Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts (4 Marinades!)

An air fryer chicken breast recipe so simple and delicious, it will become a staple. The chicken comes out so moist and juicy. Give the chicken a quick marinade, and then air-fry for less than 20 minutes. It’s totally hands-off so your protein cooks while you put together the rest of the your meal.

Juicy and Moist Chicken Breasts, Every Time!

Chicken breasts are a staple in my diet because they are a versatile protein. I don’t avoid fat, but they are such a simple way to include extra protein in my diet.

In the summer, marinated chicken breasts are thrown on the grill – there’s nothing better! But in colder months, cooking chicken breasts on a skillet is unpredictable. It takes a long time, and the chicken either dries out because it’s cooked too long or is raw in the center.

I imagined an air fryer would dry out chicken breasts so hadn’t ever tried it. A few months ago, I thought a little olive oil marinade and some spices would help keep it moist, so I threw one in and was shocked at how good it was! It’s truly a great way to cook tender chicken breasts.

Air fryer chicken breasts come out so juicy and tender. Think of how juicy an actual fried chicken breast is – that’s what this is like, sans the unnecessary oils.

It’s now a go-to, and it makes chicken salads or lunch or dinner SO easy!

Most days, I just toss the chicken breasts in a simple combo of olive oil, lemon juice, poultry seasoning (this is the best one!), and salt and pepper. It’s simple, versatile, and flavorful chicken. I like to keep several chicken breasts marinating for a day or two and pull them out to cook fresh for meals.

Check the variations below for my other go-to marinades to mix things up!

My other favorite things to cook in the air fryer are these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Chicken Legs, and Blackened Air Fryer Salmon.

What You’ll Need

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• Olive Oil
• Lemon Juice
• Poultry Seasoning Blend
• Kosher salt (or sea salt)
• Black Pepper

Kitchen Tools

• Air Fryer (this is the one I am currently using and love it’s features!)
• Meat Thermometer (highly recommended – it’s easy to overcook chicken!)

What Air Fryer is the Best?

Air frying is a great cooking method for busy families. You reduce cooking time from traditional baking, meaning you can get healthy meals on the table faster. Hot air circulates around the food, meaning less cooking oil is necessary.

We cook everything from chicken pieces to sweet potatoes in ours (even apple crisp!). I also love it for reheating leftovers.

Favorite Overall: I now use the Tastee Air Fryer. It’s more expensive than other brands but it heats up faster, has a larger basket, and has a built-in temperature probe and so many program options. It also has a larger range of temperatures than most machines. You can buy it in ceramic so you don’t have to worry about the non-stick coating!

Budget Air Fryer For Small Families: I have the 4 quart Ninja Air Fryer, and loved it for years.

Recommended for Larger Portions: If you have more mouths to feed, try the Ninja 5.5 quart Air Fryer.

How to Make an Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Step 1: Add chicken breasts to a large bowl or marinade container. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and lemon juice, and sprinkle the sea salt, black pepper, and herbs over the chicken. Toss to evenly coat. The chicken can be cooked directly after this step or marinated for 1-2 days prior to cooking.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer at 390º F for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness and size of your chicken breasts. It also takes longer to cook 2 or 3 chicken breasts than 1.

Step 4: Use an instant-read thermometer to check for the doneness of your chicken breasts. The recommended internal temperature of chicken is 165º F.

Step 5: For best results, allow the chicken breasts to rest for 5-10 minutes prior to slicing them or serving them. The chicken comes out of the air fryer juicy – so this step allows the moisture to settle back into the meat prior to cutting it.

How Long to Cook Chicken in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are all different, so get to know how long you cook yours in your particular machine. An instant read thermometer will do wonders for your chicken breast game! (no dry chicken breasts!)

Chicken should be cooked to 165º F. The internal temperature of the meat will rise as it rests, so pull the chicken out at about 160º F. Be sure to check the temperature of the thickest part of the breast.

Some recipes suggest using a meat mallet and pounding the breasts until they are an even thickness. I do not find this necessary – but if you’re a perfectionist, go ahead!

If you want juicy chicken breasts, do not over cook them! I pull my chicken out at about 160º F and allow the temperature to come up as they rest.

Use these times as a starting point:

1 small breast (5-7 ounces): 12 minutes

1 large breast (8-10 ounces): 18 minutes

2 small breasts (5-7 ounces each): 16 minutes

2 large breasts (8-10 ounces each): 20 minutes

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (1 ounce strips, 8 tenders): 10 minutes

How to Meal Prep Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

This air fryer method makes cooking chicken breasts for meal prep so easy. They come out so moist, you can enjoy them reheated or cold!

Once the chicken breasts are cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Chicken Marinade Variations

Make these chicken breasts using your favorite dry rub or marinade! Here are a few of my favorites:

Moroccan Spiced Chicken Breasts

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Add chicken to a large bowl or marinade container. Drizzle with the lemon juice and olive oil. Combine all the spices and salt in a bowl, and then sprinkle over the chicken, tossing to evenly coat it. This spice marinade is best if left to marinate overnight. Air fry as directed in the main recipe.

Ginger Sesame Chicken Breasts

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup coconut aminos
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Add chicken to a large bowl or marinade container. Add in the coconut aminos, ginger powder, and sea salt. Shake to evenly coat the chicken. This marinade is best if allowed to marinate at least 8 hours, up to overnight. Over-marinating (over 24 hours) leaves the chicken overly tender and gives it an unpleasant texture. Air fry the chicken as directed in the main recipe.

Lemon Thyme Chicken Breasts

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• black pepper, to taste

Add chicken to a large bowl or marinade container. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle the chicken with thyme, sea salt, and black pepper, and shake to evenly coat the chicken. This is a versatile marinade that is good cooked directly after mixing, or left to marinate up to 2 days. Air fry the chicken as directed in the main recipe.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

These are great served alongside your favorite sides!

Try these with:

• Green Goddess Cobb Salad
• Spiralized Cucumber Chicken Waldorf Salad
• Loaded Chicken Ceasar Salad

Or Serve with these sides:

• Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts
• Pear and Rocket Salad with Pomegranate
• The BEST Bacon Green Beans

Other Air Fryer Recipes to Try

• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Air Fryer Peach Crisp
• Air Fryer Roast Beef
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

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