This Instant Pot Air Fryer juicy chicken breast recipe is a staple recipe! Lightly seasoned chicken breast air fried until juicy. This family friendly recipe is great for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep. Prep several chicken beasts and slice for salads, grain bowls, or pasta. The seasoning blend can be customized based on spices you have at home. Depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, these are done in 15-20 minutes!
Highlights of this air fryer chicken recipe:
- Short cook time
- Family favorite
- Can be customized by adding different spices and seasonings
- Great for meal prep
- Can be a main dish, or used on top of salads or rice bowls
- Works on any cut of chicken
- Made with pantry staples
Leftover chicken can be reheated and used in many different recipes. Such as, on top of salads, in wraps, on pizza, in chicken salad, in a grain bowl, or by itself! Store leftover air fryer chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. While this chicken cooks I like to whip up a light side salad with arugula, pea shoots, parmesan, and lemon!
Grocery store list and ingredient substitutions:
- Boneless chicken breasts, could substitute chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder or cayenne pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked blacked pepper
- A little olive oil or avocado oil
Tools I used for this air fryer chicken breast recipe:
- Instant 6 qt. Air Fryer – Sleek and functional, the perfect size for 2-3 people.
- Tongs – A must kitchen utensil, perfect for transferring the chicken.
- USA Pan Half Sheet Pan – my go-to sheet pans, these are truly non-stick and clean up nicely.
Quick Steps:
- Firstly, season chicken evenly
- Secondly, air fry, flipping halfway through
- Remove once golden brown and let rest
- Lastly, slice and enjoy
If you like this Instant Pot Air Fryer Juicy Chicken Breast Recipe, you’ll love these other air fryer recipes…
Delicious Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in the Air Fryer
Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Bites Recipe
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Bowls
Homemade Chicken Patties in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
This is a delicious recipe and my favorite way to cook chicken breasts! The spice mix can be customized and is so easy to whip up! If desired you could coat the chicken in bread crumbs for a little crunch!
Recipe FAQs:
How long does chicken breast go in the air fryer?
Depending on the size and cut of chicken, you’re chicken will be cooked in about 20 minutes. This recipe uses boneless skinless chicken breast so it cooks in 16-20 minutes. If you have a larger chicken breast or chicken that has bones in it, it could take closer to 25-28 minutes to cook. The thickness of the chicken breast will impact the cook time. Always make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees before consuming, use a meat thermometer if needed!
Can you put raw chicken in the air fryer?
Yes. I always cook my chicken at 400 degrees. It cooks quick, saving time and ensures the perfect golden brown exterior and tender interior. Starting with less cooking time and adding more as needed ensures the chicken doesn’t over cook and get tough.
How do you keep chicken breast from drying out in the air fryer?
Coating the chicken in olive oil helps keep the chicken moist. Starting with less cooking time and adding more as needed as ensures nothing is overcooked. If your chicken breasts are thicker at one end, pounding them out to an even thickness will help with even cooking so you don’t have one section that is overcooked and one that is still undercooked.
Variations & serving ideas:
- Substitute chicken thighs or tenders, for healthy air fryer chicken tenders
- Cut chicken into cubes before air frying
- Turn into a grain bowl with quinoa or Failproof Long Grain Rice in the Instant Pot
- Serve in lettuce wraps or in warmed tortillas
- Serve with a side salad or this Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Great for chicken sandwiches, leave unsliced and toss in buffalo sauce
Instructions for the Instant Pot Air Fryer Juicy Chicken Breast Recipe:
- Firstly, In a small bowl combine the salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine. Secondly, coat chicken breasts in olive oil and season both sides of the chicken with the seasoning mix.
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Once preheated, add the chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Then, air fryer for 16-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken is done when it has an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Lastly, allow chicken to rest and slice.
Notes
*If chicken breasts are too thick, pound them out slightly or they will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly.
*You can use a silicone brush to coat the chicken in olive oil.
Instant Pot Air Fryer Juicy Chicken Breast Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 6-8 oz. Boneless, skinless chicken breast, about 2" thick*
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tsp Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine. Coat chicken breasts in olive oil and season both sides of the chicken with the seasoning mix.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Once preheated, add the chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fryer for 16-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken is done when it has an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Allow chicken to rest and slice.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
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