We never get tired of chicken breast meals because there are always new ways to prepare them. Our one complaint is that it is so easy to overcook and dry out chicken breasts, and no one likes a dry piece of chicken. Luckily for you, this quick and easy recipe gives you juicy meat every time.

For more easy air fryer recipes, try our Garlic Lime Chicken or our Naked Chicken Tenders.

Why Our Recipe

  • Chicken breast that’s super juicy, with the perfect crispy outside, no breading required.
  • Great for dinner, meal prep, or quick chicken for shredding to use in soups, salads, wraps, or tacos.
  • A simple marinade guarantees the juiciness and infuses flavor.
Closeup of Chicken breast in an air fryer.

The secret to this recipe is our amazing marinade and the air fryer. Seriously, the longer you marinade the better. We love to start this early in the morning to marinate all day before finally throwing in the air fryer for dinner time. Pair this with your favorite veggie and rice or potatoes, and you’ve got yourself a totally delicious meal.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients used to make air fryer chicken breasts.
  • Chicken Breasts: We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier dark meat result.
  • Olive Oil: You can use any neutral cooking oil like avocado or vegetable oil as well.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh is best but if you’re short on time, you can use bottled.

Add Some Heat

Our spice blend is a more savory combination of dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. If you’d like to add a little more spice, simply add a 1/2–1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add a little kick.

Air Fryer Tips

Use a Liner: Cleaning up is a breeze if you use air fryer parchment liners. Less scrubbing, more enjoying. Just be sure to use liners designed for the air fryer so that it has the little holes that allow for air flow.

Don’t Overcrowd: Give your food some breathing room in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer isn’t huge, cook in batches—it’s worth it for those perfectly golden results. And don’t forget to toss or shake everything halfway through so it all cooks nice and evenly.

Keep an Eye on Things: Air fryers work fast, and nobody wants overcooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer if you can (to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F) and check on things toward the end so you nail that perfect doneness.

Closeup of Chicken breast sliced on a plate with veggies and lemons.

Serving Suggestions

Rice and Veggies: Simply pair with a side of white or brown steamed rice and a green veggie (we love asparagus or green beans) for a complete meal.

Make a bowl: Add a bed of rice, quinoa, or beans and some roasted or steamed veggies on the side, and you’ve got a protein bowl. Drizzle it with some kind of sauce, dressing, or aioli to finish it off.

Tacos and Burritos: This chicken can easily be shredded or sliced into strips and used in tacos or burritos. Add cheese, avocado, salsa, and any other toppings you love for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Microwave on high in 30-second increments, until warmed through.

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F. Place the chicken in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warm.

More air fryer recipes…