Dinner

Air Fryer Seasoned Chicken Breasts Recipe

ByJake Silas January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

Introduction

This air fryer chicken breast recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, the seasoning blend adds a delicious smoky and herbaceous touch.

A round bowl filled with a fresh salad starts with a bottom layer of mixed green and purple leafy lettuce, giving a full and leafy green texture. On top, there are slices of cucumber evenly spread around the bowl with a smooth, dark green skin and light green inside. There are also several slices of creamy green avocado arranged neatly beside cucumbers. The main top layer features several pieces of grilled chicken breast, sliced diagonally, showing a light brown, slightly charred outside with a white juicy inside. The bowl sits on a soft pink napkin over a white marbled surface. To the side, there is a glass jar with yellow dressing and a spoon inside, and a white plate with cutlery. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts
½ tbsp rapeseed oil
1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp garlic granules
1 tsp smoked sweet paprika
2 tsp mixed herbs
½ tsp pepper
Steamed rice and greens such as broccoli, green beans, or a green salad (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Coat the chicken breasts evenly with rapeseed oil and set them aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine salt, garlic granules, smoked sweet paprika, mixed herbs, and pepper. Scatter the seasoning onto a plate.
Step 3: Roll each oiled chicken breast thoroughly in the seasoning to coat all sides.
Step 4: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Step 5: Cook at 180°C for 18–20 minutes, turning the chicken breasts after 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Check doneness by piercing the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 70°C.
Step 7: Serve the chicken breasts hot with steamed rice and your choice of greens or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the oil and seasoning for 30 minutes before air frying.
Try swapping smoked sweet paprika with regular paprika or chili powder for a different spice level.
If you prefer a crispy crust, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before air frying.
Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness check to avoid overcooking.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 160°C for 5–6 minutes or until heated through to keep them moist and tender.

How to Serve

A large bowl shows a fresh salad with several layers starting at the bottom with mixed leafy greens including spinach, green and purple lettuce, and watercress spread inside a gray bowl. On top of the greens are bright green cucumber slices and light green avocado slices arranged around the edges. In the center, thick slices of grilled chicken breast with a golden brown, slightly crispy crust are placed in a neat line, showing a white inside. The bowl sits on a pink cloth over a white marbled surface. To the right, there is a small glass jar with some dressing and a white plate with silver forks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

For best results, use fully thawed chicken breasts before cooking in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning adherence.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Check that the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part, or use a food thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 70°C (160°F).