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Do you struggle with dry, rubbery chicken? You are not alone. This Air fryer chicken breast no breading recipe is the ultimate solution for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal. By skipping the heavy breading, we focus entirely on the natural flavor of the meat, locked in by a simple, savory spice rub.
This dish is a lifesaver for anyone needing a High protein, Gluten-free meal in under 20 minutes. It creates the most Juicy air fryer chicken you have ever tasted, with a lovely golden exterior and a tender center. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a healthy main course, this Chicken breast recipe delivers perfection every single time.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 2 People
- Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken
To get that perfect “naked” chicken finish, you don’t need flour or breadcrumbs. You just need the right balance of spices.
- 2 large Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, approx. 8oz/225g each)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (gives a nice color)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Salt (kosher preferred)
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper (freshly cracked)
Equipment Required
- Air Fryer (Basket style or oven style)
- Meat Thermometer (Essential for ensuring Juicy air fryer chicken)
- Kitchen Tongs
- Small mixing bowl
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breast No Breading
Follow these steps precisely to ensure your Chicken breast stays tender and doesn’t dry out.
- Preheat and Dry: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. While it heats, pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. Removing moisture helps the spices stick and ensures a better sear.
- Mix the Rub: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Season the Meat: Rub the olive oil all over the chicken breasts. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides, pressing it into the meat with your hands.
- Cook: Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overlap. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through (around the 6-minute mark).
- Check Temperature: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Tip: Remove it at 160°F (71°C) as it will continue cooking while resting.
- Rest: Remove from the basket immediately and let the Air fryer chicken breast no breading rest on a plate for 5 minutes before slicing. This locks the juices inside.
| Chicken Size | Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small (5-6 oz) | 380°F (193°C) | 8 – 10 Minutes |
| Medium (8 oz) | 380°F (193°C) | 12 – 15 Minutes |
| Large (10+ oz) | 360°F (182°C) | 18 – 22 Minutes |
Chef’s Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
- Pound the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are uneven (thick on one end, thin on the other), pound them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryers rely on air circulation. If you crowd the basket, the chicken will steam instead of roast.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep!
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the rub.
- Lemon Herb: Use lemon zest and dried thyme instead of paprika.
- Holiday Style: If you are cooking around the holidays, try serving this with a side of Festive Cranberry sauce or a glaze made from Thanksgiving Jam.
What to Serve With This Dish?
Since this Air fryer chicken is Low carb and Gluten-free, you have plenty of options for sides:
- Pasta Lovers: Curious about non-traditional pasta? Check out What Does Green Pasta Taste Like for a fun side dish idea.
- Healthy Carbs: For a unique, fiber-rich accompaniment, try these Teff Injera Strips.
- Comfort Food: Pair the chicken with these crispy Smashed Green Onion Potato Bombs.
- More Fiber: If you want to keep it strictly healthy, look at our other High Fiber Recipes.
Got a Sweet Tooth?
Since the air fryer is already hot, why not make dessert? You can whip up 1 Minute Air Fryer Donuts while the chicken rests! And if you are cooking for little ones, we also have great guides on Air Fryer Baby Snacks.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: 52g (High protein)
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
FAQ
Is this Air fryer chicken breast no breading recipe Gluten-free?
Yes! Since there is no flour or breadcrumbs used, this recipe is naturally Gluten-free, Keto, and Whole30 compliant.
How do I make sure I get a Juicy air fryer chicken?
A: The secret is not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken out once it hits 160°F-162°F, allowing carryover heat to take it to the safe 165°F.
Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Yes, you can cook frozen Chicken breast in the air fryer, but you will need to cook it at a lower temperature (360°F) for longer (20-25 mins). However, fresh is best for texture.
Can I use this method for chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are naturally juicier but may take slightly longer to cook depending on if they are bone-in or boneless.
Do I need to flip the chicken?
Yes, flipping ensures that the Air fryer chicken cooks evenly on both sides and the seasoning crisps up nicely all around.
Conclusion
We hope you love this Air fryer chicken breast no breading recipe! It proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming.
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Don’t forget to share this Chicken breast recipe on Pinterest and Facebook to save it for later!
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Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast No Breading (Ready in 15 Mins)
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast No Breading is the juiciest, easiest way to cook chicken. It’s low carb, gluten-free, and ready in less than 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 large Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, approx 8oz each)
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 tsp Smoked paprika
1 tsp Garlic powder
½ tsp Onion powder
½ tsp Dried oregano
½ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub olive oil over the chicken, then press the spice mix evenly onto both sides.
4. Place chicken in the air fryer basket (do not overlap).
5. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Check internal temperature (should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For thicker breasts, you may need an extra 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 52
- Cholesterol: 145
