Introduction

Air fryer chicken breasts are a quick and healthy way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. This recipe uses a simple blend of spices to create a deliciously seasoned meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts
½ tbsp rapeseed oil
1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp garlic granules
1 tsp smoked sweet paprika
2 tsp mixed herbs
½ tsp pepper
Steamed rice and greens such as broccoli, green beans, or a green salad, to serve (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Coat the chicken breasts evenly with rapeseed oil and set aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the salt, garlic granules, smoked paprika, mixed herbs, and pepper.
Step 3: Spread the seasoning mixture on a plate, then roll each oiled chicken breast in it until well coated.
Step 4: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Step 5: Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 18–20 minutes, turning the chicken after 10 minutes for even cooking.
Step 6: Check doneness by piercing the thickest part of the chicken; juices should run clear. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).
Step 7: Serve the chicken breasts with steamed rice and your choice of greens or a green salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the oil and seasoning mix for 30 minutes before cooking.
Try substituting smoked paprika with regular paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Adjust cooking time slightly for thicker or thinner chicken breasts to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate check of doneness and to keep the chicken juicy.

Storage

Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispness, or microwave gently until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

It’s best to thaw chicken breasts completely before air frying to ensure even cooking. Cooking from frozen may result in unevenly cooked chicken or a dry exterior.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can cook the seasoned chicken breasts in a conventional oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through. Check doneness with a thermometer as with the air fryer method.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

A simple and flavorful recipe for air fryer chicken breasts seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and mixed herbs, cooked to juicy perfection in just 20 minutes. Served ideally with steamed rice and fresh greens or a crisp salad for a complete, healthy meal.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 23-25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: International

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 chicken breasts
½ tbsp rapeseed oil
1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp garlic granules
1 tsp smoked sweet paprika
2 tsp mixed herbs
½ tsp black pepper

Optional Sides

Steamed rice
Greens such as broccoli or green beans
Green salad

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Coat each chicken breast evenly with ½ tablespoon of rapeseed oil, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the seasoning.
Make the Seasoning Mix: In a bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 ½ teaspoons of garlic granules, 1 teaspoon of smoked sweet paprika, 2 teaspoons of mixed herbs, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to create a consistent spice blend.
Season the Chicken: Scatter the seasoning mixture onto a plate. Roll each oiled chicken breast in the seasoning, pressing lightly so the spices adhere well to all sides.
Air Fry the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 18 to 20 minutes. Halfway through cooking, at 10 minutes, turn the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Check for Doneness: After cooking, pierce the thickest part of each chicken breast with a knife; the juices should run clear. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 70°C (158°F), indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Serve: Serve the air fried chicken breasts hot, accompanied by steamed rice and a selection of greens such as broccoli, green beans, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.