When it comes to easy weeknight dinners or meal prep, air fryer chicken breasts are my go-to. They’re quick, juicy, and totally foolproof — and best of all, you don’t need any breading to get delicious flavor!
Whether you’re counting macros, following Weight Watchers, or just want a simple high-protein meal, this is the chicken recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Sometimes I like to make this same recipe but wrap the chicken in some bacon because bacon makes everything taste better. Check out this recipe for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts.
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⭐Why You Will Love This Recipe
As someone who’s tested dozens of air fryer recipes, I can say with confidence: this is one of the easiest and most versatile meals you can make. I've also made Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast and Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu so I know how to cook chicken breast in the air fryer. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Perfectly cooked, every time – No dry chicken here!
- Quick + no mess – Cooks in 15 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- No breading needed – Great for low-carb, gluten-free, or WW lifestyles.
- Easy to customize – Use any seasoning blend or sauce you love.
- Great for meal prep – Make a few breasts ahead of time for salads, bowls, wraps, and more.
Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Chicken Breast - make sure the chicken breasts are even in size for proper cooking. Use an oven read thermometer for proper doneness
- Seasoning - I have a few ideas on how you can season your chicken breast below but I like to use Dano's seasoning.
- Olive oil for brushing on top of the chicken - or olive oil cooking spray
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities
Substitution Tips
- Oil swap: Use avocado oil spray for a lighter option.
- Seasoning ideas: Try Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, taco seasoning, or everything bagel blend.
- Prefer thighs? This recipe works great with boneless skinless chicken thighs — just reduce cook time slightly.
Looking for more air fryer protein options? Try my Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu or Air Fryer Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Step 1: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees.
Step 2: Slice your chicken breast in half and season your chicken breast with salt and pepper and then seasoning salt of choice. I like to use Trader Joe's Seasoning salt but again, use whatever you like or have on hand. Brush the chicken with olive oil.
Step 3: Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and set the temperature to 400 degrees. Close the basket and set the timer at 7 minutes. After 7 minutes take the chicken out and flip and cook for another 4 minutes longer. Check for temperature doneness with an instant read thermometer.
Step 4 Take the cooked chicken breast out of the air fryer and serve it whatever way you like!
- Small Breasts (5 to 7 ounces): 7 to 10 minutes
- Medium Breasts (8 to 10 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes
- Large Breasts (11 ounces or more): 12 to 16 minutes
Pro Tips for Juicy Chicken
- Use a meat thermometer: It’s the key to never overcooking.
- Don’t skip the rest: Resting helps the juices redistribute.
- Pound thick parts down to help everything cook at the same rate.
- Batch cooking? Let each piece have space in the basket for air circulation.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This chicken goes with everything! Try it with:
- 🥦 Air Fryer Broccoli or Zucchini - both zero points!
- 🥗 WW-friendly side salad with light vinaigrette like this Mexican Macaroni Salad!
- 🍠 Mashed sweet potatoes or Cauliflower rice
- 🥙 Wrap it in a low-carb tortilla for lunch the next day
- Use up that leftover chicken breast on top of salads. Summer Cobb Salad, Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad, or Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Dressing
- Make Chicken Quesadillas
- Add to casseroles like my Buffalo Chicken Baked Ziti or Crack Chicken Lasagna Rollups
Recipe FAQS
Always store leftovers in clean, food-grade containers. The type of container doesn’t really matter. Use zip lock, glass, plastic, whatever! Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container before putting it in the freezer or refrigerator.
Yes, it is safe and clean to put raw chicken in the air fryer. Use a pair of tongs to transfer the chicken into the basket if you don't want to touch the chicken.
This is an optional step and is up to the person making the ready. I like adding oil to the chicken. It helps the chicken to be more juicy.
Air Fryer Recipes to Try:
If you tried this Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
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Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
- Cook Time: 14
- Total Time: 14
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
Air Fyrer Chicken Breast - a simple basic chicken breast recipe with no breading. Comes out juicy and perfect every time! Great for salads, casseroles, or pasta salads!
Ingredients
1 (5 to 6 oz) chicken breast split in half lengthwise (thawed)
*See notes* Seasoning salt of choice Salt and Pepper
Olive oil or Olive oil spray (optional)
Instructions
1. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. Slice your chicken breast in half and season your chicken breast with salt and pepper and then seasoning salt of choice. I like to use Trader Joe's Seasoning salt but again, use whatever you like or have on hand. Brush the chicken with olive oil or use an olive oil spray.
3. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees. Close the basket and set the timer at 7 minutes.
4. After 7 minutes take the chicken out and flip and cook for another 4 minutes longer.
5. Air fryer temperatures and cooking time may vary. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees.
Notes
My WW Personal Points: 0 Click here to see in recipe builder (will have to log in)
Cook time for different size chicken breasts
- Small Breasts (5 to 7 ounces): 7 to 10 minutes
- Medium Breasts (8 to 10 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes
- Large Breasts (11 ounces or more): 12 to 16 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 167
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 111mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
Jenna says
Yes, 400 degrees will cook chicken breasts as well.
Lynda says
I have a small new air fryer that only had 400 degree settings from Alia. Can I make a chicken breast,boneless, skinless with pest, sliced Roma tomato and mozzarella cheese on top after flipping half way through cooking?
Steve says
Love this recipe. Used Serious Foodie West African Paradise rub.
Jenna says
Awesome thanks!
Christy says
Just received my new air fryer for Christmas but I need a bigger one! I used this recipe for the first time making boneless chicken breasts!!! They turned out juicy....Perfectly done! Thank you! I’ll be consulting your recipes much more!!!!
Jenna says
You can do either or. I would suggest using some kind of parchment underneath for easy cleanup.
Joan says
When can you put a sauce on chicken? While it’s cooking?
Thank You
Joan
Jenna says
If it is frozen I would just double the time and check it with a thermometer to make sure it is done.
Tom says
What about frozen chicken breast. Just compensate for the fact they are frozen?
Teri says
First time using air fryer tried this recipe. Came out good and juicy! Thanks for sharing!