This air fryer chicken breast is incredibly juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes!

The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a perfectly golden exterior—no drying out, no fuss.
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Juicy & Flavorful – The air fryer seals in moisture, making every bite tender and delicious.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Healthy & Lean – A protein-packed meal with no extra breading or fillers.
- Foolproof Cooking – No worrying about overcooking or drying out your chicken.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make multiple servings at once and store them for later.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast – Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results. If frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil – Helps lock in moisture and encourages a golden exterior.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste) – Adds a subtle, savory depth of flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste) – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crisp exterior.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle one side with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Season & Place in the Air Fryer
Place the chicken breast seasoned-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s enough space for air to circulate. Sprinkle the top side with more garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Air fry for 9 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken using tongs. Cook for another 9 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C). If your chicken breast is thicker than 1 inch, it may need an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I cook multiple chicken breasts at once?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken breasts are not touching so air can circulate around them. If cooking more than one, you may need to add an extra 2-3 minutes of cook time.
What if my chicken breast is thicker or thinner?
For thicker chicken breasts (over 1 inch thick), increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For thinner chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to 7-8 minutes per side to prevent overcooking.