Air Fryer Chicken Breast

If you need a healthy dinner without a pile of dishes, this air fryer chicken breast keeps things easy. It’s flavorful, juicy, and ready in no time at all.

Cooked with crispy Brussels sprouts, it’s a balanced, wholesome meal that’s naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients. Perfect for clean eating without the boring.

Ready in only 40 minutes, this delicious recipe checks all the boxes. It's quick, easy, flavorful, nutritious, and highly customizable.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This is the best air fryer chicken breast recipe because it's easy, fast, and versatile enough to suit any taste or dietary preference.

With some simple ingredients and a straightforward, one-pot cooking method, you can have this delicious and nutritious dish on the table in 40 minutes or less. The air fryer makes the cooking quick and easy, resulting in juicy, tender air fryer chicken breast and crispy Brussels sprouts.

Additionally, this healthy air fryer chicken breast is incredibly versatile. Not only can you pair it with a variety of side dishes, from salads to potatoes and more, but you can also customize the recipe to suit your personal preferences. Experiment with different marinades, or try it with a different veggie, like carrots or bell peppers, for a pop of color.

Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this air fryer chicken breast recipe delivers delicious results every time.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast:

You can use fresh bone-in or boneless chicken breasts for this air fryer chicken breast recipe. A bone-in chicken breast, while juicier and more flavorful, will require more cooking time. Furthermore, if you do choose to use frozen chicken, ensure you adjust the cooking time, and frozen meat will take much longer to cook. Additionally, chicken thighs can be used in this recipe if you want to make the cooking time even faster.

Brussels Sprouts:

Air frying is a great way to cook Brussels sprouts if you want them to turn out crispy each time. However, if you aren't a fan of Brussels sprouts, you can replace them with green beans, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, or sweet potatoes.

Seasoning:

This recipe for air fryer chicken breast uses a simple seasoning mix of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and black pepper. You can feel free to use any seasoning mix you like. Incorporate your favorite herbs and spices, such as lemon zest, rosemary, cayenne pepper, thyme, or coriander.

Olive Oil:

Olive oil is essential to this recipe as it prevents the chicken breast from sticking to the air fryer basket. However, if you don't have any olive oil on hand, you can substitute it with avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Step One: 

Add the chicken, Brussels sprouts, olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning to a bowl.

Step Two: 

Toss the chicken and Brussels sprouts in the olive oil and seasoning to coat evenly.

Step Three: 

While you are doing this, preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 400F.

Step Four:

Place your chicken breasts alone in the pre-heated air fryer basket and air fry for 20 minutes at 360F.

Step Five: 

Toss the Brussels sprouts into the basket with the chicken and air fry for 10 minutes at 350F.

Step Six: 

Serve this juicy air fryer chicken breast with your crispy Brussels sprouts, and enjoy!

Tips

• For even cooking, ensure you pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness using a meat mallet. This will help avoid undercooking or overcooking parts of the chicken.
• After cooking, let the chicken breast rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender, juicy, and flavorful.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This recipe is a great one-pot meal on its own, but if you’re feeling extra, try serving it with a fresh salad, like a classic Caesar or a tangy spinach salad.

You can also serve it alongside fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a flavorful quinoa pilaf for a heartier option.

Additionally, you can air fry the chicken alone and use it to top your favorite salads, tacos, sandwiches, bowls, and anything you like.

FAQs

Should I marinate the chicken breast before air frying it?

Yes, Marinating your chicken is a great idea and a flexible option depending on your time and preferences. Marinating chicken breast for at least 30 minutes or overnight will add extra flavor and help keep your air fryer chicken breast juicy. 

How do I know when the air fryer chicken breast is fully cooked?

You’ll know the air fryer chicken breast is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165F. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply cut into the chicken; it should be white and no longer pink in the center. The juices should run clear.

What's the best way to store leftover air fryer chicken breast?

You can store leftover air fryer chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, wrap the cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen air fryer chicken breast can last up to 3 months. 

Air Fryer Recipes

Air fryer meals like this air fryer chicken breast are fast and convenient when you need a meal on the go. So, we've taken the liberty of rounding up some of our favorite air fryer recipes for you to try and hopefully add to your culinary rotation.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Haddock

Air Fryer Swordfish