About this recipe

Juicy, golden-crusted chicken breast made effortlessly in the air fryer. A simple seasoning blend locks in moisture while the circulating heat delivers a perfectly cooked, tender interior with a lightly crisp exterior — all in under 20 minutes. Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or slicing over salads.

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towel — this is key for a good sear. If the breasts are thick (over 1 inch), place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about ¾ inch so they cook evenly.

2. 2

   In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts, then rub the spice mixture evenly all over each breast.

3. 3

   Preheat your air fryer to ![375°F] for 3 minutes. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, smooth side down. Do not overlap — cook in batches if needed.

4. 4

   Air fry at ![375°F] for 9 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts using tongs. Continue cooking for another 7–9 minutes, until the thickest part registers %[165°F] on an meat thermometer. Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of the breasts.

5. 5

   Transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, if desired, and serve immediately.