3 Ingredient Air Fryer Chicken Breast
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Want a quick and tasty chicken dinner? Try this 3-ingredient air fryer chicken breast recipe. It’s super easy and takes just 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll get juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort and cleanup.
The recipe uses thin chicken breasts, Italian seasoning mix, and olive oil. Your air fryer does most of the work, cooking the chicken to perfection in about 12 minutes. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you need a simple meal fast.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy 3-ingredient air fryer chicken breast:
- 2 pounds thin chicken breast
- 1 ounce packet/envelope Italian Seasoning Mix
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
That’s it! Just three simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
The thin chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. If you can’t find thin cuts, you can pound regular chicken breasts to an even thickness.
For the seasoning, look for a dry Italian dressing mix packet in the salad dressing aisle. Any brand will work fine.
Extra virgin olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and adds moisture. You can substitute regular olive oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Remember to preheat your air fryer before cooking. This helps get that nice golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Instructions
You’ll need an air fryer and a few simple ingredients for this recipe. Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Take your chicken breasts out of the package and place them on parchment paper. Mix the Italian seasoning packet with olive oil in a bowl.
Brush this seasoning mix onto both sides of the chicken. Use a fork to carefully place the chicken in your air fryer basket. Make sure the pieces aren’t stacked or crowded.
Cook the chicken for about 6 minutes on one side. Then, flip each piece with a clean fork. Cook for another 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For extra juicy chicken, you can take it out at 160°F (71°C) and let it rest under foil for 5 minutes. The temperature will keep rising as it rests.
Remember to check larger pieces of chicken, as they may need more cooking time. Always ensure your chicken is fully cooked before eating.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
Want to change up this simple chicken recipe? Here are some easy swaps and variations to try:
Seasoning substitutes:
- Ranch seasoning packet
- Taco seasoning mix
- Lemon pepper blend
Oil alternatives:
- Melted butter
- Avocado oil
- Coconut oil
You can also add extra flavors:
- Sprinkle with garlic powder
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese before cooking
For a crunchier exterior, try coating the chicken in breadcrumbs after brushing with oil and seasonings.
Want to make it spicy? Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Short on time? Use pre-cut chicken tenders instead of whole breasts. Just reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
You can even swap the chicken for boneless pork chops or fish fillets. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Get the best results with these helpful tips:
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispier skin.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C).
Try these tasty variations:
- Swap Italian seasoning for taco or ranch seasoning mix.
- Add lemon zest to the oil for a citrusy kick.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan before cooking for extra flavor.
Storing your cooked chicken is easy:
- Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer bags.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
For meal prep, slice cooled chicken and store in portion-sized containers. Add to salads, sandwiches, or pasta throughout the week for quick meals.
