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These air fryer chicken breasts are tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. No brining or marinade is needed, just a simple homemade chicken rub.

Enjoy these tasty chicken breasts with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple salad.

I make air fryer chicken thighs and air fryer chicken wings often but lately I’ve been on a chicken breast kick. Boneless chicken breasts cook a lot quicker than bone-in chicken so I’m a huge fan. They’re also low in calories and are a great source of protein. I love this recipe because it’s easy, flavorful, and the brown sugar in the spice rub balances all of the spices while adding a hint of sweetness. The brown sugar and paprika are essential if you want caramelized chicken.

Ingredient Notes

Chicken – I recommend medium-size boneless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each) for this recipe but if using smaller or larger chicken breasts, make sure to adjust the cooking time.

Olive Oil – It helps the spices stick to the chicken and it also adds moisture.

Spices – I used a combination of brown sugar, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Feel free to season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, chipotle seasoning, or your favorite store-bought chicken rub.

How To Cook Chicken Breasts In The Air Fryer

1. Trim off any fat and pat dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel.
2. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and both sides and season generously on both sides.
3. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the chicken breasts in the basket. Cook for 10 minutes at 370 degrees F then flip the chicken and cook for 4 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
4. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into it and enjoy!

Top Tips

• Allow the chicken to rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before cooking.
• If the chicken breasts you use are very small, check them at the 12-minute mark. Overcooking the chicken breasts will cause them to lose it’s moisture.
• Make sure to season the chicken breasts generously especially if they’re very thick otherwise it will be very bland.
• Avoid cooking a small chicken breast and a large one at the same time because they will cook unevenly. Try to use same sized chicken breasts.
• I added brown sugar to the spice rub for a little sweetness but if you’re following a low carb or keto diet, simply omit the brown sugar.
• Serve the chicken breasts with bbq sauce, hot sauce, or honey mustard, if desired.

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Breasts?

Yes, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook. If using bone-in chicken breasts, cook for 22-25 minutes or until fully cooked through.

Storage

Place any leftover chicken breasts in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry for 2-3 minutes at 370 degrees F.

More Recipes

• Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potatoes – Topped off with sour cream, butter, cheese, and bacon!
• Air Fryer Steak Tips – Tender, juicy, and cooked perfectly.
• Smothered Chicken Breasts – Chicken smothered in a creamy garlicy sauce. My personal favorite!
• Air Fryer Pork Belly – Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

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