Introduction

Air fryer chicken breasts are a quick and healthy way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal fuss. This simple recipe uses a blend of spices to create a deliciously seasoned meal that pairs perfectly with rice and greens.

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 them aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the salt, garlic granules, smoked paprika, mixed herbs, and pepper. Scatter the seasoning mixture onto a plate.
Step 3: Roll each oiled chicken breast in the seasoning, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 4: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Step 5: Cook at 180°C for 18-20 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through after 10 minutes.
Step 6: Check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 70°C.
Step 7: Serve the chicken breasts hot with steamed rice and greens or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the oil and seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
Try swapping rapeseed oil for olive oil or avocado oil for a different taste.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 160°C for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer?

Yes, but cooking time will increase. It’s best to thaw the chicken breasts first for even cooking and better flavor absorption from the seasoning.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 70°C or when the juices run clear when pierced with a knife at the thickest part.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

This recipe for air fryer chicken breasts offers a quick and healthy way to prepare juicy, flavorful chicken using simple seasonings and rapeseed oil. The chicken is coated in a vibrant spice mix of garlic, smoked paprika, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper, then cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Serve alongside steamed rice and fresh greens or a green salad for a balanced meal.

Author: zara
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
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 chicken breasts
½ tbsp rapeseed oil

Seasoning

1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp garlic granules
1 tsp smoked sweet paprika
2 tsp mixed herbs
½ tsp pepper

To Serve (optional)

Steamed rice
Greens such as broccoli or green beans
Green salad

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Coat the chicken breasts evenly with rapeseed oil to help the seasoning adhere and to promote even cooking.
Mix the seasoning: In a bowl, combine salt, garlic granules, smoked sweet paprika, mixed herbs, and freshly ground black pepper to create a flavorful mixture.
Season the chicken: Spread the seasoning mixture onto a plate. Roll each oiled chicken breast in the seasoning mixture, ensuring an even coating all over.
Air fry the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 180°C (356°F) for 18-20 minutes, flipping the breasts halfway through at around the 10-minute mark to ensure even cooking.
Check for doneness: Pierce the thickest part of the chicken with a knife to see if the juices run clear, or use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 70°C (158°F) for safe consumption.
Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately with steamed rice and your choice of greens such as broccoli, green beans, or a fresh green salad.

Notes

If you do not have smoked sweet paprika, regular paprika can be used but the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.
Using a meat thermometer can help ensure perfectly cooked chicken without dryness.
Adjust the seasoning quantities to your taste or try adding chili powder for a spicy kick.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.

Keywords: air fryer chicken breasts, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, air fried chicken, easy chicken breasts