Say goodbye to dry chicken forever with this air fryer chicken breast recipe. It comes together in just 27 minutes from start to finish, just prep the simple marinade, coat the chicken with it, and air fry. Perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or whenever you need a no-fuss protein upgrade!
Preheat your air fryer to 380 °F for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Mix smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, dried onion, dried garlic, and avocado oil together in a small mixing bowl.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let them sit and rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
After marinating, remove the chicken breasts from the liquid and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer (rounded side down).
Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer at 380 °F for 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165 °F.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired, and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Skip the dried garlic and onion if you like a simpler flavor. The paprika, salt, pepper, and avocado oil are enough.
Marinate overnight for extra flavor, then let the chicken sit out for about 15 minutes before air frying.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165 F (74 C) before serving.
Serve: Pair with veggies, cauliflower mash, or salad, or add to wraps, sandwiches, pasta, or grain bowls.Store: Store for 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month, then reheat in a 350 F oven (10–12 minutes) or thaw first if frozen for the best results.