This easy recipe for air fryer chicken calls for daily seasoning and can be made with chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders. The chicken is incredibly juicy and flavorful!
Not only does this recipe produce the most delicious chicken ever, but it’s quick to make with no advance planning since it doesn’t require brining or pickling the chicken.


How to make air fryer chicken
I love this recipe. Because you can have fantastic, juicy, cooked chicken in less than 30 minutes (even if you didn’t plan ahead!).
How to make chicken with an air fryer
- Mix seasoning and olive oil.
- Rub the mixture on all sides of the chicken.
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165 degrees F.
- Let the chicken sit for 4-5 minutes, then cut into pieces and serve.
Air fryers circulate air while cooking, creating the most delicious seasoned crust on the outside of your chicken. It’s incredibly fragrant and delicious! And the chicken is juicy and moist. I really like it.
Ingredient Notes
- olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil.
- salt: I use coarse kosher salt. If using table salt, reduce the amount to 3/4 to 1 teaspoon.
- garlic: You can use finely chopped raw garlic, or you can use garlic powder. I often use frozen garlic cubes from Trader Joe’s.
- paprika: You can use sweet or smoked paprika. (For even more flavor, I highly recommend smoked paprika!)
- onion powder: It is sometimes labeled as ‘granular onion powder’.
- dried oregano: Turkish or Mexican dried oregano works well.
- dried basil: If the dried basil leaves are in large clumps, lightly crush them between your fingers before using.
- black pepper: Use coarsely ground black pepper. If using finely ground pepper, reduce the amount to 1/8 teaspoon.
- chicken: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders. The recipe lists recommended cooking times for different cuts of chicken.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken
Serve this chicken with a variety of sides such as cheesy mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, au gratin potatoes, pasta salad, and more.
The leftovers are delicious Added to recipes calling for cooked or grilled chicken:
I’ve been making this chicken non-stop because it’s so easy, delicious, and my whole family raves about it. Serve yourself in a million different ways For a very varied meal!
It’s become a go-to recipe for us, and definitely makes it worth keeping the air fryer!
Perfect Air Fryer Chicken
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ¼ teaspoon Coarse salt (or 3/4 to 1 teaspoon table salt)
- 2 medium clove Garlic, finely chopped or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Sweet paprika or smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon coarse pepper
- 1 ½ pound Boneless, skinless chicken (breast, thigh, tenderloin)
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In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, garlic, paprika, onion powder, oregano, basil, and pepper.
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Rub the mixture on all sides of the chicken. Set aside while preheating the air fryer.
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes.
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Place chicken in air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in separate batches if necessary).
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Cook thick chicken breasts for 13 to 15 minutes, chicken thighs for 16 to 17 minutes, and chicken tenders or thinly sliced chicken for 10 to 12 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should register 165 degrees F.
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Let the chicken rest for 4 to 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking options: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a 375 degree F oven on a greased and foil-lined baking sheet. Follow the recipe’s cooking times and watch closely to add time or remove from the oven early if necessary.
clothing material: 1Serving (4 ounces), calorie: 174calorie, carbohydrate: 1g, protein: 24g, province: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 73mg, sodium: 617mg, fiber: 0.2g, sugar: 0.1g
Recipe Source: At Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
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