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Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Air fryer chicken breasts with a caramelized, golden-brown crust and a juicy interior in just under 20 minutes. Seasoned with garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs, then air-fried until the inside reaches 165°F.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken breasts
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Pounded to even 3/4-inch thickness
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning rub
  • 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
Serving
  • 1 fresh parsley for serving
  • 1 lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Method
 

Prep and season
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F so it reaches temperature quickly for even browning.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even 3/4-inch thickness if needed for uniform cooking and consistent doneness.
  3. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil for a flavorful, crisp exterior.
  4. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper, then rub evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Air fry
  1. Air fry the chicken for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is golden-brown.
Rest and serve
  1. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to let the juices redistribute and stay tender.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for bright, fresh contrast to the caramelized crust.

Notes

For best results, pat the chicken dry before oiling so the seasoning clings and the crust browns well. Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through (about 3-5 minutes). Freezing is not recommended for best texture. If you need a lower-sodium option, reduce or omit the salt while keeping the pepper and herbs for flavor.