Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
This crispy air fryer chicken breast without breading is juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it uses simple ingredients and a foolproof technique for a golden, crackling crust every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- Olive oil (1-2 tablespoons)
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon per breast)
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly ground)
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon)
- Paprika (½ teaspoon)
- Onion powder (¼ teaspoon)
- Optional: dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or oregano) (about ½ teaspoon total)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels until it feels almost tacky.
- Trim any uneven thickness and flatten if needed to about ¾ inch thick.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Drizzle chicken with olive oil, rub all over, then sprinkle seasoning evenly on both sides.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, not touching.
- Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispiness. Let chicken come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. For best results, serve immediately after resting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium chicken bre
- Calories: 300
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 13.5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 0.5
- Protein: 42.5
Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, crispy chicken, no breading, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken, low-carb chicken