Want a juicy, crispy, and perfectly cooked chicken breast in just minutes? Follow this simple air fryer recipe for restaurant-quality chicken at home!
Back when I worked in a kitchen for a delivery-only nutrition-focused restaurant in London, the wellness girlies would turn absolutely feral for our herby poached chicken bowls.
Those bowls were the perfect go-to for the clean-eating crowd, and while the no-oil poached chicken had a nice lean texture, I always knew it could be better. Taking inspiration from those bowls, this recipe swaps the poaching method for the air fryer to keep things simple, efficient, and most importantly, juicy.
While this recipe does use a little oil to help the chicken cook perfectly, I’ll divulge one little secret to you… the quinoa base, the dressing, and the roasted veggies always had more than enough oil to make up for it. So, don’t sweat it.
Is a Herby Air Fryer Chicken Breast Healthy?
Is the sky blue?! Well, it’s not in the UK, so that’s a bad comparison. But, yes, chicken breast is considered to be the leanest form of meat out there, and while it’s low in calories, it’s very high in protein.
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. The only ingredients in the marinade are parsley, olive oil, lime, paprika, and salt and pepper. You can add to it as much as you’d like, but I’ve found that the best things in life are often simple, and this chicken is just that.
How to get perfectly moist and tender chicken breasts
To achieve the juiciest chicken breasts in an air fryer, follow these tips:
A meat thermometer is your best friend in the kitchen. Buy one, use it, and pass it on to your children. The internal temperature of each chicken breast should reach 165°F when it’s safe to eat.
Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are uniform in size to make sure they all cook at the same time. Thicker sections of meat may require longer cooking times, but you can lightly pound the thicker end of the chicken breasts to create a more even thickness.
If time allows, consider brining your chicken to enhance its moisture retention during cooking. Dissolve a quarter cup of salt in about six cups of lukewarm water and soak the chicken for one to two hours. Pat dry before cooking.
After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for five minutes before slicing. This resting period helps redistribute juices throughout the meat, enhancing moisture and flavor.
How to make ahead and store
To store leftovers, place cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the chicken breasts in a freezer-safe bag for 3 to 6 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using them. Reheat in the air fryer at around 350°F for a few minutes, or use a microwave with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
Serving Suggestions
This is my favorite culinary playground! If you want to stick with the air fryer, throw together some Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries and serve with a Greek Cucumber Salad.
To feel like a true wellness girlie yourself, make some Cilantro Lime Quinoa and top it with the sliced chicken breast, a Medium-Boiled Egg, Homemade Guacamole, Roasted Broccoli and Carrots, and a big dollop of Romesco Sauce!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 limes zested and juiced
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small pan, gently heat olive oil on medium-low heat and mix in fresh parsley, smoked paprika, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breast in a bowl and pour over the majority of the olive oil mix, keeping a little for later. Use your hands to really coat the breasts.
- Pop the coated chicken breasts into the air fryer and cook at 375°F for about 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For small breasts (5-6 ounces), cook for 8 to 10 minutes total. For medium breasts (7-8 ounces), cook for 10 to 12 minutes total. For large breasts (9 ounces or more), cook for 12 to 14 minutes total.
- When you flip the chicken breasts halfway through, use a pastry brush to brush on the remaining olive oil mix. Return chicken to the air fryer and cook for the rest of the allocated time, or until a meat thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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