Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier with these Air Fryer Chicken Breasts. Quick and easy to make in under 20 minutes, and you'll be addicted to their simple spice rub!
Looking for more easy air fryer recipes? Try my Air Fryer Chicken Wings next!
About This Recipe
My easy air fryer chicken breast recipe is what I turn to whenever I need something on the dinner table fast. Season chicken breasts with a simple spice rub, then cook them in the air fryer for 12-16 minutes (possibly longer if your chicken breasts are enormous), and then slice and serve. It's that easy!
I've found the secret to air frying chicken breasts is to toss in a bit of corn starch into the spice rub. The main reason is that cornstarch prevents the outside from burning. How, you ask? When chicken cooks, the meat will naturally squeeze out some juices. The cornstarch will absorb these juices, keeping the outside moist and preventing the spices from burning. At the same time, it helps lock in all the delicious flavors.
Key Ingredients
Chicken breasts: You'll need 4 chicken breasts. Try to choose chicken breasts that are around the same size so that they cook evenly. If your air fryer is small and you can't fit 4 chicken breasts, you can scale down the recipe.
Olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the outside of the chicken.
Cornstarch: As I stated earlier, this helps prevent the spices from burning and also absorbs any juices that would be squeezed out during cooking. You can also use all-purpose flour.
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt add plenty of flavor to plain chicken breasts!
Instructions
STEP 1: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
STEP 2: Add the chicken breasts and massage the spices all over.
STEP 3: Add the chicken in a single layer to the air fryer basket.
STEP 4: Air fry for 6 minutes. Flip and air-fry for another 6-10 minutes until cooked through (the exact time depends on the thickness of your breasts and your brand of air fryer). You want the internal temperature to reach 160°F in the thickest part.
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375℉.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken breasts and massage the spices all over.
- Add the chicken in a single layer to the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 minutes. Flip and air-fry for another 6-10 minutes until cooked through (the exact time depends on the thickness of your breasts and your brand of air fryer). You want the internal temperature to reach 160°F in the thickest part.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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