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Juicy air fryer chicken breast on a white plate, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges, on a light wooden table

Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This juicy air fryer chicken breast recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner solution. Perfectly seasoned with a homemade spice blend, these tender fillets cook to perfection in under 20 minutes. Whether you're meal prepping or serving a crowd, this easy air fryer chicken breast recipe is versatile, foolproof, and delicious!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium chicken breasts (about 1.4 lbs total), sliced in half lengthwise to create thin fillets
  • 6 tsp paprika
  • 6 tsp dark brown sugar
  • 4 tsp garlic granules
  • 3 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Cooking spray for the air fryer basket

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Start by setting your air fryer to 200°C/400°F while you prep (this ensures an even cook).
  2. Slice the chicken: Carefully cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you end up with thin fillets. This makes the chicken cook faster and more evenly.
  3. Season generously: In a bowl, mix the paprika, sugar, garlic granules, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the bowl and coat each piece thoroughly with the seasoning mix.
  4. Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Cook in batches: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket, making sure there’s enough space for the air to circulate. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken, so always check with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F when the chicken is done.
  6. That's it! Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Notes

Tips: Slice the chicken breasts into thin fillets to ensure even cooking. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer and cook in batches for best results. Double the batch for easy meal prep—leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.