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Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Air fryer chicken breasts deliver a crispy, golden-brown crust with a juicy interior in just under 20 minutes. Seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, then air-fried at 390°F until the inside hits 165°F.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
resting 5 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken breasts
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even 3/4-inch thickness
Seasoning and crust
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 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 and lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Method
 

Prep and season
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F so it’s hot before the chicken goes in. Aim for the full preheat time so the exterior browns quickly.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even 3/4-inch thickness if needed for uniform cooking. Watch for consistent thickness across each breast.
  3. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and promote browning. Use a light, even coating on top and bottom.
  4. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper, then rub evenly over both sides. Make sure the entire surface has an even spice layer.
Air fry and finish
  1. Air fry the chicken at 390°F for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the outside is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing. Letting it rest keeps the juices from running out and helps the crust settle.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving. Add the parsley over the top and place lemon wedges alongside for bright flavor.

Notes

For the most even texture, pound to the same thickness before seasoning and flip exactly halfway through so both sides caramelize. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes, but you can chill for next-day meals. For a gluten-free option, keep the seasonings the same—no flour or breading is used.