Expertly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection, these air fryer boneless skinless chicken breasts are perfect for a quick meal any day of the week. No need for breading, just a few common ingredients to create a mouthwatering seasoning blend and incredibly juicy and tender chicken breasts.
Why I Love This Recipe
Cooking boneless, skinless chicken breast in the air fryer is honestly one of my favorite ways to make it. It’s so easy, super healthy, and works for pretty much anything—meal prep, salads, sandwiches, you name it. I love that there’s no breading to fuss with, just a simple blend of seasonings that brings out amazing flavor without overcomplicating things. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to because it’s just that good and so practical.
Simple Seasoning Blend
For this recipe, we’ll use a simple dry rub to season the chicken without the need for breading. The blend of spices creates a savory and flavorful profile, making each bite delicious.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a rich, smoky depth without heat. Unlike regular paprika, which is mild and often used for color, smoked paprika brings bold, earthy notes that enhance the overall taste.
Ground Mustard: Provides a subtle tang and sharpness that complements the smoky flavor of the paprika. This is often the “secret” ingredient for great chicken rub mixes.
Oregano: Adds a touch of herbal freshness and balances the savory elements of the rub.
Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These two work together to create a savory and aromatic foundation
Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the rub and ensuring the chicken is perfectly seasoned.
Preparation
Start with two fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts of about 6-8 oz each. If they are much larger, cut them in half horizontally. If the chicken if very thick, you’ll get the best results by pounding them to a more uniform thickness. Use a meat mallet or even a rolling pin with the chicken between pieces of plastic wrap. We want the chicken breasts to be about ½″-¾″ thick.
You’ll want to preheat your air fryer at 360°(F) for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, lightly brush the chicken breasts with a little extra-virgin olive oil and liberally add the seasoning mix. Don’t be shy, get it on there as much as will stick to the chicken. When the air fryer is ready, add the chicken to the basket or tray and spritz with just a little oil. This will help to give the seasoning rub just a bit of a crispness and to seal in the natural juices.
Air Fry at 360°(F) for 10-14 minutes
With your seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer, use the air fry setting at 360°(F) for 10-14 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Flip halfway through cooking time. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°(F) in the thickest part of the meat. You can always add another minute or two if necessary. The chicken will continue cooking after we remove from air fryer to reach 165°F.
A tip for perfectly cooked chicken
Chicken breast is lean and can dry out quickly if overcooked. To avoid this, it’s important to manage the internal temperature carefully. The key is to remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temp of 160°F. At this point, let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. During this time, the residual heat, known as “carryover cooking,” will bring the temperature up to the safe and juicy 165°F. This simple step ensures perfectly cooked, tender chicken every time.
Let the Meat Rest Before Serving
When the chicken is done, carefully remove from the air fryer to a plate and lightly cover with foil and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Then you’re ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe
Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 2 chicken breasts
Description
Mouthwatering, juicy and tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts made in your air fryer. No breading! Just an awesome and simple dry rub of delicious seasonings.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 6-8oz each
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 360°(F) for 5 minutes.
- Mix together dry ingredients.
- Pound chicken to even thickness of about ½″-¾″ thick. Coat with olive oil and liberally apply the seasoning mix to both sides of chicken.
- Place seasoned chicken into air fryer basket or tray and spritz with a little oil. Set air fryer to 360°(F) for 10-14 minutes (depending on size of chicken). Flip chicken halfway through cooking time.
- Check for doneness with an instant read thermometer. Internal temp of chicken should be 165°(F) in the thickest part of the meat.
- When chicken is done, carefully remove to a plate and lightly cover with foil for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 5min
- Cook Time: 14min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Jackie says
I just stumbled across your website the other day and this is the second recipe I’ve tried. The first was the best dam airfyer chicken and while it was very good, I think you might have the names mixed up 🙂 It is unbelievable how juicy this chicken turned out. I can’t wait to try all your other recipes. Thanks Jason!
Sally says
Hi Having got an air fryer for Christmas this was the first thing I cooked in it. Delicious, tasty, juicy chicken and so easy to prepare and cook!
Looking forward to trying the roasted cauliflower!
Thank you.
Michelle Massocco says
so tasty, would probaby next time take the oregano to 1/2 tsp but even so my picky teenager devoured it!
vicki says
tasty great recipe
Anna B says
Thank you; you’re amazing. Chicken is always a chore for me and with little reward…these are delicious and juicy!!
donna says
i made this recipe im in love with it Thanks
Liz says
Pretty good – used the ninja grill and definitely need to only do 360 for 16 minutes if chicken isn’t to thick. Hubby and kids liked it. Nice flavor with the spices. Easy to make.
Cameron says
I have a new Instant Vortex Air Fryer. It requires that you choose Fry, Bake or Roast and then set the temperature. Which setting would be best for your chicken breast recipes?
RecipeTeacher says
The “Air Fry” setting. Enjoy that new air fryer – it’s a good one!
Cherise Horn says
The ingredients list includes 1 t oregano though it does not specify ground or leaves
I made the seasoning with ground oregano. Not so good. I will have to try it again made with oregano leaves instead.
Anna Podwys says
Sounds delish, would this work in an insta pot with a bit of liquid?
I have used several of your pork insta pot,
recipies ( great reviews from family)and was looking for a quick moist chicken recipe?
Sorry I side track but I don’t own an air fryer..
Thanks for any serving suggestions!
RecipeTeacher says
Hey Anna, thanks for reaching out. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the Instant Pot can be a challenge. As shredded, they’re great. If you wanted to give it a try, i’d suggest (for 8oz breasts), season per recipe instructions, add 1 cup of water (or broth) to the Instant Pot. Place trivet inside and place chicken on trivet. Pressure cook on high (Manual on some IPs) for 8 minutes (basically 1 minute per ounce), then let pressure naturally release for 10 minutes.
If you want to try my favorite Instant Pot chicken recipe, check out… https://recipeteacher.com/instant-pot-chicken-thighs-and-brown-rice/