried thyme – or Italian Seasoning
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix everything together.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Brush the seasoning mixture onto both sides of the chicken.
- Preheat the air fryer at 375℉ for 5 minutes. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for 10 minutes more, or until it reaches 165℉ internally when poked with a meat thermometer.
- Place chicken on a cutting board or plate and let it rest before slicing. Slice and serve.
Recipe tips & variations
For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the seasoning mixture. If you’re out of thyme or Italian seasoning, rosemary works wonderfully as well. Need a bit more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. No air fryer? No problem! You can still bake these beauties in the oven at 400℉ for 30-35 minutes.
Storage & reheating
Any leftovers (if you’re lucky to have some) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to retain their juiciness and crispiness, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before using so they cook evenly.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can use the oven method I mentioned above. It might take a little longer but will still be delicious.
Can I use boneless thighs instead?
Absolutely! They’ll be just as juicy and flavorful. Adjust the cooking time as they might cook faster than breasts.
Recipes you may like
You might also enjoy our breakfast potatoes recipe easy crispy , or perhaps get inspired by our breakfast pizza recipe easy cheesy . Both are perfect complements to any Sunday brunch!
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Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and easy recipe for Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix everything together.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Brush the seasoning mixture onto both sides of the chicken.
- Preheat the air fryer at 375℉ for 5 minutes. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for 10 minutes more, or until it reaches 165℉ internally when poked with a meat thermometer.
- Place chicken on a cutting board or plate and let it rest before slicing. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the seasoning mixture.
- If you’re out of thyme or Italian seasoning, rosemary works wonderfully as well.
- Need a bit more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
- No air fryer? No problem! You can still bake these beauties in the oven at 400℉ for 30-35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg